Syrian artist hopes to bring healing to the city of Homs

World Today

Little remains of the Syrian city of Homs after five years of civil war. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes. Some have stayed a few have come back. In the ruins of Homs, an artist is trying his best to bring hope and optimism to this city.

CCTV’s Xu Dezhi reports Homs, Syria.

Unlike others who fled, Jafar Meray stayed with his camera. He started taking pictures. The city under siege became his inspiration.

“I wanted to create some hope and show the world that we are going to be happy despite the collapsed houses. Every destruction will be followed by hope and happiness,” said Jafar.

As a tribute to those who died in Homs and to bring hope to those who remain, Jafar started another project with his friends: painting flowers on walls marked with countless bullet holes.

Flowers bloom on the wall, grey turns to color. Jafar says soldiers from nearby checkpoints help him paint.

Jafar says he’s seen the brightest and darkest days of Homs. He wants to see a rebirth. He said he will do his best to heal the wounded city and bring hope to the desperate Syrians with his camera.