Within the midst of the death and destruction that has come to overshadow the besieged east Aleppo, human strength and hope has always shone through. The clown of Aleppo, 24-year-old Anas al-Basha, was the embodiment of this spirit, joking around and bringing smiles to the faces of the area’s traumatized children.
Over the last few days, government and Russia airstrikes have rained down on east Aleppo as part of the regime’s attempt to drive out rebel forces. On Tuesday, Anas became one of the hundreds that have been killed since November 15th, in the ongoing battle between government and rebel forces.
His friends and family took to Twitter to express their love for Anas and the work he did for children in Aleppo.
Another friend who was making the children's of East #Aleppo smile, Just died today by #Assad bombs in #Almashhad neighborhood
— Ahmad Alkhatib (@AhmadAlkhtiib) November 29, 2016
RIP Anas pic.twitter.com/eKsq1gnSo8
My brother Anas Al Basha who was the reason why besieged children smiled... killed today in Aleppo due to the Russian-Assad shelling. pic.twitter.com/QPLGIoaWX7
— Mahmoud Al Basha (@mahmoud_basha8) November 30, 2016
Anas was a center director at Space for Hope, a local initiative operating against the odds to provide civil society services to Syria's war-torn opposition areas. Space for Hope works with12 schools and four psycho-social support centers in eastern Aleppo, providing counseling and financial assistance for 365 children who have lost one or both parents.
In a region where children are surrounded by death, with no space to play and escape from the constant reminders of war, this kind of help is much needed, and the simple happiness inspired by a clown is invaluable.
As the battle for Aleppo continues, Space for Hope has suspended its operations in Aleppo.
Anas is survived by his wife, who remains trapped in Aleppo. They married just two months ago.
