The Pianist from Syria

1. Music as a refuge: Aeham Ahmad's journey from pianist to symbol of hope

"I'm a pianist, not a political activist. My revolution is music. My language is music. Music was going to be my form of protest, even if no one heard me."

From prodigy to protest. Aeham Ahmad's musical journey began as a child prodigy in Yarmouk, Syria, where his blind father nurtured his talent. Despite initial reluctance, Aeham's relationship with music evolved from obligation to passion, ultimately becoming his means of expression and resistance during the Syrian Civil War.

Symbol of hope. As conflict engulfed Yarmouk, Aeham's decision to play piano in the streets transformed him into a symbol of resilience. His performances, often accompanied by children singing, offered moments of joy amidst the devastation. Videos of these street concerts went viral, bringing international attention to the plight of Syrians and Palestinians in Yarmouk.

2. Survival under siege: Life in Yarmouk during the Syrian Civil War

"Assad had given us a choice: 'Al-Ju' au al-Ruku',' 'starve or kneel.' It was the same choice given to parts of Aleppo and Homs, or to entire cities, such as Moadamiyeh. In Yarmouk, too, the soldiers had sprayed their awful graffiti on the other side of the checkpoint: 'Surrender or starve.'"

Desperate measures. The siege of Yarmouk brought unimaginable hardship. Residents resorted to eating grass, cats, and even contemplated consuming human flesh. The UN aid packages became a lifeline, but accessing them was fraught with danger.

Daily struggles. Aeham and his family faced:

• Lack of food, water, and electricity
• Constant threat of bombings and sniper fire
• Makeshift medical care in field hospitals
• The disappearance of loved ones, including Aeham's brother Alaa

3. The power of art in times of crisis: Playing piano amidst the rubble

"I composed songs of satire and mockery, sad songs and cheerful ones. I was careful to avoid empty bombast, steering clear of heroic rhythms and victory marches, of blood spilled on the field of honor. Sometimes I blended simple, heartbreaking lyrics with cheerful music, like in a children's song."

Music as defiance. Aeham's decision to wheel his piano through the streets of Yarmouk was both an act of protest and a source of comfort for the besieged population. His compositions reflected the reality of life under siege, offering a voice to the voiceless.

International attention. The viral videos of Aeham playing amid the rubble brought global attention to the situation in Yarmouk. This led to:

• Interviews with international media
• Increased awareness of the Syrian conflict
• A symbol of hope for those suffering in war zones

4. Family bonds and sacrifices in the face of conflict

"Tahani would have none of it. 'I was with you when we were doing well,' she said. 'Now I will stay with you when we are doing poorly. We will live together and we will die together.'"

Unwavering support. Aeham's family, particularly his wife Tahani, remained a constant source of strength throughout the ordeal. Their decision to stay in Yarmouk despite the dangers exemplifies the deep bonds forged in times of crisis.

Difficult choices. The war forced Aeham to make heart-wrenching decisions:

• Sending Tahani and their children back to Yarmouk for safety during his escape
• Leaving his parents behind when fleeing Syria
• Balancing the desire for freedom with the need to protect his loved ones

5. The complexities of identity: Being a Palestinian refugee in Syria

"As Palestinian refugees, we were supposed to be neutral, and grateful to the government for allowing us to settle here, back in 1948. So why would our own government, this 'fortress against the Zionist occupation,' want to starve us?"

Dual displacement. Aeham's family, like many Palestinians in Syria, faced a complex identity crisis. As refugees from the 1948 Palestinian exodus, they found themselves caught between gratitude towards Syria and the harsh realities of the civil war.

Political neutrality vs. survival. The Palestinian community in Yarmouk struggled to maintain neutrality as the conflict escalated. This led to:

• Tensions between different Palestinian factions
• Difficulty in accessing aid and support
• The eventual siege and destruction of Yarmouk

6. Escape from war: A perilous journey to freedom

"I'm in a station wagon with tinted windows. The back seat is folded down. If the soldiers open the hatchback, and they usually do, there'll be nothing to hide me."

Constant danger. Aeham's escape from Syria was fraught with peril at every turn. He faced:

• Multiple checkpoints manned by different factions
• The risk of arrest, torture, or conscription
• Reliance on smugglers and strangers for help

Psychological toll. The journey took an immense emotional toll on Aeham, forcing him to:

• Leave his family behind
• Witness the suffering of fellow refugees
• Confront the loss of his identity as a musician

7. The human cost of war: Loss, grief, and resilience

"I couldn't believe it: Raed had endured torture to save me. Truly, this man was my guardian angel. My best friend."

Personal tragedies. The war inflicted deep wounds on Aeham and those around him:

• The disappearance of his brother Alaa
• The death of Zeinab, a young girl killed during one of his performances
• The torture of his friend Raed

Finding strength. Despite the immense suffering, Aeham and others found ways to persevere:

• Through music and art
• By supporting one another in times of need
• By holding onto hope for a better future

Last updated: December 5, 2024