In a world often overshadowed by conflict and despair, the humanitarian efforts of individuals and nations shine a light of hope and compassion. In Qatar, volunteers are stepping up to make a difference, driven by personal experiences and a deep commitment to helping those in need. Among them is Adel Lamy Aldehim, a former Qatari national football player turned humanitarian ambassador, who has dedicated the last seven years to the cause.
Aldehim has made 45 trips to refugee camps and war-torn communities across the globe. His journey into humanitarian work began after a series of injuries forced him to retire from football. “It was a hard time, but still I wanted to do something to express my gratitude to God,” he told Doha News.
His experiences have profoundly changed him. One of the most striking moments came during a visit to a Syrian refugee camp on the Lebanese border, where he met Khadra, a 90-year-old woman suffering from cancer. Aldehim vividly recalls finding her lying on the ground in sweltering 40-degree heat, asking for just one pill to relieve her pain. “I found Khadra lying on the ground, unable to move,” he said. “She asked for just one pill to ease her stomach pain—she had cancer.” This encounter opened his eyes to the harsh realities faced by many in the world.
“When I return to my home country Qatar, I struggle immensely to readjust to normal life for several days,” Aldehim admitted, referring to his feelings of “Post-Giving Depression.” He has shifted his focus away from fame and wealth, finding true fulfillment in helping the less fortunate. “I would even consider it a privilege to pay for the opportunity to help, as the sense of fulfillment and contentment I feel afterward is priceless,” he said.
Aldehim’s story is not unique. Many volunteers in Qatar share a similar drive to help others, often stemming from their own privileges or personal struggles. Qassim Fazal Manan, a 29-year-old volunteer with Qatar Red Crescent, believes that even the smallest act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life. “It’s a calling, not a job,” he stated. His six years of selfless giving have taught him the importance of listening to those in need, offering comfort, and restoring dignity to those who have lost it.
“We remind those in refugee camps and war-torn communities that they deserve better,” Manan explained. He emphasizes that it’s not just about providing basic necessities like food and shelter, but also about recognizing the humanity of those they assist.
Maha Ataa Alshamari, another volunteer with Qatar’s Red Crescent, echoes this sentiment. The 27-year-old has witnessed unimaginable suffering, from children in the Gaza Strip dreaming of becoming football players despite having their limbs amputated, to the widespread devastation caused by conflicts in Syria and Lebanon. “That boy [in Gaza] asked me, ‘Can my leg grow back?'” Alshamari recalled, highlighting the stark contrast between their dreams and harsh realities.
Despite the emotional and physical challenges of volunteering, the rewards are immense. Alshamari noted that the trauma and despair witnessed can take a toll on mental health, but the emotional rewards serve as a powerful reminder of the blessings often taken for granted. “I am more grateful now for what I have, like the morning coffee that thousands of people are deprived of,” she said.
Volunteering also offers opportunities for personal growth, teaching resilience and empathy while bearing witness to the strength of the human spirit. “Life is full of hardships,” Manan said. “But we must always remember that hope is the force that drives us. Hope is often what gives us life itself.”
In addition to individual efforts, Qatar is also making strides on a national level in humanitarian efforts. Recently, the State of Qatar announced the successful mediation in reuniting two new groups of children in Ukraine and Russia with their families. This initiative is part of Qatar's ongoing commitment to reuniting families separated by the conflict between the two nations.
Qatar’s mediation efforts reflect its longstanding approach to conflict resolution through peaceful means, adhering to international law principles. The nation expressed gratitude to Her Excellency Maria Lvova-Belova, the Children’s Rights Commissioner for the President of the Russian Federation, and His Excellency Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, for their tireless efforts in facilitating these reunifications.
As Qatar continues its humanitarian work, both on the ground through dedicated volunteers and through diplomatic channels, the stories of individuals like Aldehim, Manan, and Alshamari serve as powerful reminders of the impact of compassion and the importance of hope in a world often filled with challenges.
Their collective efforts not only help to alleviate immediate suffering but also inspire others to engage in acts of kindness and support, fostering a spirit of solidarity that transcends borders.
