? Al-Mouthana Alabdullah started his career when he was only 18, first working with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. A tragic event led him to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): ? What is your role at OCHA? ? I am the Head of the OCHA suboffice in Deir ez-zor, Syria. I joined OCHA last year, and I remember my first day vividly.? ? It was 6 February 2023, the day that a deadly earthquake hit the region. The office had just been established and for that first year, I managed it myself.? ? I left Deir ez-zor when the crisis started in 2011. The conflict had become so severe that it was the only way for me to pursue my studies and find better work opportunities, and that’s when I moved to Al-Hasakah, where I also began my humanitarian career.? ? Sadly, to this day, Deir ez-zor is still of the most affected parts of the country.? ? The crisis in Syria must have taken a toll on you… ? I lost my brother in 2022 and as the only other son, I became responsible for my parents and my family who, unlike me, have never left Deir ez-zor.? ? With this position at OCHA, I can finally be close to them again. Losing my brother was the hardest thing I have ever experienced, and nothing can compare to that kind of suffering, not even moving back to Deir ez-zor and living in a conflict zone.? ? Initially, it was, at times, overwhelming. I had big responsibilities to handle while being constantly exposed to bombings and drone or rocket attacks.? ? Like many of my Syrian colleagues, I know exactly what it is like to lose your home, your livelihood, your loved ones. And this is why helping others became my calling. ? Now, I have a family of my own. My wife and my four-year-old child remained in Al-Hasakah. This is for me the most challenging aspect of my work, as I have to divide myself between Deir ez-zor and Al-Hasakah.? ? I am so grateful for the support I receive from my management. They are aware of my situation and facilitate my travels to the extent possible.? ? And I am equally grateful to my wife for being so understanding of my family duties and allowing me to live near them.? ? Your positivity and resilience are remarkable. What is your advice for colleagues living in a crisis setting like you? ? Never forget that your family is also your support system and a source of energy that motivates you to stay positive and be resilient.? ? Also, maintaining an open and honest flow of communication with your colleagues makes a huge difference.? ? Remember, even those in positions of authority are human and face the same stress and pressure as you do.?