At the moment, life in many parts of Syria is a combination of brutality and desperation.
While it's easy for most of us to ignore — all we have to do is change a channel or click on a different link, brushing off the degradation of a once-flourishing culture into one of medieval strife isn't right — or wise.
Saturday at 8 p.m., you can hear about conditions in the war-torn country, and even learn how to help a little. Ahmad Hussam and Nicolas Armero, founders of Peace House Productions and USF students, are hosting the screening of a documentary on their travels to the Syrian-Turkish border this past January.
"We wanted to bring this experience to Tampa because it is important for Americans to be aware of what the United Nations considers the worst humanitarian crisis of our time," Hussam said in a media release. "It is important to understand the severity of the Syrian struggle and the impact it is having on the lives of millions of children."
Their documentary Drop Books Not Bombs will screen against the backdrop of an exhibit by the same name, which features works of local artists expressing their solidarity with the struggle of the Syrian people.
The event aims to raise funds for Syrian refugee children to have access to education. Peace House has already raised $15,000 for a Syrian refugee school, which it did on its opening night.
"As Americans, we expect education for every single child," Hussam said. "I think many people would be shocked to hear how many Syrian children are being denied education as a result of this war. We hope we can create a conversation about the importance of education and how it shapes all of our lives."
Attendees can also check out a live action play portraying a makeshift hospital in the middle of a Syrian war zone during a chemical attack.
The Syrian civil war has displaced more than 11 million Syrians.
Saturday, May 30, 8-11 p.m.. Peace House Art Gallery, 8052 N. 56th St., Tampa. $15. Exhibit continues through Sat., June 6.
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2015.