Media About Us: A Salesian from Damascus on the Uncertain Situation in Syria

Solidarity through the Tehlička project: A response to uncertainty in Syria

Salesian Don Edwar Gobran, SDB, who serves in Damascus, gave the Postoj daily an interview about the current situation in Syria. He talks about rising tensions, the fears of local residents, and the daily uncertainty caused by armed attacks in the Middle East region.

Don Edwar also emphasises the ongoing service of the Salesians to children, young people and families who, in times of crisis, need a safe place, acceptance, and both spiritual and material support.

The interview points to the reality our partners and co-workers live and work in, and at the same time reminds us how important it is to continue showing solidarity with Syria — including through the Tehlička public collection, which supports the Salesian centre directly in Damascus.

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Who is Fr. Edwar Gobran SDB?

Edwar Gobran is a priest, a Salesian of Don Bosco, originally from Egypt. He was born in Switzerland in 1988, but his roots reach into Syria, where his mother is from. He spent his childhood there, which gave him a deep connection to the environment and culture of the Middle East. Edwar speaks Arabic, Italian and English fluently. He serves as the director of the Salesian community in Damascus and holds key leadership positions within the Salesian province of the Middle East.

As delegate for youth ministry and delegate for the missions, Fr. Edwar coordinates pastoral and youth programmes across the entire Middle East province, which includes Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and the Holy Land. His work focuses on applying Don Bosco’s preventive system, supporting vocations, and providing spiritual accompaniment within the Salesian communities throughout the region.

Thanks to his technical training as well as his theological formation, which he completed in Italy and in the Holy Land, Fr. Edwar brings to his ministry with young people a unique combination of practical experience and deep Salesian spirituality. Through his mission he supports the evangelising work of the Salesian family in the Middle East.

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