Philanthropic Activities During Conflict: The Case Study of The Expatriate Syrian Business Community
Abstract
This paper analyzes the ways in which the expatriate Syrian business community engages in philanthropic activities to provide help to its fellow countrymen in host countries. Why and how did this group of people, after experiencing the brutal war and losing their assets and families, decide to provide a giving hand to others after relocations? And why did some others not? The mainstream media and reports usually describe the refugees as aid receivers who are disadvantaged or lacking resources. However, the case of the expatriate Syrian businesspeople, who fled from Syria to neighboring countries due to the conflict, show that there are various groups of Syrian philanthropic organizations funded by those businesspeople to give help and aid to other Syrians in host countries. Their philanthropic aid is not limited to material goods, but also includes religious courses, education, and employee training. The paper argues that although refugees are usually considered to live in a poor or weaker condition, economically strong expatriates (mostly businesspeople) among them can have a positive effect on the overall difficult humanitarian situation.
Keywords
Syrian Refugees, Refugee Businesspeople, Philanthropic Activities, Transnationalism, Diaspora
Supporting Institution
Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Project Number
Most 108-2636-H-004-002
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