Syrian refugees ecstatic after King’s Haj visa directive

Saudi Gazette report

BEIRUT — Following the directives of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to allow Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey to come for Haj, Syrian refugees expressed happiness by demonstrating peacefully in front of the Saudi embassies in Amman and Beirut.

Muhammad J., from the Syrian town of Dara, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that he thanked King Abdullah for his gesture, which he said has made Syrian refugees very happy.

Muhammad lost four of his family members in the violence in Syria and fled with three others to Lebanon.

They have been living in a small room for over a year.

His only wish was to perform Haj and pray to Allah in front of the Ka’aba that the oppression in Syria stops.

Samer J. said all Syrian refugees were extremely glad over the news of that Haj visas would be made available to them.

He added: “King Abdullah has always supported and stood by the Syrian people. May Allah reward him for this.”

Samer said Syrian refugees have become tired and exhausted by what has been going on in their country.

Alya said she lost three of her children and she wants to go to Makkah and pray for them and for the Syrian people.

When she heard that she could apply for a Haj visa, she could not believe it and felt ecstatic.

She added: “My three sons, who died as martyrs, used to promise me that they would take me to Makkah so that I could perform Haj. I’m happy their wish is coming true.”

Ali Asiri, Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, said the embassy is working non-stop to provide Syrian refugees with all necessary services and expedite the processing of their visas so they can perform Haj.

Processing a single visa takes a few minutes, he added.