Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hundreds joined the Run for Syria in Nachtegalenpark, Antwerp, organised by Tawfeek Zen Alabden with the Abjad Initiative, raising €3,800 of the €5,000 goal to rebuild Syrian schools.
As VRT News reported, hundreds of people took part today, Nov 1, 2025, in the Run for Syria at Nachtegalenpark in Antwerp. The charity event aimed to raise money for the reconstruction of Syria after years of conflict. It was organised by members of the Syrian community, including Tawfeek Zen Alabden, who said the event was about unity rather than competition.
“Today we’re running in Nachtegalenpark to raise money for the reconstruction of Syria,”
Tawfeek Zen Alabden said.
“It’s not a race. The goal is for everyone to run together in solidarity with the people who are still suffering.”
“There’s also Syrian food and Syrian music. Everything sold here goes towards rebuilding education. Just like the money people paid for their tickets to march today.”
What can Antwerp’s Run for Syria do to rebuild schools?
Zen Alabden said many areas remain in ruins and called for continued support.
“The bombing has destroyed so much. The country needs help and, above all, money to rebuild,”
he explained. He noted that while some large cities have made small steps toward recovery, conditions in rural villages are still very poor. Many people there lack basic needs such as housing, clean water, and schools.
“There’s a friendly atmosphere. It doesn’t matter your nationality or religion, everyone is welcome here,”
Zen Alabden said.
The Run for Syria event in Antwerp is working together with the Abjad Initiative, an educational project that helps children and young people who have lived through war. The partnership aims to rebuild education in Syria and give students a better future.
The Abjad Initiative is responsible for handling all donations from the charity run. Organisers said the main goal is to renovate an entire school in a war-damaged area. The first step in the plan is to furnish 4 classrooms with desks, chairs, and learning materials. The total amount needed for this phase is €5,000.
The campaign is already close to its target. So far, €3,800 has been collected. Organisers said they are pleased with the strong response from participants and donors. The run in Nachtegalenpark drew a large crowd of families, students, and volunteers who came to show their support.
“I was once a teacher at Tawfeek’s adult education program,”
says Sven Peters.
“I think it’s wonderful to see how he’s found his way in the city and is committed to such a worthy cause. I couldn’t help but participate.”
“I’m here with some friends and we really want to support the organisation and help them raise money for the reconstruction of Syria,”
says another participant.
The Run for Syria project started in 2022 as a community effort by Syrian volunteers living in Europe to support the rebuilding of their country. In 2023, the group partnered with the Abjad Initiative, an education program founded in 2021 to help restore schools for children affected by war. Together, they began organising charity runs in several European cities to raise funds for classroom repairs and school supplies. Events were first held in Amsterdam in 2023 and later in Berlin in 2024.
