Aleppo is an ancient city in northern Syria, on the road leading to neighbouring Iraq.

Its citadel has been a historical site and a cradle of Byzantine, Arab, Turkish and other cultures.

Aleppo, like its sister city Damascus, has been thriving; its economy was always versatile and robust. Its markets hosted artisans, small- and medium size-industries, agro industries, technical engineering products and art and music.

At the end of the 11th century, Aleppo came under the control of the Zengi Dynasty. Imadaddin and his son Nuruddin withstood the Byzantine onslaughts, as well as neighbouring Muslim dynasties in northern Syria and Iraq. They eventually became a power to be reckoned with.

In those days, Jerusalem was occupied by the invading European religious zealots who came to occupy the land of milk and honey.

Egypt was ruled by the falling Fatimides. The two rival ministers Shawar and Dhirgham sought the Zengi intervention. Nuruddin sent his army chief Sherkoh and Sherkoh’s 17-year-old nephew Salahuddin.

Salahuddin established his dynasty in Egypt and expanded it to Syria.

In 1187 AD, he fought against the Europeans in Hittin, Palestine, and managed to recapture Jerusalem.

Inhabitants of both Aleppo and Jerusalem live now in the worst conditions humans can endure.

Aleppo has been under severe aerial and tank bombardment for the last two weeks.

Since 2011, Aleppo, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, has been demolished and reduced to dust.

East Jerusalem has been under occupation since 1967 and subject to all Israeli overt and covert acts to Judaise the city and replace its inhabitants with Jewish emigrants.

In recent months, aggressive Israeli policies made possible the invasion and desecration of the sanctity of holy places, making life miserable for its lawful inhabitants, the Palestinians, whose suffering has reached unthinkable limits.

The Easter holiday has been marked by sadness and killings of innocent people.

Arab artisans can barely make a living due to the low business volumes; they are crowded out by Israeli-imposed taxes and fines.

The path of pain, thorns and nails that Jesus the Nazarene had to tread on his way to crucifixion is now much longer. It extends from Aleppo all the way to Jerusalem.

A torch of light rekindles hope in the hearts of the faithful. His Majesty King Abdullah’s decision to rejuvenate the Holly Tomb does create a window of hope in an otherwise world of despair.

Blessed are the do-gooders who make life worth living.