The humanitarian initiative, part of Operation Gallant Knight 2, was conducted in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent as part of the UAE’s relief efforts to help families affected by the devastating earthquake that hit Syria and neighboring Turkiye on Feb. 6, the Emirates News Agency reported.

Mohammed Al-Kaabi, head of the Emirati organization’s team in Syria said: “The event was implemented under the framework of the UAE’s continued initiatives to provide moral and psychological support for those affected by the earthquake.”

Ghiath Sofi, president of the Al-Bashaer Charity Association, which is based in Latakia, thanked the UAE for its humanitarian initiatives in support of the Syrian people. He added that his association “carries out a wide range of humanitarian activities, including support of orphans.”

Khaled Shoman of the Farah Association for Supporting Children with Cancer, also based in Latakia, said any initiative that brings happiness to young cancer patients through celebrations such as those on Friday also brings joy to their parents and motivates them to continue the process of providing moral and psychological support during the treatment of their children.

Authorities in the UAE said that they are continuing their significant efforts to support Syrians affected by the earthquake and help them to recover and rebuild, by providing food and medical supplies in addition to social and psychological support.

The earthquake killed more than 6,000 people in Syria, mostly in the opposition-held northwest close to the border with Turkiye.