My name is Mohammed Al Rifai, a Syrian journalist and photojournalist based in Damascus, documenting the realities of life in a country exhausted by years of war, displacement, and loss. My work focuses on human stories— those small yet deeply meaningful moments that reveal people’s suffering and resilience, and their ability to hold on to hope despite the harshest circumstances. I began my journalistic career in 2012, during a period when Syria was witnessing historic and tragic transformations. From the early days of the protests to the long years of war that followed, I found myself drawn to the stories that were rarely told — the experiences of ordinary people who found themselves caught in extraordinary situations. Over the years, I have developed a deep conviction that journalism is not merely about reporting events; it is a means of giving voice to those who have been silenced, of telling the truth when falsehood prevails, and of building a bridge between suffering and human understanding. Throughout my career, I have worked as a freelance photojournalist and reporter with several international media outlets, including the European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) Deutsche Welle Agence France-Presse (AFP) Middle East Eye and others. The topics I have covered vary widely — from frontline field reports and humanitarian stories to cultural coverage and stories of resilience. Every story I tell is driven by my commitment to objectivity, empathy, and the power of visual storytelling. For me, photojournalism is not just a profession — it is a mission . Every image I capture carries within it memory, pain, and truth. I believe that photography has the power to touch hearts in ways that words alone sometimes cannot. When I document a father searching for his missing son, or a child learning inside a displacement tent, I do not see a mere scene or photograph — I see a testimony that must be shared with the world. I always strive for every image I take to serve as honest evidence of what has happened, and as a reminder that behind every number, there is a human being with a story. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in the media field, including television reporting, photo and video production, editing, and storytelling. I have worked across various regions of Syria, documenting war, humanitarian crises, and post-conflict recovery efforts. I have produced hundreds of photo and video reports, many of which have been published on international media platforms. I have also been honored with two journalism awards in recognition of my work — the first from the European Union in 2021 for a feature report on the lives of displaced families in northern Syria, and the second, the Lucie Award in the United States in 2024, for my photographic coverage of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. These awards were not just personal achievements, but affirmations of the vital role that visual journalism plays in promoting global understanding and human empathy.