The Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) in Daraa has sent a message of solidarity to the London Fire Brigade, paying respect to all the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and commending the emergency workers for their response.
At least 58 people are missing after a fire ripped through the 24-story residential tower block early on Wednesday morning, while there are fears the death toll could rise to 100 people.
The letter read: "We were saddened to hear about the loss of souls in the Grenfell Tower fire, including Mohammad al-Haj Ali, a Syrian from our home of Daraa who had fled to London seeking safety from death and destruction.”
It added: "We appreciate your efforts to search for bodies for days in a row and we feel your pain because this horror is our daily reality. In Daraa, we are under the heaviest attacks we have ever seen in this deadly war. Hundreds of airstrikes have destroyed entire neighborhoods and fires are everywhere. Just like you, our teams are rushing towards the blazes and we do all we can to rescue the injured.”
The statement acknowledged the Fire Brigade's generosity in donating equipment to Civil Defense teams in Syria, adding: “We have received trainings from British experts in search-and-rescue and firefighting. Who knows, we might have been trained by the same people.”
It concluded: "We feel we have so much in common. We all risk our own lives to save as many lives as possible as fast as possible. Our hearts are with you and we wish we could help you in your search for victims.”
