Yaman Al-Khatib was a Syrian journalist and filmmaker who dedicated his life to shedding light on the atrocities and humanitarian crises affecting his homeland. He was born in the Syrian city of Aleppo in 1989, and from a young age, he was passionate about journalism and storytelling. Yaman started his career as a journalist working for local news websites and TV channels in Syria, including Al Jazeera and Al Now, before joining the Aleppo Media Center, an independent media outlet documenting the conflict in Syria.
Yaman’s work was instrumental in exposing the brutality of the Syrian civil war, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions. He documented the war’s impact on civilians, particularly children, and the humanitarian crises that ensued. His work also extended to other conflict zones, including Ukraine, where he reported on the similarities between the struggles of Syrians and Ukrainians for freedom and democracy.
One of Yaman’s most notable works was the television film “Trapped in Idlib,” which won first prize in the International Television Films category at the PRIX Bayeux Calvados-Normandie Festival in France. The film documented the military campaign by the Syrian regime and Russia on the province of Idlib, as well as the massive wave of displacement of thousands of people towards the unknown. It showcased stories of individuals who have lost their entire families due to the bombing, bringing the voice of the Syrian people to the world.
Yaman’s other works included “Lost Childhood,” a documentary film about Syrian children’s experiences during the conflict, and “Gasping for Life,” which documented the aftermath of a deadly gas attack on a Syrian village. He also worked on “Portraits of War,” a project that aimed to humanize the victims of the conflict by photographing them and sharing their stories.
Despite the danger and risks associated with covering the conflict in Syria, Yaman remained committed to his work, which he viewed as a way of giving a voice to the voiceless. His courage and dedication earned him recognition and awards, including the Syrian Journalist Association Award in 2017 and the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists in 2020.
Tragically, Yaman’s life was cut short in early 2023 when he and his family, including his parents and siblings, were killed in an earthquake that struck the Turkish state of Hatay, where they were living as refugees. The loss of Yaman and his family was a devastating blow to the Syrian media community, which mourned his passing and celebrated his legacy.
Yaman’s work and legacy continue to inspire and motivate journalists and filmmakers around the world, reminding them of the importance of telling the stories of those who have been silenced and forgotten. His bravery and dedication to his craft will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live on through his work and the lives he touched
