The Importance of Community

They say you only truly know your strength when you are tested, but that is also when you find out your capacity for grace and kindness. In recent weeks the Middle East region has certainly been tested, and it has shown how strong it can be, but, perhaps more impactfully, its nations, governments and people have shown how compassionate they can be. Many long-term residents of the region were already aware of the unique approach often adopted by countries like the UAE, but once again our expectations have been exceeded. Even in the darkest of times, there are some lights that shine brighter and it is by uniting together as light bearers that we will find our way through to a new tomorrow.

Community Outreach

Sadly we don’t really know yet what the next few weeks and months hold for us all. So much about this conflict is uncertain and each country is facing its own unique set of challenges. We do expect its repercussions to be felt far and wide, and in a myriad of ways. In the face of the unknown, we need to be able to rely on each other, which is why the communities we have built are so important. In predominately expatriate countries, that community is often even more tangible, as your neighbours, co-workers, teachers and friends become like an extended surrogate family who will be there in good times, and in bad. They are the framework for our daily lives and resources that enable us to cope, learn and thrive. Since the beginning of this conflict, it is to those communities that we have reached out the most, and all of them, from the close-knit to the larger umbrella communities, have responded with boundless generosity.

Help in Action

So many companies, organisations, groups and individuals are stepping up on a daily basis to offer a helping hand. We have seen places giving away free tickets to entertain kids still unable to return to school or others promoting complimentary counselling sessions, discounts on essential items or CEOs sharing their details for personal calls to help people manage their fears. Governments are also leading by example, with the UAE developing initiatives to assist those most affected and to provide extra support for industries that are most likely to suffer. There are also endless offers of support on community groups, suggestions of meet ups and open discussions for people to talk through their feelings and worries. These acts of kindness, from the large to the tiny, all speak to the predominant sentiment that people have to support each other and lift up those in need. Even when faced with strife, that reality brings comfort to us all. It lets us know we are not alone and that there are people who will hold us up when we need it, so we can do the same for someone else when given the opportunity.

Lasting Impact

At the moment we don’t know what the outcome of the current conflict will be, or what its lasting impact might be. We can only focus on what we can do as individuals and as companies. We can work in partnership with other organisations to find supportive solutions for our clients and customers. We can collaborate within our communities to make sure that everyone is okay and has the help they need.

At EER Middle East we are adapting our services as much as possible to assist assignees and clients with anything that they might need. We are working hard to keep everyone updated with official news and connecting daily with assignees to make sure they have everything they need to make informed choices. If you think we can help, please ask. We are here with you and we understand what you might be going through.

If you would like to speak to one of our team, you can contact us on info@eerme.com.