Twelve Years Without Answers: Syrian Family’s Search Reflects Nation’s Vast Missing-Persons Tragedy
Damascus- More than 12 years after Majdoleen Al-Qadi disappeared in Damascus, her family continues to search for answers, embodying the uncertainty faced by hundreds of thousands of Syrians whose relatives remain missing after years of conflict, detention and political upheaval.
Al-Qadi, who worked as a secretary for physician Rania Al-Abbasi, was last seen on March 11, 2013, when she left her home in the Dummar district of Damascus after receiving what relatives described as an urgent telephone call. According to family members, she never returned.
Her case remains unresolved despite years of inquiries, unverified reports and searches through available records. Family members say they have received no official confirmation regarding her whereabouts or fate.
Speaking to Syria’s state news agency SANA, relatives described Al-Qadi as a strong-willed and responsible daughter who often assumed a protective role within her family. Her father, Mohammad Fares Al-Qadi, recalled personal memories of his daughter, including performing Umrah together, which he said had helped sustain him through years of uncertainty.
Her sister, Fatima Al-Qadi, said the family learned after her disappearance that Majdoleen had quietly participated in humanitarian efforts, helping distribute aid to displaced families in the Dummar area.
According to relatives, Al-Qadi was detained upon arriving at the home of Al-Abbasi, along with members of the doctor’s family, in an operation allegedly carried out by military intelligence under the government that ruled Syria at the time. The family said they were never formally informed of her detention or subsequent location.
Family members said years of searching exposed them to conflicting reports, false leads and individuals who claimed to possess information in exchange for money. Mahmoud Sheikh Al-Shabab, Al-Qadi’s uncle, said the family repeatedly received contradictory accounts suggesting she had been transferred between detention facilities, but none could be independently verified.
The prolonged uncertainty took a significant emotional toll. Relatives said Al-Qadi’s mother experienced deteriorating health during the years-long search and died in 2018 after being diagnosed with cancer.
In an effort to find evidence, Fatima Al-Qadi recently reviewed archival videos and records related to detainees and missing persons, including materials held by Syria’s National Commission for Missing Persons. She said she was unable to identify her sister in any of the available footage, although she recognized children belonging to Al-Abbasi’s family.
With no confirmed information emerging, the family held condolence gatherings on June 4 and 5. Relatives emphasized that the event was symbolic and intended to honor Majdoleen’s memory rather than represent official confirmation of her death.
Her case reflects a broader national challenge confronting Syria. According to estimates previously released by the National Commission for Missing Persons, between 120,000 and 300,000 missing-person cases remain unresolved across the country, making it one of the largest humanitarian and accountability issues stemming from more than a decade of conflict.
For families such as the Al-Qadis, the absence of definitive answers continues to leave a void that neither time nor speculation has been able to fill.
