Syria: 10 Years On

On March 15, we will mark 10 years since the war in Syria started. It’s a moment that may not make global news, as the world looks toward other newer conflicts and crises. But for our Syrian friends still living as refugees, the challenges, in many ways, have never been harder. We’re standing by so many of our Syrian friends this month, and here’s two quick stories of families that we’re partnering with right now. Your gifts can go directly to these families on the front-lines of this war’s awful impact.

Last week, our friend Yasmin, who has lived in Turkey as a refugee for the last four years, tried to heat the small shelter where she’s raising her three kids. Winter is fierce in the Middle East, and a recent freeze had left them exposed to the elements. But the small heater she used caught fire in the night, turning their only safe space in this world into flames. She and her kids escaped without harm, but the home is ruined. Yasmin and her family lost all they’d worked for after escaping Syria, and lost the few items they’d brought with them when they fled across the border years before. Without legal work rights as a refugee, Yasmin’s now forced to figure out how to rebuild when resources are tighter than ever.

Our friend Somaya* fled Syria six years ago, before being resettled as a refugee in New Jersey in 2016. While her move to the US brought safety for her two kids, she’s now four years into an immensely difficult journey to become fully self-sufficient. Between learning English, raising kids, and facing a chronic illness, Somaya has defeated countless odds, but finds herself barely making ends meet.

We’re working closely with both families to rebuild what was broken by this war, and walking beside them on their journeys back to independence. You can join us by contributing to help secure Yasmin’s new home in Turkey, or supporting Somaya’s emergency food and rent needs.

*Name changed.