“A life that was phenomenally difficult, every day a battle for survival just to get food, water, medication and education.”

These are Tony O’Riordan’s words used to describe what life was like for people under the rule of Assad in Syria which lasted over decades. Now, with the fall of a brutal regime, a cautious optimism emerges for the people of Syria as families who faced immense pain and suffering – seek light in the darkness.

14 years of civil war had ravaged Syria and the terrible earthquakes of last year forced even more displacement as thousands lost loved ones, their homes and neighbourhoods in a natural disaster with devastating impact.

The people of Syria have experienced the unimaginable but are hopeful for a peaceful and inclusive future of rebuilding and unity.

Despite this celebration of a free Syria, thousands face huge challenges.

“Millions of people are going meal to meal, day to day”  Tony O’Riordan SJ.

The people of Syria face a humanitarian crisis and as you read, many lives are in danger as temperatures plummet as a result of massive fuel inflations, poor living conditions and homelessness.

YOU can make a difference to the lives of many families struggling to get by day to day.

Although Syria enters a new dawn, thousands still need our help and support, and we will continue to provide humanitarian care to those desperately in need.

Our work will continue:

• Family food baskets to support family meals for 1 month
• Hygiene and basic aid
• Medical consultations in gynaecology, paediatric and general practice at JRS medical centres.
• Psychological First Aid and support
• Safe spaces for children’s development & education

These interventions will continue to truly save lives and lend a hand in rebuilding a new and hopeful Syria.

You can listen to Tony’s Christmas message and his plea for Syria to not be forgotten.