The dismantling of USAID has caused shockwaves among humanitarian and development organisations who face huge layoffs and funding freezes placing life-saving projects in jeopardy.

So many aid workers find themselves scrabbling to keep vital work afloat and many NGOs, including our humanitarian partners, face huge challenges not only to remain ethically responsible in the forced shutdown of projects, but to protect and sustain the work that is alleviating the suffering of so many vulnerable people.

Despite all this and continued indiscriminate bombings and military invasions, Jesuits and their teams of aid workers, continue to accompany civilian communities caught in the middle of violence seeking shelter, medical aid and facing the growing threat of hunger. 

“For the past year, I have been receiving heart medication for free from the Jesuit Refugee Service. If they stop providing it, I won’t be able to afford it. My priority is to buy bread for my children.”

– Abu Ahmad, a beneficiary of the Medical Assistance Program in the Saqhoor area of Aleppo, Syria.

Since September, Israel has unleashed devastating airstrikes on dozens of cities across Lebanon, including Sidon, Nabatieh, Tyre, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Thousands of people have been killed and injured, and tens of thousands more are now displaced, seeking refuge in Beirut and other safer areas.

In Syria, although hopeful for a new and free Syria, after years of war and new pressures of incoming refugees fleeing violence in Palestine and Lebanon – the cities of Damascus and Aleppo are under great strain. Resources are scarce and thousands struggle for even the most basic necessities.

“When I look at the vast destruction in this city and see the despair on the faces of those who have lost their homes, I fear the world believes the tragedy ended when the war did. At a time when the people’s struggle to secure the most basic necessities of life—food, shelter, education, and health—remains glaringly evident.”

– Farajallah Cheikho, Project Director, Jesuit Refugee Service in Aleppo, Syria

For those fortunate enough to have escaped the violence, including Palestinians and other refugee groups, hunger has become another crisis they face as the displaced in both countries struggle to get by.

The conflict has left many IDPs and refugees feeling helpless and trapped. Children, who have already endured unimaginable hardships, are particularly vulnerable. These children need urgent support to ensure they have access to the basics: food, shelter and care.

This food appeal is supporting those is desperate need. 

This Lent, you can support our food appeal that will provide a family of four with meals for one month.

You have the power to make a difference!

Your generosity can provide life-saving meals to families who have lost everything.

Give today. Feed a family in crisis. 

Photo credit: JRS MENA