No longer on the front page, often not even mentioned on the television news, we move on to other stories, other crises … but the Syrian civil war continues.
Ten percent of the Syrian population have been killed or wounded since 2011 when the current civil war started. Over half of the population have had to leave their homes – about 4 million are refugees; another 6 to 8 million are internally displaced within Syria. Half of all these people – the dead, the wounded, the refugees, the internally displaced – are children.
They lack food and water and clothing. They lack access to healthcare and education. They are forced to work, long hours for little pay. They are losing their childhood.
Our country has taken in only a few thousand refugees. I am proud that Shomrei signed on to the HAIS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) petition to urge our government to open its doors and we, as individuals, can also send letters to our elected officials. But that can’t be the whole solution – to empty Syria of its people and relocate them elsewhere.
Conditions have to change in Syria. As bad as ISIS is, most of the destruction has come from the Assad government and now from Russia, who are trying to obliterate the moderates speaking out against the government rather than areas controlled by ISIS. We need to write letters to let our officials know that we have not forgotten Syria and want our government to do more to support the rebels and do what needs to be done (like imposing a no fly zone) to force Assad to the bargaining table.
We can also support organizations that are trying to improve the lives of Syrians in Syria. Shehab Chowdury, our third speaker on June 2, spoke about what Unicef is doing to help the children in Syria – providing safe spaces, inoculating against polio (which had been eradicated and now is being brought back into Syria from Afghanistan and Pakistan), providing water, providing books and study materials so that children can be home-schooled.
The estimated cost to restore conditions in Syria – $7 billion dollars. Our dollars are needed. I checked out Unicef – Charity Navigator gives it 3 stars (85 out of 100 points), equal to the Red Cross. Save the Children (which is also helping children in Syria) receives 4 stars (90 out of 100).
When I was approached about doing an educational program about Syria at Shomrei, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to find out more about what is happening in Syria. But more than that, I wanted suggestions for what I can do. Write letters. Send money. It may not seem like a lot but, if enough of us do this, it will make a difference.
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