How To Help Syrian Refugees

Syrian refugees have faced dire circumstances over the past decade due to the Syrian Civil War. This has caused over 6 million Syrians to seek refuge in surrounding countries to escape the violence, resulting in a Syrian refugee crisis that has become one of the largest humanitarian disasters of the 21st century. Further, there are 6 million Syrian refugees internally displaced within their own country.

However, even though Syrian refugees have escaped the fighting in their home country, they’ve found themselves in difficult situations in the countries they’ve traveled to. This is primarily due to the fact that many live in Syrian refugee camps that are overcrowded, lack resources and basic necessities, and are underfunded by the governments of the countries they are in. 

Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are especially vulnerable right now after the earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6, 2023. There are around 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, and displaced Syrians in their home country were also affected by the quake. This has resulted in over 33,000 deaths in the two countries combined, and may result in additional refugees from both countries. So, how can you help Syrian refugees during this time when they need it most?

Different Ways To Help Syrian Refugees

Syrian refugees have been in need of assistance since the beginning of the civil war in Syria when many fled their country. However, the recent earthquakes have only worsened the situation, and they need help now more than ever. Here are some ways you can help Syrian refugees:

• Educate Yourself and Others - One of the first ways to help Syrian refugees is by educating yourself about the refugee crisis and sharing your knowledge with others. This can help raise awareness and increase support for refugees. You can also use your social media platforms to share information and inspire others to take action.

• Advocate for Policy Change - Another way to help is by contacting your elected representatives and urging them to support policies or emergency guidelines that will help refugees get help quickly. This includes increasing the number of refugees admitted into your country, providing more funding for refugee assistance programs, and improving access to education and job opportunities for refugees.

• Support Syrian-Owned Businesses - You can also help Syrian refugees by supporting Syrian-owned businesses. This can help refugees integrate into their new communities and rebuild their lives. Look for Syrian restaurants, shops, and other businesses in your area and patronize them whenever possible.

• Volunteer Your Time - Many organizations working with refugees need volunteers to help with tasks such as language tutoring, mentoring, and distributing aid. By volunteering your time, you can make a direct impact on the lives of refugees.

• Donate To Organizations Providing Crucial Assistance - Perhaps the main—and most impactful way—to help Syrian refugees is by donating to organizations that are actively supporting them. Many of these organizations help provide essential aid to refugees, such as food, shelter, and medical care. These organizations also have the resources and expertise to effectively distribute aid where it is needed most.

The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) continues to provide humanitarian aid and medical relief to children and their families—some of whom are Syrian refugees fleeing their home country—through our pediatric cancer departments, humanitarian aid programs and projects, pediatric mental health initiatives, hospital infrastructure projects, orphan and refugee sponsorships, medical sponsorships, treatment abroad program, and medical missions. These efforts help to ensure that children in need get the vital assistance they require.

PCRF has also set up an Urgent Earthquake Fund, In response to the catastrophic earthquake that has devastated parts of the Syria and Turkey. PCRF is sending volunteer medical teams and urgent humanitarian supplies to help the people directly impacted.

PCRF has a committee of volunteer doctors and specialists on our Medical Advisory Board who are dedicated to building up services through training, programs, and guiding PCRF to improve the quality of pediatric care in Palestine, Lebanon, and other areas in the Middle East.

PCRF is not a political or religious organization. Our mission is to provide medical and humanitarian relief collectively and individually to Arab children throughout the Middle East, regardless of their nationality, politics, or religion. We rely on charitable giving to provide medical treatment, surgeries, safety, shelter, and support to children and their families in Palestine and the Levant. Find out how you can get involved and help make a difference in children’s lives today!