Alarmed by the continuing violence in Syria, and consistent reports that unrest is likely to escalate and spread to neighbouring countries in the coming months, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has begun preparing for a humanitarian crisis in the region.
About 20,000 Syrians have already fled to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, and the flow of people is increasing, says Rick Janzen, director of MCC’s programs in the Middle East.
MCC has launched a $500,000 Middle East crisis appeal to assist partner organizations as they provide humanitarian aid and build peace. At this point, MCC’s response includes:
- Emergency assistance: food, medicine and non-food items for Syrians affected by violence and in need of basic supplies.
- Relief kits. People in Canada and the U.S. are encouraged to assemble kits and drop them off at their nearest MCC office or warehouse.
- Building peace through grassroots, community efforts that encourage conflict prevention.
Janzen, who visited Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Palestine in early February, says he was startled by the heightened fears of sectarian violence and political unrest across the Middle East. “Everywhere we went, we heard outlooks for the future that were devastating and ominous,” says Janzen. “Our partners are calling on us to support their efforts at conflict prevention and peacebuilding. . . . One of our partners from Lebanon looked us squarely in the eye and asked, ‘Are you peace ambassadors or not? If you are, this is the time to act.’”
A significant part of MCC’s response will assist partner organizations in Lebanon to expand efforts that strengthen conflict-prevention strategies and disaster preparedness. This includes training women peacebuilders, media training, encouraging dialogue among young leaders, trauma training and more.
To hear a podcast of MCC staff reflecting on what they are hearing from their partners, visit mcc.org/middleeastcrisis.
In a more peaceful time, orphans Alla and Marah look out over the city of Homs, Syria. Their orphanage, a ministry of the Syrian Orthodox Church that is supported by MCC’s Global Family program, has now moved to a safer location.
Add new comment
Canadian Mennonite invites comments and encourages constructive discussion about our content. Actual full names (first and last) are required. Comments are moderated and may be edited. They will not appear online until approved and will be posted during business hours. Some comments may be reproduced in print.