Winter Relief Endeavor Led by Texas Muslim Community for Syrian Refugees
In the midst of the ongoing Syrian crisis, which has been ongoing for seven long years and resulted in over 250,000 deaths and more than 50% displacement, the winter season brings an additional layer of hardship for Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon.
A recent winter drive, reported by Kristv.com, aims to alleviate some of these difficulties. The Islamic Center in southern Texas, along with the Corpus Christi Immigration Coalition, is organizing this drive. The collected items will be sent to Syrian refugees in the refugee camps of Lebanon and Jordan.
Dr. Samer Jifiba, a notable figure in the Syrian refugee community, has stated that life becomes particularly miserable for Syrian refugees when it's too cold. Many Syrian refugees in these countries live in tents, making them especially vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions.
The collected supplies will first be delivered to nonprofits in Houston, before being sent on to the refugee camps. The drive is seeking cold weather clothes, bedding, shoes, and toys to help provide some comfort and warmth to those in need.
While international NGOs like Anera and UNHCR, and regional charities in Saudi Arabia and Jordan have been providing ongoing assistance, the Islamic Center of Southern Texas's involvement in these recent aid efforts is not yet publicly documented.
Elsewhere in Syria, an estimated 13.5 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. In Jordan, about 635,324 Syrian refugees are residing, with 86% of them living below the local poverty line.
Despite these challenges, efforts to support the resilience and food security of Syrian refugees continue. In Jordan, programs like food assistance through food coupons and vocational training to help refugees establish small businesses are being implemented. Similarly, in Lebanon, initiatives such as rooftop gardening and community-based programs are making a difference.
As the winter drive continues, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by Syrian refugees and the importance of continued support and aid.
