Imagine witnessing your partner being brutally attacked in front of your children. A few nights later, you’re jolted awake by a deafening explosion. As you navigate through the dust-choked air to your child’s room, you discover their lifeless body beneath a mountain of debris.
Now envision your children surviving a bombing but one suffers severe facial injuries. They receive medical assistance just before the last hospital is destroyed. Yet, there are no painkillers available. No antibiotics to help them recover.
These are not fictional scenarios; they represent the grim reality faced by countless families amid the devastation of Syria’s civil war.
Aleppo, the largest city in Syria, once had a population of 2.3 million—comparable to Chicago, a city where I lived for over a decade. The images of Aleppo’s destruction are heart-wrenching, making it difficult to fathom such tragedy occurring in a place I once called home.
This situation is just a fragment of the broader Syrian crisis. Approximately 13.5 million people within Syria require humanitarian aid, with 6.5 million internally displaced and 4.5 million seeking refuge beyond its borders. These 4.5 million individuals are the refugees that have become the subject of intense debate among citizens and politicians alike. Here’s what you should understand about these fellow human beings from across the globe:
1. The Syrian War is the Largest Humanitarian Crisis Since WWII.
This conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 11 million people—more than the combined toll of the AIDS epidemic and the Ethiopian famine. The numbers are overwhelming and the personal stories are devastating. We are witnessing a crisis unlike any in our lifetime.
2. Neighboring Countries Have Shouldered the Burden.
Countries close to Syria have accepted the majority of refugees, with Turkey hosting 2.5 million and Lebanon accommodating one in five residents as Syrian refugees. In Jordan, about 10% of the population consists of Syrian refugees. While around 1 million have sought asylum in Europe, the United States has welcomed a mere 10,000 in 2016, a mere fraction of those in need.
3. The Majority of Syrian Refugees in the U.S. Are Women and Children.
Contrary to misleading narratives from some media outlets, the bulk of Syrian refugees referred to the United States are women and children—78% according to the State Department. We are helping to reunite families in crisis.
4. The Refugee Vetting Process is Extensive.
The journey to becoming a refugee in the U.S. involves a rigorous vetting process that can take up to two years, including security checks. Even after resettlement, refugees undergo periodic reviews. The process is designed to balance compassion with necessary caution, posing a lesser risk than that associated with typical travelers.
5. Many Children Are Separated from Their Parents.
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of this situation is the number of children who are now without one or both parents. These unaccompanied minors are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
6. Children Born in Refugee Camps Risk Being Stateless.
An often-overlooked issue is that children born to displaced families frequently lack the documentation needed to establish legal citizenship. With hundreds of thousands potentially without birth certificates, these children face significant challenges that could lead to a lifetime of bureaucratic hurdles and vulnerability.
7. There Are Various Ways to Offer Assistance.
If you wish to support refugees, consider donating to reputable organizations. Charity Navigator provides a list of trustworthy agencies. Many smaller NGOs can effectively deliver necessary supplies. Additionally, local refugee resettlement agencies can connect you with families in need of support and friendship. It is crucial to communicate with our representatives, urging them to facilitate the resettlement of more refugees. With over 20,000 cities in the U.S., we can surely accommodate more than the 10,000 Syrians accepted this year. Resources like Mercy Corps offer templates for advocacy letters.
We must not let fear dictate our actions. Refugees are not the source of violence and terror; they are the victims fleeing such horrors. Syria was once a safe haven where people lived normal lives. The ongoing devastation is a tremendous loss for humanity, and the most pressing tragedy is the millions of individuals who have lost everything and are struggling for survival. Our shared humanity compels us to act.
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In summary, the Syrian refugee crisis is one of the most significant humanitarian challenges of our time, affecting millions of lives. The vast majority of those seeking refuge are women and children facing dire circumstances, and the process for their resettlement is rigorous yet compassionate. We can all contribute to easing their plight through donations, volunteering, and advocating for more inclusive policies.