You Can Join 'The Reponse' and help support those in Syria today

$36 CAD/month
Supply an essential food package for a family up to 5 people.
$121 CAD
Emergency aid for individuals who cannot flee or relocate.

A Turning Point for Syria

Join The Response with ICR Canada

On the night of Saturday, December 7, 2024, an event long hoped for by many Syrians unfolded: Bashar al-Assad fled the country, and the capital city of Damascus was taken. This marks a monumental turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war. Under Assad's rule, the country endured immense suffering:

  • Widespread poverty: 90% of Syrians lived below the poverty line.
  • Massive displacement: Six million Syrians fled abroad, seeking refuge.
  • Repression: Around 16 secret services spied on the population, silencing freedom of expression.
  • Corruption: Nearly 20% of the nation’s economic output was lost to rampant corruption.

The oppressive regime’s collapse has brought a sense of hope, yet also significant uncertainty. Many Syrians, alongside humanitarian organizations like ICR Canada, are celebrating the end of an era while praying for a brighter future for their nation.

Where Your Support Helps ICR Canada meet the Needs of those in Syria:

Distribution of food, hygiene packages, blankets, mattresses, beds, diapers.

Distribution of food, hygiene packages, blankets, mattresses, beds, diapers.

In captured Aleppo, we are continuing to help individuals in need of food, medical care, and medicine.

In captured Aleppo, we are continuing to help individuals in need of food, medical care, and medicine.

Our normal educational support aid in the region continues (as soon as schools reopen).

Our normal educational support aid in the region continues (as soon as schools reopen).

Our normal educational support aid in the region continues (as soon as schools reopen).

Refugee camps have been captured and many people displaced, including Christians. This means that we are no longer able to help there, but we continue to support in the places they have fled to.

The Opportunities Ahead

While the regime’s fall is celebrated, Syrians face a precarious future. The vacuum left behind by Assad has drawn the attention of various factions, each vying for control.

  • Northern Syria: Islamists supported by Turkey are clashing with Kurdish forces, particularly in Manbij, a city currently under siege. This area shelters 200,000 refugees from Aleppo, part of the 800,000 people in the region who face grave risks.
  • ISIS Resurgence: Exploiting the chaos, ISIS has gained ground in desert regions. Although their influence is currently limited, there is potential for their resurgence.
  • Israeli Border Tensions: Fighting has broken out near Israel, with Syrian weapons depots targeted, and Israel has entered Syrian territory, citing threats from Islamist groups.

This volatile situation underscores the need for a unified approach to stabilize Syria and prevent further suffering.

The Path Toward Governance

The Islamist forces who seized Damascus have pledged to hand over power to a new government. However, the history of their governance in the Idlib region raises concerns:

  • Human rights violations: Minority groups, including Christians, faced discrimination and brutality.
  • Lack of progress: The region under their control did not see prosperity or stability.

This underscores the urgent need for inclusive, transparent, and effective leadership in Syria. A nation as diverse as Syria can only thrive through cooperation among its ethnic and religious communities.

Hope Amid Uncertainty

Despite the daunting challenges, there is hope for Syria’s future. Local partners and humanitarian organizations are committed to supporting those in need. They report a cautious optimism among Syrians, mixed with apprehension about what comes next:

  • Syrians aspire to rebuild their country with justice and equality for all.
  • The international community must offer support to ensure peace and development.

The fall of an oppressive regime is only the beginning. To secure a brighter future, Syria must navigate these uncertain times with resilience and unity, striving for peace in a land scarred by years of suffering.