Crisis in Syria: A Report from a partner

#Syria

Syria has in the course of the last two-and-a-half years become the scene of killings and violence done by the opposing parties and thus turning Syria into a land without peace after having been a symbol of peace and security. The battle of our city Aleppo began on 19 July 2012 as a part of the Syrian civil war. The clashes escalated in late July in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city which is of great strategic and economic importance. The battle’s scale and its importance led combatants to name it the “Mother of All Battles”.

As the conflict has expanded across Aleppo thousands of people have been struggling to preserve their safety and their livelihoods and the number of people in dire need has been increasing very rapidly. The previously well-functioning health system has collapsed; food shortages are commonplace, water and electricity supply are disrupted. Medical aid brought in is being targeted, hospitals destroyed and medical personnel captured. Not to forget that 90 % of all medical personnel have left the city. Thievery has increased, with criminals robbing houses and stores. Rates of kidnappings have also increased. You might have heard of the kidnapping of the two Arch-Bishops of Aleppo, but there are hundreds of victims from before and after.

In spite of all the missile attacks, the Armenian Evangelical schools in the city are “swimming against the flow”, as we say in Armenian, not allowing the fear and the uncertainty hijack our hope and firm will to live.

*Rev. Selimian is President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria.

Click here to read the full report, including pictures.  Global Ministries has supported this response to the humanitarian needs.