With all of the disasters hitting the headlines of our American news sources, it is difficult to stay informed, much less focused on and involved in the major issues of the world today. One crisis that has recently captured my attention, because of its recurrence in media headlines and conversations happening around me, is the Syrian refugee crisis and immigration issues surrounding their mass exodus from Syria.
Homes and lives are being destroyed by the violence of rebel groups in Syria. Thus, millions of people are fleeing. These refugees have flooded places like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Now, they are fleeing to European countries, and the United States has even agreed to take in a number of Syrian families. Tragedy has struck these people because of the immediate loss of their homes, their day-to-day existence, family members, and friends. Tragedy on a larger scale befell these people when they began scattering among other countries. They are losing pieces of their culture and identity, while having to assimilate to a new way of living. Those receiving and caring for the Syrians are also experiencing economic and social hardships that come with a large influx of people. For example, in Jordan during August 2014, 600,000 Syrians had migrated to their borders. The Jordanian people want to help the refugees, but are running out of food to provide them with. The refugees are struggling to find food and shelter for themselves and their families without the ability to get a job and have income.
It is easy for this kind of issue to overwhelm us and to put the problems we have heard about at the back of our minds. We feel powerless to help, so we ignore it. Thankfully, there are those who have stepped up and created organizations and avenues to aid these refugees from afar through monetary support. Little bits of money and actions that raise awareness about these people who have been removed from their homes, cultures, families, friends, and countries can be tremendously helpful.
Charity Navigator is a website that has selected some of the best organizations for getting financial support to the people in need. Click on the link below to find out more, and considering stepping up to help in any way you can.
