"A complete meltdown of humanity." That is the phrase a U.N. official used to describe the situation in the Syrian city of Aleppo after four years of war and death. Nearly half a million people have been killed and a million others have been displaced. We can see their suffering and desperation pouring out on social media, but it's hard to know how to help. Here are some concrete ideas.
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Share the news on social media
If you think it's a silly thing, let me tell you that it's something more than what many people are doing. Government officials pay attention to social media and it's a way to not only keep the pressure and to keep the topic alive. Also click on Syria and Aleppo news stories. It shows the media that we care.
Call and write to your Senator and State Representative.
Tell them that you care about what's going in Syria. There is plenty of criticism of about how our government has handled–or not–this terrible situation.
Forgo your holiday gifts and ask your friends and family to donate instead.
That's what my and my husband are doing this year. They need our help.
Donate to the Red Cross.
The organization has been part of the efforts to evacuate civilians out of Aleppo. The Red Cross reports that in 2016, "our team in Syria has carried out 55 cross frontline operations, bringing food and essential aid to 8 million of people, and clean water to millions more." You can help by clicking here.
Donate to the U.N.
"Refugee families fleeing hunger and violence are facing yet another deadly threat: cold. As temperatures drop, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is on the ground rushing vital supplies like blankets, tents, and bedding, to help protect vulnerable refugees–but it's only possible with your support," says the organization.
The lodging website Airbnb is doubling the amount you give.
Support the charities helping kids.
Whether it's UNICEF, Save the Children or any other organization, there are many on the ground trying to help. Lets give them a hand from the safety of our home.
Talk about it with friends and family.
Obviously nobody wants to talk about atrocities against people on the dinner table, but try to reach out. Educate yourself and educate others. It's appalling that those people are dying and the rest of us go around doing Christmas shopping. Let's put pressure!
Help the White Helmets.
This is volunteer team of first responders who save civilians trapped in Syria's brutal civil war. Named after their protective headgear, the group consists of about 3,000 rescue workers that chose to stay and help. Reportedly, they have saved more than 60,000 lives since the civil war began. You can learn about their work in this Netflix documentary and to help click here.
Learn about the situation and don't lose interest.
Even if you don't have any money you can help. Pledge to stay involved. Planet Syria is an excellent initative.
Protest any way you can.
This was once one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The armed conflict between the government and rebels has reduced it to this. The cost in human lives is a tragedy. Let's raise our voices.
