Middle East Crisis: ADRA Escalates Humanitarian Relief for Devastated Communities

Story by Jennifer Stymiest

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is ramping up humanitarian aid to support displaced communities affected by the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. ADRA emergency response teams are on the ground actively working in Lebanon and Syria, addressing the urgent needs arising from the escalating crisis.
 
The armed conflict has resulted in the displacement of more than 1.2 million people, nearly 2,000 fatalities, and close to 10,000 injuries, including hundreds of children, according to reports from Lebanon’s Foreign Minister. Water supplies have been severely disrupted, hundreds of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, and countless health clinics shut down because of the fighting. All schools and universities in Lebanon are currently closed with some serving as refugee shelters. 
 
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families impacted by the turmoil, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to their safety and well-being. Our emergency management team has already begun coordinating closely with our country offices operating in the region and partners in Lebanon and Syria, to address immediate needs and provide essential resources and sustenance to those who are suffering. ADRA will continue monitoring the situation closely and adapt its efforts to ensure we can support the communities most in need as circumstances evolve, “ explains ADRA President Michael Kruger. “Let us come together in hope and solidarity, praying for peace and protection for all those impacted by this crisis.”
 
ADRA is collaborating with the Adventist Church and faith-based organizations to expand assistance to other vulnerable displaced residents, deploy volunteers as needed to support activities and children’s initiatives in collective shelters and expand relief in affected areas.
 
ADRA’s Response in Lebanon 
Despite security concerns and mobility challenges, ADRA has swiftly mobilized to provide essential aid since the onset of the crisis. ADRA’s country office in Lebanon has partnered with the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and volunteers from Middle East University to distribute breakfasts and hot meals in shelters. ADRA is collaborating with the World Food Programme (WFP) and other humanitarian agencies to deliver food parcels to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and provide e-cards (electronic vouchers) for food and other essential needs. ADRA also supplied educational assistance to displaced families at the Adventist Secondary School, such as textbooks and uniforms, as well as food and non-food vouchers.  Additionally, ADRA is working to ensure that communal kitchens and restrooms are operational to serve more people.  
 
ADRA’s Response in Syria
ADRA’s country office in Syria mobilized efforts to establish shelters for families crossing the border on foot due to damaged roadways. Since the outbreak of hostilities, more than 220,000 people have crossed the border on foot due to destroyed roadways; approximately 55% of refugees and displaced individuals are women, and 60% are children under the age of 18. ADRA is supplying blankets and hygiene kits, as well as repairing communal kitchens to serve individuals in collective shelters.
 
ADRA’s Fundraising Efforts
In light of the growing demand for humanitarian aid, ADRA offices are increasing fundraising appeals to step up life-saving assistance to families, children, and individuals affected by the crisis.
 
“The situation is dire and worsening for families by the minute. ADRA aims to restore and improve cleanliness and living conditions in temporary communal shelters in Lebanon and Syria to accommodate more refugees and displaced families. In Syria, emergency teams are exploring acquiring solar systems to enhance the functionality of crossing points around the clock, giving additional protection for women and children. ADRA is also striving to increase food access in the region,” says Kelly Dowling, emergency response program manager for ADRA International. "We encourage everyone to support ADRA; every contribution, no matter how small, helps us reach more communities in need."
 
ADRA is also committed to providing cash assistance to internally displaced households to help them regain stability during this challenging time.
 
To learn more about ADRA’s mission and how to support efforts in Lebanon and Syria, as well as other emergency initiatives worldwide, visit ADRA.org.
 
About ADRA 
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the international humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church serving in 118 countries. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA’s purpose is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended. For more information, visit ADRA.org.