Charity Aid to the Church in Need, Ireland – which supports thousands of vulnerable minority Christian communities in 140 countries – is making an urgent appeal for prayer and support for the Christian community and all residents of Syria, in the midst of recent upheaval that has seen President Bashar al-Assad reportedly flee. The ACN appeal follows the recent offensive by anti-government rebel groups. Please see how to donate below.
The Syrian capital Damascus fell to the anti-Assad forces on Sunday, and pictures showed many civilians celebrating in the street despite the uncertain future.
Michael Kelly, Director of Public Affairs for ACN Ireland, warned that anxiety is spreading among the small Christian community. “Some of the rebel groups are known for imposing strict interpretations of Islamic law in areas under their control.
“Around 25,000 Christians are living in Aleppo and now face an uncertain and challenging future. Our project partners are appealing for support and prayers in this very difficult moment. Let us unite in prayer for peace, protection, and hope for all citizens of Aleppo,” Mr Kelly said.
The counteroffensive by the Syrian army had brought devastating airstrikes on the city. Civilians in Aleppo were trapped in a city once again struggling to survive, haunted by the ghosts of over a decade of war. However, initial reports suggest the city is re-opening.
According to Ms Marielle Boutros, ACN Project Manager for Syria, “Basic services are paralysed, with only two hospitals operating for critical cases. Food supplies are insufficient, prices have soared, and the population faces the dual threat of bombings and insecurity on the ground,”
Religious congregations and Church leaders are staying in Syria to serve their people, and the local Church is working tirelessly to console and assist the most vulnerable. However, the situation remains critical, and fears for safety are growing among the residents.
“There is a constant climate of fear. People are trapped; no one can enter or leave the city. An Armenian doctor was killed by a sniper, and a bus trying to leave for Hassake was also attacked,” Ms Boutros said. “Basic services have collapsed: schools are not operating, and banks have stopped functioning, leaving people without access to their salaries.”
ACN is actively responding to this crisis through emergency aid projects and is appealing for €350,000 to fund:
- Medical assistance to support hospitals treating critical cases and elderly and chronically ill patients.
- Aid for displaced people, providing food, mattresses, and blankets to displaced families both in Aleppo and other areas.
- Alternative solar and electrical energy.
- Support for Christian schools in Aleppo.
According to Philipp Ozores, Secretary General of ACN International, “People are deeply frightened. The airstrikes, along with the strict control of the rebel factions that have taken the city, have turned survival into a daily struggle. This is a moment for unity and action. ACN urges the Christian community around the world to unite in prayer for Aleppo, asking for peace, protection, and hope for all citizens.”
ACN is Ireland’s leading charity protecting the rights of Christians and supporting the suffering and persecuted Church. Last year, it supported almost 6,000 projects in some 140 countries. For more information on ACN, regarding its work or to offer support, please call +353 (1) 837 7516 and/or email [email protected]. You can also write to ACN Ireland, St Joseph’s, 151 St Mobhi Road. Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 HC82.
How you can help:
Pray: Ask your parish, community and family to pray for Aleppo, and for peace in Syria.
Donate: Your contributions will provide vital resources for food, shelter, and medical care. To donate click here.
ENDS
