Tuesday, March 9, 2021

A decade of war in Syria

Compassion in chaos

"You’re the ones who give us hope and hold our hands … ." These are the heartfelt words to our staff in Syria from Silva — a wife, a mother of two and the breadwinner of her family. Silva’s husband has a chronic medical condition that prevents him from working. As the sole provider, being out of work from her cleaning job was not an option for Silva, but as we know, COVID-19 does not make those considerations. Silva contracted the virus and was eventually hospitalized. By God’s will, Silva is recovering and JMP is assisting her family with her hospital expenses, easing some of her worries. JMP also stepped in to pay for her husband’s medication, which had become too expensive for them to afford.

Life has been so hard for Silva and so many of our Armenian siblings living in Syria. Economic experts believe that 2020 was the worst year, economically, of the now decade-long Syrian conflict, pushing millions of people into deeper poverty and hunger. Sanctions imposed on Syria have made managing the virus nearly impossible. There is a limited amount of care, equipment, medication and space available in hospitals. Soaring inflation, as well as shortages, meaning food, fuel and other basic goods are unaffordable and unavailable. Families are feeling anxious and vulnerable, not knowing if their basic needs will be met.

Despite the strife, JMP remains dedicated to providing emergency relief services to those in greatest need. Our brave and compassionate staff members move swiftly to distribute sanitizing products to families, masks to students and coupons for food, so that adults and children alike have enough to eat. We also help families, like Silva’s, with hospital bills and costly medications.


JMP continues to provide empowerment and spiritual uplift programs through tutorials, counseling and home visits to older adults who are alone. Uplifting the human spirit and providing tools to help individuals become self-sufficient is a vital part of Jinishian’s mission.

Please consider making a gift to those living in poverty and despair in Syria. By helping JMP provide food, financial assistance for medical expenses, spiritual uplift and more, your support can be life-changing to so many in need.


Please contact me to learn how you can help. A gift from you is a gift of hope.

Eliza Minasyan, Executive Director
Jinishian Memorial Program


"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." – Matthew 25:35

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Thank you for standing in unity with Armenian Christian leaders to share God’s love with the most vulnerable and build a brighter future for all!

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