JMP strives to help Syria’s growing humanitarian needs

What is it like to live in a world without fear? To stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter? To eat a nutritious meal? To stay healthy? In Syria, there is an entire generation of children being raised under the most difficult circumstances, and I often wonder with a heavy heart if these questions cross their inquisitive minds. It’s been 11 years since the onset of war, and with each passing year, Syria’s political, economic, health and social conditions worsen, making 2022 the toughest and most challenging so far. Escalating conflicts, unemployment, record-high inflation, Covid, the severe devaluation of the Syrian currency, international sanctions and the economic collapse in neighboring Lebanon make basic goods like food, medication, fuel and gas tubes (for cooking) unaffordable or unavailable. Nearly two-thirds of the population endure food shortages and will face the cold winter months without any heat. Imagine … fathers skip a day of work to wait two hours in line to buy six pieces of bread.

After delivering Mgo, his mother had serious health issues and needed to be hospitalized. She couldn’t see, hug, feed or care for her newborn baby. Mgo, her firstborn child, had to live with his grandparents. JMP relieved their burden by helping pay for her treatment. After being hospitalized from breaking his legs, Mgo started stuttering. He made improvements through JMP’s psychological support program. Now the mother is feeling better, and the family is together again. They are grateful to JMP for taking care of their family.

Syria’s health-care system is also being hit particularly hard. The Syrian Ministry of Health officially declared a cholera outbreak, with most cases reported from Aleppo. As of November 2022, 35,569 suspected cases were reported with 210 deaths. Meanwhile, the cost of medication, hospitalization and surgeries continues to skyrocket. The recent outbreak is a reminder of how dire living conditions in Syria are and how much support is currently needed.

Throughout the hardship, JMP continues its services to Armenian communities in our three Syrian locations. With the help of their strong faith, our dedicated staff makes every effort to stay positive so they can bring hope to our growing number of clients. Our comprehensive programs include providing medication for chronic illness, help with hospital and surgery bills, financial aid programs, social services, spiritual and emotional uplift and more.

A doctor measures sugar levels in blood samples during JMP’s “Health Preventive Project” in October. During the program, a participant was found to have diabetes.

Giving mammography referrals during JMP’s “Health Preventive Project.” In 2021, 61% of the budget in Syria went toward health-care services.

During this season of giving, you can make a difference by making a gift to help support JMP’s life-changing programs in Syria. You can bring hope to those whose lives have been shattered by conflict; you can give them the gift of knowing they are not alone

We ask our Lord to bring peace to beloved Syria and to those who try to find the best life for their families. “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9

Eliza Minasyan, Executive Director

Jinishian Memorial Program

Please read JMP’s 2021 Gratitude Report and share with others.

In Gratitude

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