The dire situation in Syria continues to dominate the news. Of particular concern are the attacks on people in some of the neighbourhoods and suburbs of Damascus. CJI’s partner Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) issued an update on 8 March entitled The Deadly Tension. It gives some account of events in Jaramana, Dwelaa and Bab-Touma.
The Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta has also been seriously impacted. JRS provides healthcare services in Ghouta, but the situation has become extremely tenuous in the past month. One JRS worker was injured on February 20 by a missile fragment that hit her shoulder and another worker had her house hit by a mortar shell. See this JRS update from 22 February. Hundreds of people have been killed by the bombing and many more have been injured. JRS health centres in eastern Ghouta have not been able to remain open — but dedicated JRS staff are still serving the health needs of people from their homes!
Below we share an up-to-date statement on the situation in Syria from Fr Nawras Sammour SJ, the Regional Director of JRS for the Middle East and North Africa. It can also be downloaded here. Your prayers and donations are requested.
To help support the important work of the Jesuits in Syria, please
