Emergency Relief Helps Syrian Family Recover After Attack

Programs for families and children offer emotional and psychological support, and help dealing with trauma, like that suffered by Rama and her family. Photo: iocc.org

DAMASCUS — An emergency assistance program is helping families recover after a bombing at St. Elias Church last June left many injured and financially devastated. Among those affected is “Rama,” whose family was attending Divine Liturgy when the explosion occurred, severely injuring her son, the household’s primary provider.

With their main source of income lost, Rama and her five children faced mounting expenses and uncertainty. Turning to the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, the family was enrolled in an emergency relief initiative supported by international aid efforts.

Through the program, nearly 100 families received one-time cash assistance to cover essential needs such as rent and food. In addition, more than 400 individuals benefited from psychological first-aid sessions designed to address trauma and stress following the attack, helping families regain a sense of stability and hope.

Donations to the IOCC and to families like Rama's can be made here. 

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Syria bomb attack on a church in Tartus was foiled.

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