It seems that whenever events of such horror like the current situation in Aleppo occur, there is a want to do something but not knowing where to start. But this is a situation that we must not ignore. We must not turn a blind eye.
Educate.
Start by educating yourself that way you can educate those around you. Make sure that you are getting reliable information, and you and the people around you know what they can do to help.
On December 12, over 100,000 people in East Aleppo were trapped in a five-square kilometer range as they were being bombarded by airstrikes from Russia and the Syrian government to attempt to overtake the rebel-held area. According to ABC News, “The Russia-backed ground offensive, which began on November 26, followed an intensive aerial bombing campaign that knocked out most of the medical facilities, targeted civil defense and municipal vehicles and blocked roads with rubble.”
An initiative called Syria Social Campaign would send you one or two articles concerning Syria each week. You only have to submit your email address.
Donate.
If you are in a position to donate, please do so.
While Syria has blocked the UN from shipments entering Aleppo, donate to this list of trusted NGO's working on the ground.
There are also other really good organizations that are providing humanitarian aid to Aleppo such as Direct Relief (one of the highest-rated charities with 99% of donated money going directly to their programs) and Syria Relief (88.8% of your donation goes into relief, the remaining go into raising money and a small portion into admin.)
Groups that mainly help on the ground in Syria providing aid, be it medical or psychological as well as food and clothes to those in need:
Syrian Civil Defense (also known as The White Helmets)
According to the United Nations, there are almost 14 million Syrian refugees around the world (so far) in need of humanitarian aid. The groups below are mainly focused on helping Syrian refugees:
Spread the word.
Talk about Aleppo. People from Aleppo are posting their goodbye messages on the internet as a final massacre is expected to happen any time soon. It is not a time to remain silent. Some children in Aleppo don’t know life without war. Remember them. Honor them. Talk about Aleppo, please.
Use #StandWithAleppo when posting on social media to encourage others to stand up, as well.
Get involved.
There are other ways to help Aleppo:
Get in touch with government officials. Let your representatives know that you are concerned about this and contact your representatives via email, phone call, writing letters, and even signing petitions (petition for aid drops in Aleppo).
Here’s the Syria Solidarity Calendar for those who would like to take part in solidarity events around the world.
