Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has made an urgent appeal for prayer and financial support for the Christian community and all residents of Aleppo, Syria.

The region is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis following the recent occupation of the city by anti-government rebel groups, some of whom have clear jihadist orientations. Although these groups have promised respect, the situation remains uncertain and extremely insecure for the contested areas.

The counteroffensive by the Syrian army has brought devastating airstrikes on the city. Approximately 25,000 Christians remain in Aleppo, along with thousands of others trapped in a city once again struggling to survive, haunted by the ghosts of over a decade of war.

“Basic services are paralysed, with only two hospitals operating for critical cases. Food supplies are insufficient, prices have soared, and the population faces the dual threat of bombings and insecurity on the ground,” explained Marielle Boutros, ACN’s project manager for Syria. Religious congregations and bishops have decided to stay in Aleppo, and the local Church is working tirelessly to console and assist the most vulnerable. However, the situation remains critical, and fears for safety are growing among the residents.

“There is a constant climate of fear. People are trapped; no one can enter or leave the city. An Armenian doctor was killed by a sniper, and a bus trying to leave for Hassake was also attacked,” said Mrs Boutros. “Basic services have collapsed: schools are not operating, and banks have stopped functioning, leaving people without access to their salaries.”

ACN is actively responding to this crisis through emergency aid projects and is appealing for $600,000 to fund:

• Emergency relief: Aid for displaced people, providing food, mattresses, and blankets to displaced families both in Aleppo and other areas.
• Medical assistance: Vital support to hospitals treating critical cases and elderly and chronically ill patients.
• Energy supplies: Alternative solar and electrical energy.
• School support: Support for Christian schools in Aleppo.

Bishop Robert Rabbat, Melkite Eparch of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, has given his blessing to ACN’s appeal and has called for urgent support for the Syrian community.

“First reports from Aleppo and its environs make it clear that the decades long civil war has entered a new phase, and certainly one which presents further difficulties and complications,” Bishop Rabbat said to ACN. “Above all, the civilian population is undoubtedly now in an especially dangerous situation.”

“As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Divine Nativity, our hearts and minds should turn first to our Syrian brothers and sisters. I would urge all people of good will to do whatever can be done to assist the inhabitants of Aleppo caught up in the present hostilities.”

Image: Prayer to the Our Lady of Sorrows, Consoler of Syrians (Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need)

With a vivid personal connection to Christian persecution in Syria, Bernard Toutounji, National Director of ACN Australia and New Zealand, called upon the community to stand with Syrian Christians.

“A decade ago, there were 150,000 Christians in Aleppo, now there are just 25,000. My own grandfather was born in Aleppo, from which his family migrated due to the massacres of Christians,” said Mr Toutounji. “It seems unjust that these beautiful and historic lands are bombarded by extremism again and again. To be able to live in peace – that is what these families most seek.  We must do all we can from afar to stand with them.”

“The airstrikes, bank closures, and food shortages have turned survival into a daily struggle. Christian Syrians are deeply frightened. I urge you in whatever way you can to ease the burden of these families with your prayerful and financial support.”

How you can help:
Pray: Pray for Christians in Aleppo and Syria in your family and parish.
Donate: Your contributions will provide vital resources for food, shelter, and medical care.

To donate to Christians in Syria, visit www.aidtochurch.org/Syria or call 1800 101 201.