Syria

"Choose welcome, not fear."  These are the words Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the Office of the General Assembly PC(USA) implores in his statement related to the terror attacks that occurred over the weekend of Nov. 13, 2015 and support for Syrian refugees.

12.2 million of the displaced are Syrians In 2015, the number of forcibly displaced persons around the world exceeds 51 million, including some 13 million refugees who lack access to the most basic necessities of life, including food, clean water, safe shelter, health care, education, and protection from conflict, war, and violence.

PDA Response

Since the beginning of the Syrian war in March 2011, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been engaged in responding to the needs of displaced persons and refugees. The response has been in collaboration with and support of ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) members and other ecumenical partners who are providing relief to refugees in neighboring countries and to internally displaced Syrians. PDA has also been providing direct assistance to our mission partner, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), which is also providing relief and care.

 

PDA Response in Syria from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance on Vimeo.

 

Syrian refugee resettlement in the United States

In addition to providing funds for humanitarian response for Syrians overseas, PDA is working with our partner in refugee resettlement, Church World Service (CWS), to resettle Syrian refugees who are coming to the United States.  CWS is one of 9 national organizations that works in cooperation with the US Government to receive newly arriving refugees and provide for their initial resettlement through a network of local offices in over 200 locations around the U.S.  To learn more about the US resettlement process and how churches can be involved in welcoming and accompanying refugees as they rebuild their lives, you can read the Frequently Asked Questions. Please contact PDA for additional assistance.