"It's like I lost my own child." - Ziyad al Falah, Syrian Refugee Resettled in Chicago

The images of three-year-old Aylan and his five-year-old brother, Galip, their little bodies washed ashore a Turkish beach, hit Ziyad al Falah particularly hard. This ICNA Relief beneficiary, a refugee who has been in Chicago since December 17, 2014, is no stranger to the Syrian Refugee Crisis. He, too, has children, a seven-year-old daughter and a ten-month-old baby. He, too, knows the desperation, fear and anguish that is fueling Syrian refugees to rush out to sea, to escape.

"I am very sad because they are like my children.  They are now like angels in heaven. I am very sad for the Syrian people's situation," he shared, via a translator. "It's like I lost my own child". Ziyad himself has been a prisoner in Syrian jails. "I've been tortured and I don't know how I survived this experience.  I got out, by God's will. But I found out that my daughter and my wife were kidnapped in Syria," he chokes up.  Ziyad approached tribal leaders to help him negotiate and secure the release of his wife and pre-schooler.  "With their help, we were able to escape Syria. I haven't seen the rest of my family for three years. My brother is still missing. All because of Bashar Al Assad."

ICNA Relief's efforts with refugees like Ziyad al Falah include everything from securing car donations, to helping set up refugee apartments and kitchens, to helping them learn how to read a train schedule. "Our work is to help the most vulnerable and when you add a new country, a new language and a new culture to the mix, to a refugee the odds are seemingly insurmountable," said Executive Director, Mr. Maqsood Ahmad.  

We are currently seeking volunteers from across the nation to serve as mentors and friends to refugee families. It can be anything from a social visit once a month to helping refugees learn that generic and bulk groceries are cheaper than brand name products. Volunteers can spend as little as an hour each month with a refugee family. Potential mentors can request more information at bitly.com/MentoraRefugee. 

Donate to help refugees in the USA at www.icnarelief.org/refugees.