Middle East Crisis Appeal Update December 2024
“A land yearning for peace yet has never seen it. Peace to the Middle East, with all it holds, and to all who live in it.” These words, circulating on social media and spoken from the depths of sorrow, reflect the grief and hope of Middle Eastern people amidst relentless turmoil. Just days after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a major escalation in the Syrian war took place last weekend, casting a shadow over fleeting hopes of stability in the region.
This past weekend, Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, was seized in a lightning offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel force formerly linked to Al Qaeda. In less than 48 hours, the city fell almost without resistance from the Syrian army and its allies. On Friday, Aleppo’s residents slept under the government’s sovereignty. By Saturday, they awoke to a city under new rule.
For years, many believed the Syrian war was effectively over. But now, the unexpected eruption of violence has saturated the nation with fear, uncertainty, and a deepening sense of hopelessness. It is a profound and overwhelming reminder of how swiftly fragile peace can crumble. This is the harsh reality that our partners in the region live every day as they continue to serve faithfully amid these dark times. The Christian community is bearing an agonizing cost—many once again weighing the heartbreaking decision to leave their homeland in search of safety and a better future. Rev. Joseph Kassab, General Secretary of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, describes this crisis with profound words:
*Due to the sensitivity of the current situation, photographs have been used from previous appeals
Christians in Aleppo are gripped by fear over these developments. Some left quickly, despite statements from the militias urging them to stay and reassuring them they would not be harmed. Others have chosen to stay for various reasons, either because they do not want to abandon their homes and belongings or because there has not yet been significant violence against civilians. While this military advance has not yet harmed civilians as in past years, there have been provocative actions against minorities. Images and videos have been circulated showing one of the militants in Christian neighborhoods in Aleppo toppling a Christmas tree in a blatant challenge to our faith and beliefs.
Yet, even in this darkness, our friends in the Middle East cling to the unwavering hope found in Christ. His everlasting glory and sovereignty remain the radiant light. As we approach the season of Christmas, we invite you, our beloved supporters, to join us in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ. May God’s goodness, mercy, and justice illuminate these dark days. May the Prince of Peace turn sorrow into joy and swords into plowshares. Together, let us pray for the dawn of lasting peace.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support our Middle East Crisis Appeal. All gifts of any size are welcome to help partners like NESSL as they share the hope of Christ with so many. You may make a gift by sending a check to The Outreach Foundation marked “Middle East Crisis” or you can give online via the link below.