The situation of people from Syria displaced by war and violence is still very precarious. There is a great demand for blankets and emergency kits to meet the needs of many Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. These people had to leave everything overnight – possessions, work, daily life, school, relatives and friends … and now are in need of help. Together with French and German Mennonites the SMM emergency group asked for donations: in April 13 2000 hygiene kits, 500 emergency kits, and warm blankets have been donated and funded. MCC is already present in the Near East over 60 years investing in peace and development work. They have worked with partner organizations in these areas and were able to dsitribute the collected relief supplies. In a remote region in the Middle East refugees received relief goods from MCC, including so-called quilts (“Comforters”). The word for these comforters is unknown to the refugees as well as the term “Mennonites”. But word spread about the coulourful comforters and after a while some more refugees from the region came and asked to exchange their somewhat scratchy woolen blankets against a “Mennonite”. These “Mennonites”, they say, “are warming much better, and you can even hang them on the tent during the day, because they are so beautiful”.
In autumn 2014 again many donations, socks, emergency kits and comforters have been forwarded and distributed to refugees.
In autumn 2015 in Switzerland people donated 1422 relief kits, 2670 socks, and 131 comforters (peace quilts). Another 652 blankets have been knittted or purchased and other gifts have been collected. Refuggees and those in need who MCC provided with the goods are very thankful: A handmade blanket provides not only warmth but also a tangible message to people that their needs are not forgotten. Thanks a lot to all donors!
