Dear John,

Imagine that your most precious possession – your family photos, a piece of jewellery handed down from your grandmother, your favourite book – is destroyed in one stroke. Imagine that what you have worked for years to build is suddenly worth nothing. This is the fate that has befallen countless people this year – in Israel and Gaza, for example, or in Syria, where the earthquake that shook the north-west of the country in February devastated the lives of millions of people who had already been living in a war zone for a decade.

Listen to the testimony of Ola, who thought she would not survive the earthquake that lasted two minutes:

We are also on the ground to help when disasters strike in conflict zones. We react quickly and effectively to assist the victims of armed conflict. Because the ICRC is there when it matters most. We are there when a crisis breaks out. We are there for children caught in the crossfire and separated from their families. We are there for those who have suddenly lost everything.

Thank you for your interest in our work. On our Instagram channel, we regularly post news from the regions where we work and introduce you to courageous people who tell their stories. Subscribe to our channel to keep up to date!

See you soon !

Sylvie Pellet

In charge of donor relations in Switzerland
Former delegate in Asia and Africa
International Committee of the Red Cross

PS: You too can be there when it matters most. By making a donation, you support our work in conflict zones. Your support goes to those who need it most.