As the final months of 2025 draw near, I’m reflecting on the incredible challenges children and families have endured this year. Too often, I’ve felt despair at the setbacks — the regressions — that continue to hold kids back. Children, as always, bear the greatest burden. I’ve been inspired by parents and community members who show up every day to do their best for their kids and those around them. And I've also been inspired by committed and generous supporters like you, who’ve enabled us to bring urgent relief to families while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.
John, can I count on you to read this email entirely? I have an important ask.
This past summer, I visited Syria, where — for the past 14 years — millions of people have endured one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises. From Damascus to Aleppo to Idlib, I witnessed sheer devastation: Flattened homes, damaged apartment buildings and dust-covered dolls from children who lost their lives under the rubble.
The toll of this conflict spans almost every aspect of children’s lives in Syria.
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40% of schools in Syria were damaged or destroyed, leaving children without schools, learning spaces or educational activities at a critical age.
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650,000 young children are malnourished as hospitals and clinics suffered severe damage with limited medical supplies.
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17 million people, including 7.5 million children, need assistance to access vital supplies and services such as food, water and health care.
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