www.cafod.org.uk

More than 11 million people have been driven from their homes. That’s the same number of people who live in Wales, Birmingham and Manchester.

In Syria, there is still fighting between the government and people who disagree with them.

Millions of people do not have enough food, water or healthcare.

CAFOD supporters have raised more than £2.8 million to help the people of Syria, so we have been able

to help thousands of people.

Because CAFOD is part of the global Catholic Church, we can provide help through churches inside Syria. Few other agencies can work in Syria.

Our partners provide supplies, like food and medicine, and help people to find safe places to stay.

Every day this year more than 10,000 people have fled from Syria to nearby countries.

We are helping refugees in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan to find food, medical support, clothes and safe places to stay.

Abir and Tony fled to Lebanon from Syria in 2011. CAFOD has helped them with medical care for their three children who were born very early and needed care.

Abdulrahman and Douad were living in a basement in Syria with their family to shelter from the bombs. They fled to Lebanon for safety in 2012.

In Turkey, our partner gave coloured pencils and paper to some of the Syrian children. Many drew pictures of war.

One father said: “The children saw and experienced terrible things so it is good for them to come here. It’s a good opportunity to play with other children because they have not had an easy time.”

“I really miss my school in Syria and I miss all my friends. I was good at school but I had to leave it. But I really like playing with the other children. The toys here are really good!” Abdallah, 8

Here in Turkey, in a safe place, surrounded by friends, some children are starting to draw happier pictures.

After fleeing to Jordan, Rahaf’s family heard that their house had been burned down. She and her family

were helped by CAFOD partner, Caritas Jordan.

Now Rahaf helps others: “Here in Caritas, I felt the spirit of love. I felt their mission and it was close to my heart...

I just want to help Syrians, especially the children.”

Let’s shine a light of hope for the people of Syria by keeping them in our prayers, and remind our MPs that we need to help them.

On 15 March, four years on from the start of the violence, join together in prayer to shine a light of hope.

For more information visit cafod.org.uk/syria and stand #WithSyria

www.cafod.org.uk

God of light,

We pray for our neighbours in Syria engaged in conflict and walking in the shadow of darkness. Pour upon all of us your glorious light of hope,a warm ray of light to heal our hearts. We pray that the fighting may cease, and that all may be blessed by you.

We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen.