Today, the thoughts and prayers of the world are with the victims of the continued violence in Syria which reached new heights this week.

The images of women and children who were the victims of chemical attacks that emerged this week were undeniably heartbreaking and horrifying. During moments like this, it can be difficult to know how to respond. But we wanted to try to bring a little light to this dark moment. That light is the action people across the world have been taking throughout the duration of the Syrian crisis.

Helping the victims of this conflict has been the mission for many in our online community since the beginning. One such person is Dr. Hamza Al Khatib, who was one of the last remaining doctors in Aleppo until recently. Dr. Khatib called out to the world for more help, describing a nightmare situation hard to fathom.

His petition has received more than 700,000 signatures, and the need for doctors is even greater. It’s not too late to show your support for Dr. Khatib and help put a spotlight on his call to action, either by signing his petition, or sharing it if you’ve already signed.

Change.org is fortunate to partner with great humanitarian organizations. A few such organizations are Oxfam America, Mercy Corps, and USA for UNHCR, all working to help the victims of the Syrian conflict. They help make our mission of empowerment possible. Today, they could use your help. You can donate now to help the victims of the Syrian crisis no matter where you are.

Oxfam America is helping Syrian refugees get the essential supplies they need, and working to provide clean water and sanitation to those still living in Syria. Your donation may help provide families with tarps for shelter and other critical resources.

Mercy Corps has team members in eight countries helping 2.5 million people affected by the Syria crisis. Your gift may help provide emergency food kits to refugee families fleeing Syria.

USA for UNHCR is the official UN Refugee Agency. By making a donation, you’re supporting programs that may provide medicine, clean water and first-aid to Syrian children and families.

These moments are hard. There are no easy solutions and lives are at stake. We know no single donation will end the suffering of the Syrian people. But together, we can have a voice and make a difference. We don’t have to be bystanders to history. Instead, we can fight back with our activism, compassion and generosity.

No one is powerless to make change, locally or internationally. That belief drives our mission and it’s why, even in the worst of times, we find hope in a community of people like you who are shaping the world to be a better place.

Thank you.

Jason Barnaby
North American Campaigns Team