In the Shadow of Winter: Uplifting Refugee Communities in Jordan
In November, we set out on a heartfelt mission to support refugee families in Jordan, where stories of resilience and unimaginable hardship met us at every turn. Our journey took us to different camps and communities, connecting us with families from Palestine and Syria who, despite the challenges, hold on to hope for brighter days.
Day 1: Distribution of Dignity Kits and Food Aid in Al Wahdat Residence
Our deployment began at the Onsur warehouse, where we gathered to prepare 210 dignity kits and food aid packs. With these supplies ready, we traveled to Al Wahdat residence to distribute essentials and monetary aid to nine families. These families are Palestinians who have endured multiple generations of displacement since their ancestors first fled to Jordan. Today, they face a new reality as orphaned children growing up with little support.
One of the families we met included Saba’ah and her siblings, who had recently been left under her care due to her mother’s cancer diagnosis and her brother’s hospitalization from malaria. The warmth of these young siblings was inspiring—Saba’ah, the eldest, is studying early childhood education on a scholarship and dreams of becoming a teacher. Siwar, her younger sister, has her own dream of becoming a doctor, inspired by her family's struggle with health issues. Their courage and gratitude, shown through constant thank-yous, touched all of us deeply.
Day 2: Support for 200 Families in Al Mafraq Camp
The next day led us to Al Mafraq camp, where Syrian refugee families have been living in makeshift homes, many working on a nearby farm in exchange for rent. These families, mostly orphaned, received our dignity kits, food packs, coal bags, and hot meals. Despite the challenges they face—paying for essentials like water and electricity—these families continue to persevere.
One woman we met, Noura, fled Syria with her two children while pregnant with her third. Today, she is raising nine children in a tent without electricity, relying on candles to light their home at night. Her eldest daughter, Zeynab, dreams of becoming a hairstylist, and her sister Ghada hopes to become a nurse. Yet, limited resources have prevented these children from continuing their education beyond primary school. Noura’s story of walking two days to Jordan, donating a kidney to her ill brother, and caring for her children under such adverse conditions is a testament to her resilience.
Noura’s husband, hospitalized with a heart condition, faces imprisonment due to unpaid medical bills. She expressed her urgent needs—tent covers to prepare for the winter and ongoing medical support for her husband. We saw firsthand the extent of their struggles, reminding us of the power of small contributions to make a lasting difference.
Day 3: Visits to Madrasah Insani and Al-Dafiyana Camp
On our final day, we visited Madrasah Insani, where young refugee students learn Arabic and mathematics, filling the classroom with youthful energy and ambition. Our visit was an opportunity to encourage them to keep pursuing their studies, reminding them that they are supported by a global community.
From the school, we went to Al-Dafiyana camp, where we met refugees who have been living in this camp for over a decade. Global Ehsan Relief is the primary source of aid for these families, providing them with essential winter support.
We met Najah, a 65-year-old widow from Hama, Syria. Having lost her husband, she now cares for her three children, including her son Ibrahim, who is mentally disabled. Najah shared with us that Ibrahim needs sleeping pills and has no access to the adult diapers he needs, relying instead on tissues due to financial hardship. During his tantrums, Najah’s daughter, Najat, must lock him in their small caravan to ensure the safety of others.
Their tent’s heating system has broken down, and with the winter approaching, they requested heaters and tent covers to protect them from the harsh weather. Najah also mentioned that while her family received warm clothing for children, adult winterwear for her and her children would make a tremendous difference. In a small but touching gesture, she gifted us Jasmine leaves to express her gratitude, a memory we will always carry with us.
Help Us Bring Relief This Winter
Through these visits, we saw the reality refugee families face as winter looms—a season that brings not only cold temperatures but new difficulties in staying warm, healthy, and hopeful. With winter’s harshest weeks still ahead, we invite you to help us make a difference in the lives of these families.
Join our Winter Emergency Appeal campaign today and help provide essential supplies to refugee families in Jordan. Every donation counts. Together, we can be the warmth they need this winter.
