(Washington, D.C., 1/10/2012) Islamic Relief USA (IR USA), a relief and development organization based in the D.C. metro area, announced today its humanitarian effort to assist nearly 5,500 displaced Syrian refugees in Jordan. According to the latest estimates by the United Nations, more than 5,000 civilians have been killed as a result of the escalating violence in Syria. Neighboring countries are witnessing a mass influx of refugees fleeing the crippling violence and harsh winter conditions. IRUSA’s latest initiative, a project called Urgent Assistance to Syrian Refugee Families in Jordan, will provide help to 5,500 Syrian refugees in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
In collaboration with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), Islamic Relief USA will provide monthly food packets consisting of rice, sugar, vegetable oil, pasta, powdered milk, baby formula, white beans, salt, tomato paste, cheese, and chicken bouillon cubes. Also, families will be supplied with non-food items such as diapers, hygiene products and, detergent.
“The human toll of the Syrian uprising is undoubtedly grave,” said CEO of Islamic Relief USA. “Families who are fleeing the violence are bringing almost nothing with them as they make the long trip across the border in search of safety, food and shelter. From experience we know that as the violence continues, the number of refugees fleeing the violence will only rise. This initiative is a lifeline to those we are able to reach.”
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves. In 2010, Islamic Relief USA programs benefited more than 3.4 million people in 34 countries, including the United States.
In addition to its 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
MEDIA CONTACT: Asma Yousef, 703.582.5880, ayousef@irusa.org