DELICIOUS food and an update on the situation in Syria and Iraq are on the menu at a special event organised by the Alcester Refugee Fund.
The meeting will start with a buffet provided by the excellent ‘Damascena’ Syrian Restaurant in Moseley.
This will be followed by a talk from by a speaker from the charity Open Doors the realities of the present situation and what it helped by members of the public, can do to help.
“In both Iraq and Syria the crisis is still far from over,” said Frank Wood of ARF.
“Open Doors is concentrating on helping the Christian population and through them, minorities and the general Muslim population.
“While many areas have seen violence come to an end, the fight for survival continues.
“Living costs have soared to ten times what they were before the war – the ones suffering most are the old, the sick and those simply too poor to flee.”
He added that Open Doors was concentrating less on food aid and more on education and helping people to start small businesses.
In their turn the churches are giving help to many in the Muslim majority population and other minorities.
“Ten million people, nearly half the population of Syria, have left the country and often fear returning,” said Frank.
“The situation remains instable and dangerous – if they opposed the regime in the past it will be even more dangerous.
“Some donor organisations in the UK have reduced the amount they give, but the need is as great as ever.”
The meeting is at 7pm in Alcester Town Hall and the buffet is £12.
Call Frank on 01789 400300 or e-mail [email protected] to go along.
