“Coalesce International has made a meaningful impact by supporting patients bravely fighting cancer. Through generous funding, they have provided these individuals with critical resources, enabling them to access life-saving treatments and purchase essential medicines. This support not only eases the financial burden on patients and their families but also brings hope and strength to those facing such a challenging journey.”
Rita Habib Elias, Seline Mouhanad Makhoul , Bassam Sobhi -Benign Brain Tumor, Wajih Kabalan, Jaquline Shanaa, Yaser ghazi shannaa, Antoinette Shannis, Badiaa Kaftan Dahim, Nadia Jeriess Shahada, Mounir Fadel Dalou, Suzan Fouzi Darwish, Rane Niaman Moussa- Lymphoma
“During Easter, we were proud to support 40 families with children by providing them with care baskets filled with essential items. Each basket was thoughtfully prepared to include household necessities and nutritious food, ensuring that families in need could celebrate the holiday with joy and dignity. These baskets not only helped ease the financial burden for these families but also brought smiles and hope during a special time of year, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.”
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Pictured above is Sister Joseph-Marie with her team helping in Damascus.
“Coalesce International is proud to partner with Dr. Alhatem and Nadia Haddad, based in San Jose, California, who have immediate family connections in Damascus, Syria, as well as Sister Joseph-Marie, who is on the ground in Damascus. Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver vital basic necessities such as medicine, clothing, water, and food to those in need. In addition, we are providing financial support to assist with essential daily expenses, including medical facility rent, gasoline, and education tuition.
This comprehensive support ensures that Syrian locals affected by displacement and the devastating consequences of war can at least meet their basic survival needs. By addressing immediate necessities and alleviating some of the financial burdens, our efforts aim to provide a lifeline of hope and stability to those struggling to rebuild their lives amid unimaginable challenges. Together, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by this ongoing crisis.”
Through the In Service of Love Volunteer group, Sister Joseph-Marie is able to support over 500 families and 105 students with food, tuition, clothes, and gas. They prioritize aid based on the needy. She also supports patients dealing with cancer.
During the last 8 years of the Syrian war, the group helped a lot of families to cope with the displacement and consequences of the tragic war.
Damascus, Syria
Damascus, capital city of Syria, has a population of 18 million. Yet in 2023, Damascus still remains in a war zone, with much destruction and poverty for those who have chosen to remain.
The conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s government but quickly escalated into a civil war that has caused immense suffering for the Syrian people. While the situation has evolved over the years, with various military and political groups gaining and losing ground, there is still ongoing fighting and violence in many parts of the country.
In September 2021, the Syrian government, backed by Russia and Iran, still controlled much of the country, while rebel groups and opposition forces held other areas. There were also still ongoing conflicts between different factions, as well as clashes with ISIS and other extremist groups. The war has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, displacement of millions, and significant destruction of infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. While some peace talks and ceasefires have been attempted over the years, a lasting resolution to the conflict has yet to be achieved
The situation in Syria remains deeply challenging as the conflict extends into its 14th year, marked by widespread displacement, poverty, and humanitarian need. Approximately 16.7 million people require assistance, making Syria one of the world’s most significant displacement crises. Internally, there are an estimated 7.2 million displaced individuals, while neighboring countries host over 6.2 million Syrian refugees. Many of these refugees struggle with limited livelihood opportunities and restrictive host country policies.
Recent escalations, including airstrikes from neighboring conflicts like those involving Lebanon, have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Over 557,000 individuals, including Syrians and Lebanese fleeing the violence, have crossed into Syria, with many arriving under adverse conditions. Aid organizations are focusing on providing necessities such as medicine, clothing, food, and housing, as well as legal and educational support to help affected populations cope with their dire circumstances.
Spontaneous refugee returns to Syria have been observed, but these are influenced by security concerns, lack of resources, and the ongoing instability in the region. Humanitarian groups continue efforts to support both displaced populations and those attempting to reintegrate into local communities under challenging conditions.
