Crisis Response: Airlift to Northeast Syria

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the rise of HTS (Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham) have further destabilized Syria, directly threatening the future and security of ethnic and religious minorities. In recent weeks and months, Christian, Kurdish, and Alawite civilians have been targeted for indiscriminate killings, rape, and abductions. Since December 2024, hundreds of thousands have been displaced across Syria, many enduring a harrowing journey through militant-controlled territory to the Democratic Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria (DANNES)—one of the few remaining safe havens for minorities. Sadly. this crisis for religious minorities escalated again in March 2025, when HTS massacred nearly 1,000 Alawite civilians, including women and children. 

The Struggle to Survive  

Those fleeing for their lives have lost everything and suffered unimaginable horrors at the hands of militants. Many reported that they witnessed civilian bodies left by the roadside (See Voices from Shehba). Even after surviving the journey, displaced families now face the daily struggle to survive and are in desperate need of essential resources and international humanitarian support. While DANNES represents a rare model of peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious groups in the Middle East, the region is also experiencing attacks and severe shortages of essential supplies. It is vital that international efforts support religious minorities in Syria and foster the continued development of coexistence and religious freedom in the northeast.  

Forty Tons of Emergency Aid 

Recognizing this urgent need, Shai Fund responded immediately by coordinating and delivering a cargo plane carrying 40 tons of emergency aid supplies directly to displaced populations in Northeast Syria. Through this remarkable collaboration of international and local partnerships, Shai Fund has provided lifesaving assistance to vulnerable families facing extreme hardship. This aid, flown in from the USA, included $6.6 million worth of medicines and medical supplies, 5,000 hygiene kits to prevent disease, and over 400,000 high-protein meals. This emergency relief is directly supporting 100,000 displaced minorities affected by the ongoing shifts in power and control within Syria. 

Humanitarian Impact  

This significant humanitarian effort was made possible by over a decade of initiatives advancing the freedoms and livelihoods of religious minorities throughout Syria. Shai Fund’s long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities with practical assistance ensured that our response to the unfolding crisis in Syria was effective and facilitated by trusted networks for aid distribution. The quick delivery of lifesaving aid to thousands of Syrian minorities has given families a real sense of relief, allowing them to recover from the chaos of displacement and begin rebuilding their lives.  

Second Airlift Coming

Looking ahead, Shai Fund is currently coordinating a second cargo flight from the USA to ensure that thousands of displaced minorities across Syria are not forgotten but are supported by international efforts. 

As they struggle to rebuild their lives under the new HTS leadership, our mission remains clear: to stand with the most vulnerable, offering them hope and tangible assistance in the face of ongoing violence, persecution, and displacement. 

Through your continued support, Shai Fund will reach those in greatest need, giving them the means to persevere despite the immense challenges they face.