Syria

When Aleppo needed help most, local peacebuilders were already there

When the fall of the Assad regime left Aleppo's many families facing a humanitarian crisis, local organisation Zoom In was ready to act.

When the Assad regime collapsed at the end of 2024, Syrians across the country felt something they hadn't felt in years: hope. But for many families in Aleppo, that moment of liberation brought an immediate new reality. Years of conflict and poverty had stripped communities bare. With no reserves to fall back on, the most vulnerable residents faced a shortage of food.

Zoom In knew their city. They knew who needed help, where to find them, and how to reach them quickly. Working with just $5,000, they distributed 100 food baskets to Aleppo's families.

Each basket had been put together with a month's worth of rice, lentils, bulgur, oil, sugar and other staples. Every item was sourced locally, keeping costs down, supporting Aleppo's own economy, and ensuring the food was as fresh as possible. This wasn't a distant operation managed from outside. It was a local organisation taking care of their own community, in a way only they could.

The response mattered beyond the immediate relief it provided. For families who had lived through years of war and repression, being seen and supported by their own community carried great significance. In a moment of great uncertainty, Zoom In proved that local peacebuilders are ready to act.

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