The Syrian civil war has erupted into the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. What started out as peaceful protests in 2011 grew into six years of war and torment as thousands have been killed and millions have been displaced. A great percentage of those affected are children – many who lost their families, educations, homes, or lives. In 2016, the United Nations estimated that 13.5 million Syrians were in need of humanitarian effort. More than 360 devastating attacks on Syrian medical facilities alone have been reported, which have cost the lives of medical personnel who risked their lives everyday in a selfless effort for hope.
The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is a nonpolitical, nonprofit medical relief organization that works directly at the frontlines to bring relief to victims. The mission of SAMS is full of peace and health for all of Syria and its surrounding countries. In 2016, SAMS provided more than 3 million medical care services to Syrians in need. Just a few of the services that SAMS has provided include intensive care units and trauma care, dialysis centers, mobile clinics, dental clinics, labs, blood banks, and imaging services.
As medical students, we have come together at the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education in an effort to bring aid and relief to those suffering from the catastrophes occurring everyday in Syria. Major clubs at our medical school -- the Biomedical Asian Health Coalition, Physicians for Human Rights, Biograph, and American Medical Student Association – have collaborated to bring a fundraising benefit dinner where all proceeds will go directly towards the efforts that SAMS puts forth in Syrian relief.
The Hope for Humanity: Getting Serious about Syria Benefit Dinner will feature three keynote speakers amidst entertainment, networking, and food. Dr. Holly Atkinson is the Program Director for the Physicians for Human Rights and Assistant Clinical Director at Mount Sinai. Dr. Lara Zakaria is the Chair of Pharmacy and Nutrition at SAMS. Dr. Ahmad Al-Sibai serves on the Jordan Medical Missions Committee at SAMS. Both Dr. Zakaria and Dr. Al-Sibai serves on the Jordan and Southern Syria Regional Medical Relief Committee.
Please join us for an evening of togetherness, awareness, strength, and hope as we continue to stand for justice for all.