Page 297 - A Helping Hand for Refugees

T The conditions in the neighboring countries

95% of the people fleeing the warzones in Syria took refuge in its
three neighboring countries: Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, all of which
embraced them even though their economic situation is not very devel-
oped. They believe it is a humane and religious obligation to welcome
those in need. However, as the war is still continuing and indeed, esca-
lating, families keep on leaving their homeland by the thousands. Yet
the problems of these people who sought refuge in other neighbor states

do not end by only leaving the war. Some begin to live in refugee camps
that are in very harsh conditions and others live in other unstable and
unsafe environments.

For example, refugees in Jordan can't find aid due to the fact that
the UN has run out of donations. If refugees can't find the necessary
funds to survive and to feed their children, then they will move to other
areas. Thus, they are forced to make very tough decisions, not with great
expectations, but with the hope of finding food and a shelter for their
families. If they get a sufficient amount of assistance and have a stable
life in these countries, they would never leave. But they are crossing
the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas on a deadly journey to reach

Europe as the ultimum remedium. Additionally, some families prefer
to return back to Syria at the potential cost of their lives and the fig-
ures returning to war zone doubled since the cuts began in Jordan.

Difficulties refugees face in Europe

The difficulty does not end for these people who decide to move
to another country. They have to start a long journey with no guarantee
of reaching to the European shores alive. It is very disturbing to note
that during the last two years, of the asylum seekers who fled to Europe
by boat, many lost their lives to the sea. The fortunate ones who are

able to put their feet on the European shores are not always welcome
by some of these European countries.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) 295