US Friends of AMAR

Who are we? We are US Friends of AMAR, dedicated to supporting refugees and IDPs in various ways: 1. Grant Support for Local NGO Initiatives: US Friends of AMAR provides crucial contributions to support refugee initiatives, aiding those forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. 2. Emergency Aid for Refugees: With over 11 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, US Friends of AMAR is committed to providing immediate relief to refugees and internally displaced individuals affected by human-made crises. 3. Healthcare: US Friends of AMAR supports efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility in the Middle East, contributing to sustainable improvements in public health through medical clinics, mental health research, and healthcare infrastructure. 4. Education: The organization provides displaced individuals with access to quality education, vocational training, and professional development opportunities. 5. Women and Youth Empowerment: US Friends of AMAR prioritizes empowering women and youth within refugee communities through education, community building, and personal development initiatives. 6. Cultural Preservation through Music Therapy: We support the marginalized Yazidi community through choral music programs, providing solace, healing, and cultural preservation in the aftermath of violence and persecution. Join us in supporting refugees and making a positive impact on their lives. Together, we can provide refuge, support, and stability to those in need. 🤝 #RefugeeSupport #USFriendsofAMAR #MakeADifference

Imagine being a parent to small children. Your world has been turned upside down by war. Your home was destroyed and you don't have a job. Loved ones have died or have left to fight for your people. You must flee everything you know to seek safety for your little ones. Stories like this are becoming all too common, with millions of Ukrainians displaced and in desperate need of support. This is where organizations like US Friends of AMAR step in. We support AMAR International Charitable Foundation. They make a tangible difference in the lives of Ukrainian refugees through various programs including medical care, educational support, and emergency aid. We also support local Ukrainian refugees by fundraising for them. Together, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope for those who have lost so much. Join us in supporting these vital efforts and making a real impact. #SupportUkraine #RefugeeRelief #USFriendsofAMAR #AMARFoundation #HopeAndHelp

Khanke Camp in Iraq: A Safe Haven for Yazidi Survivors The Khanke camp provides refuge to over 14,000 displaced Yazidis who fled the horrors of the 2014 ISIS genocide. Many saw their family members murdered or enslaved. Established to offer safety and support, the camp struggles with limited resources and the enduring trauma faced by its residents. Challenges: The residents of Khanke have experienced unimaginable violence, leading to ongoing physical and psychological scars. Despite efforts by various organizations, resources remain scarce, and mental health support is critically needed. Support: National and international organizations, including AMAR International Charitable Foundation, are working tirelessly to improve living conditions and provide essential services like shelter, food, and medical care. Call to Action: Share this post to raise awareness about the plight of the Yazidi community in Khanke camp. Together, we can amplify their voices and support their journey towards healing and recovery. #KhankeCamp #YazidiGenocide #HumanRights #RefugeeSupport #UNHCR #Iraq Sources: Al Jazeera, UNHCR, Storymaps ArcGIS

A snapshot of the Dzherelo Choir from our recent fundraiser for Ukrainian Refugees in the United States. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made it a success! The Dzherelo Choir, renowned for its captivating performances of traditional Ukrainian choral music, took center stage at the Ukrainian Independence Day Benefit Concert in August 2023, hosted at Salt Lake City's Eccles Theater. Originating from Ukraine, the Dzherelo Choir, meaning "source" in Ukrainian, preserves and promotes the country's musical heritage worldwide. With their enchanting harmonies, the Dzherelo Choir not only mesmerized the audience but also embodied the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people. Their participation in the benefit concert underscored the significance of unity and solidarity, especially during challenging times. As we celebrate the beauty and strength of Ukrainian culture, let's remember those in need. Your support can make a real difference. Consider donating to aid Ukrainian refugees, providing vital assistance to those affected by conflict and displacement. Together, let's stand with Ukraine. #DzhereloChoir #SupportUkraine #DonateNow #EventHighlight #ThankYou

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share some heartwarming news from our recent humanitarian efforts! We had the privilege of collaborating with Stitching Hearts Worldwide (SHW) which provided cotton baby receiving blankets for the Women's Clinic in Iraq. When volunteers learned about the urgent need in Iraq, they wasted no time in springing into action, ensuring that the necessary materials were completed and ready for delivery. A special shoutout goes to their remarkable Area Managers, whose unwavering commitment to responding to urgent needs knows no bounds. USFoA’s Jill Dempsey personally carried the blankets in her luggage, supported by the generosity of our donors who covered the costs. Upon Jill's return, she shared her experiences and captivating photos with everyone at Stitching Hearts Worldwide at their Humanitarian Project Center in Pleasant Grove, UT. Seeing the impact firsthand was truly moving, and it reinforced the importance of their mission to donate items, made with love, to children & adults suffering all over the world. There's no doubt that there is a significant need. Anna, SHW Volunteer Support Manager, shared their gratitude for the opportunity to play a small part in providing assistance to those in need. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone involved in making this possible, from dedicated volunteers to our generous supporters. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of people around the world. Let's continue to spread love, hope, and compassion, one stitch at a time. For more information about SHW visit https://lnkd.in/gSwjyDki #StitchingHeartsWorldwide #HumanitarianEfforts #GlobalImpact #WomenEmpowerment #Iraq #collaboration

Interesting article on how Humans may be predisposed to music, which is something we believe is fundamental to our make up, to our identity and learning, and for our mental health - which is why we are also supporting the Yazidi women's choir and music in refugee camps. whatsapp://send?text=https://lnkd.in/eSum-TBg #music #iraq #yazidis

Handmade Warmth: A Story of Generosity and Love for Ukrainian Refugee Children In October 2023, Baroness Emma Nicholson, founder of the AMAR International Charitable Foundation, reached out to Louise Brown, a board member of US Friends of AMAR, with a heartfelt request: to bring warmth and comfort to Ukrainian refugee children living in Romania by sending them handmade hats and scarves for their Christmas Day celebration on December 6th. This initiative began with a spark of inspiration and a dedicated team. A Facebook page, masterfully created by Alex MicPodar and administered by Alex, Kelsey Brown, and Louise Brown, served as the platform for rallying support. The mission was simple yet profound: to create a community of compassionate individuals who could knit hats and scarves with love and care, each accompanied by a small note of encouragement. The response was overwhelming. Momentum surged as word spread, and the Facebook page quickly amassed 139 members. People united under a common cause, driven by the desire to make a difference. As the project gained traction, donations poured in, surpassing all expectations. With determination and dedication, more than 2,000 handmade items were shipped to Romania before Christmas! Energized by the comradery and the success of the first shipment, the Facebook knitters continued on through the winter, leading to a final shipment of 3,262 items by the end of February! Every item, meticulously crafted with love, carried a personal note from its maker. The journey was not without challenges, but through unwavering commitment and collaboration, obstacles were overcome. In reflection, the project taught valuable lessons in generosity, resilience, and the profound impact of collective goodwill. It is important to give and serve, even in the face of adversity. As we celebrate the culmination of this remarkable endeavor, we want to express our deepest gratitude to every single person who has contributed to our handmade warmth project. From knitting hats and scarves to sharing words of encouragement and facilitating local donations, your efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of Ukrainian refugee children. Special thanks to Daren Tibbits and Juniper Systems Inc. for their generous support in making the shipping process possible. Their commitment and logistical expertise were indispensable, ensuring that each handmade creation reached its destination with care. Together, we knit warmth and hope for Ukrainian refugee children, reminding them that they are remembered, cherished, and loved. Let's continue spreading love and warmth to those in need, one stitch at a time! #helpUkraine #refugeeChildren #knittingHope #SpreadWarmth #HandmadeWithLove

In a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq, the vibrant smiles of these young boys offer a glimpse of hope amidst challenging circumstances. Despite the stark setting of their school—a trailer surrounded by trash and a high fence—their joy is unmistakable. Their resilience in the face of adversity highlights the transformative power of education. We're honored to support our sister organization, AMAR International Charitable Foundation, which provides educational opportunities to adults and children in similar situations. Join US Friends of AMAR in empowering refugee communities and providing access to education for children like them. Together, we can build a brighter future. #RefugeeSupport #HopeInAdversity #EducationForAll

During a recent trip to Iraq, members of our board were deeply moved by encounters in a Syrian refugee camp in Kurdistan. A simple act of kindness—a Syrian refugee woman offering a piece of freshly baked bread—spoke volumes about resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. In another poignant moment, two refugee girls graciously showed them around the camp, revealing the strength of family ties as four generations coexist under one roof. These experiences underscore the strength and compassion refugees have. There is an urgent need to support refugees and internally displaced people. Join US Friends of AMAR in making a difference today by going to https://lnkd.in/g8VvU6Vi #RefugeeSupport #HumanitarianAid #Solidarity

In the midst of adversity, hope prevails. Our board members had the privilege of meeting a vendor in a Syrian refugee camp in Kurdistan, during their recent trip to Iraq. His resilience and warmth are emblematic of the spirit of those affected by war. Join US Friends of AMAR in providing support to refugees and internally displaced people. Together, we can make a tangible impact. Donate on our website: https://lnkd.in/g8VvU6Vi #RefugeeSupport #HumanitarianAid #HopeInAdversity