Schools are usually deserted in Syria at this time of year, as children enjoy their summer break. This year, however, the classrooms are full. Thousands of Lebanese families have taken shelter in schools after crossing the Syrian border to escape the escalating violence. Many no longer have a home to return to.

Ahlam and her family have been housed in a school for blind children in the heart of Damascus. She fled her home town, Janta in Southern Lebanon, which has witnessed some of the worst destruction in the conflict so far. As she held her baby girl, Zainab, tightly in her arms, she said, "We had a normal life and we had our own house. In sha'Allah (God willing) I will go back, but I do not know anything about the condition of my house. All the area was bombed. I would rather be there but I came here for my children."

Islamic Relief is continuing its work to assist the displaced refugees of the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis, distributing essential items such as powdered milk for refugee children like Zainab. Please help us in our efforts to provide emergency assistance and humanitarian aid to a population in desperate need by donating now.