Go out of yourself so completely, become so involved in everything you see and do, that you forget yourself -- Donagh O'Shea
by Rev. Imad Twal
Amman, Dec. 5, 2013 - The depth of the crisis in Syria and the amount of suffering it is
causing are well known.
Predictions are difficult but even an immediate resolution would require
time and money for a return to normal. More likely is continued strife and a
continuing refugee exodus. On any basis Jordan will have a massive humanitarian
problem for a considerable while. Current
estimates put Syrian refugees in Jordan at between half and three quarters of a
million or even more, approximately one Syrian for every eight to nine
Jordanians.
Jordan has a major water shortage problem. Estimates before the Syrian
influx put it as having one of the highest water shortages in the world. It
lacks the mineral wealth found in much of the region and consequently has been
particularly exposed to the downturn in the world economy.
This gives it extreme
economic, and potentially social, fragility. It is also subject to the tensions
arising from rising religious fundamentalism, youth unemployment and rising
prices which have led to the problems of the "Arab Spring" in
neighbouring Syria and Egypt. The present stability in Jordan cannot be taken
for granted and if undermined would almost certainly add to the prospect of a
conflagration in the area and another massive humanitarian disaster...not least
for Syrian refugees in Jordan. On this basis help for Syrian refugees in Jordan
also helps Jordan which must be in the interests of world peace.
Christians are at particular risk. They are targeted by extremist
Islamic groups and also by criminal groups. Emigration can become the only
option for Syrian Christians without effective government protection, even in
government controlled areas, or the protection of any of the armed groups. Because
of its links to the Catholic Church and favourable reports from Christian
refugees who have been sheltered there the Centre is particularly likely to
have to meet sudden demands in future from Christian refugees and also from
Muslims.
What can the Centre offer? And how can it cope?
The Centre is multi-purpose. It provides specialist day treatment for
the disabled of all ages and all degrees of severity. It also has a conference
centre with guest accommodation both
for conference visitors and for youth
groups. The philosophy of the Centre is based on Christian love, valuing every
human as an individual with physical and spiritual needs. It is supported by
both Christians and Muslims and is used by both. It provides a bridge based on
mutual understanding, respect and cooperation between the two communities.
At present it is providing some Syrians with accommodation and also has
a day programme for over 20 disabled Syrian refugee children from Amman (in a
cooperation with CARITAS Jordan). Since the beginning of 2013 over 50 Syrian
families have been given shelter for periods of up to 40 days. Most of them
have now left Jordan for host countries. Going forward Our Lady of Peace Centre
can offer both specialist help to the Syrian disabled and also shelter for up
to 165 people.
The major problem facing the Centre is a lack of resources. Physiotherapy
and other treatment is expensive and accommodation costs rise in the winter
months with below freezing temperatures over an extended period. In addition
the costs of catering for large numbers are high.
The Centre does not receive official funding and relies on donations.
This means that extra Syrian refugees will put a considerable strain on the
Centre. Overall the Centre estimates the cost of accommodation during winter
months at JD 30 per head per day while physiotherapy costs 20 JD per session and more specialist treatment, e.g.
prosthesis assessment and fitting, can be significantly more.
Rev. Fr. Imad Twal
Director General
Amman, Jordan
Director@queen-of-peace.org
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