Study Abroad IllustrationIt’s been five years since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War in March of 2011. There around 13.5 million Syrians are refugees; 50% of them are children under the age of 18, and about 5 million are in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt.

In 2011, the population of Lebanon was about 4.5 million. In 2016 the population increased to 6.5 million; 1.5 million are Syrian Refugees. Having about a quarter of the population relying on international aid gravely impacts the economy and the quality of life, not just for the refugees, but for the Lebanese as well

At this Common Hour event at 11 a.m. March 2 in Decker 201, members of the Student Assembly will raise awareness on this topic and clear up any misconceptions about Syrian refugees. They will also collect donations to help the Lebanese Red Cross with their mission in Lebanon and help the Syrian refugees.