Capitol Hill Syria Briefing to Bring Attention to Plight of Refugees

(Washington, D.C., 7/25/2012) Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), the leading humanitarian Muslim organization in the United States, will host a Capitol Hill briefing July 31 titled Syria in Crisis: Refugees & the Challenges of the Humanitarian Responses. The event is intended to shed light on the ongoing plight of refugees who have fled the escalating violence in Syria. The crisis in Syria has escalated dramatically since it began 16 months ago and has resulted in the displacement of an estimated 1 million Syrians. While the majority of Syrians are internally displaced within Syria, more than 114,000 have registered as refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq, and many others displaced outside their home country are fearful of formally registering as refugees. What: Syria in Crisis: Refugees & the Challenges of the Humanitarian Responses When: Tuesday, July 31, noon-1:00 PM

Where: B354 Rayburn House Office Building, U.S. House of Representatives

Welcoming Remarks by Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) Speakers: Abed Ayoub, CEO of Islamic Relief USA Michael Kocher, Vice President of International Rescue Committee Michel Gabaudan, President of Refugees International Dr. Zaher Sahloul, President of Syrian American Medical Society Its never been more important than now for humanitarian organizations to start serious discussions on how to address the needs of Syrian refugees, said Abed Ayoub, CEO of IRUSA. I look forward to engaging with partner organizations about suggesting nuanced, informed and balanced approaches. In addition to its 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. IRUSA is listed on the U.S. governments Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. MEDIA CONTACT: Asma Yousef, 703.582.5880, ayousef@irusa.org