Refugees have reported witnessing sniper killings and beatings by Syrian security forces. Others reported crawling to the border for safety because of the presence of tanks and snipers. Over 4,000 people have been killed in the unrest. Syrian security forces have allegedly detained injured people seeking medical attention.
Zakat Foundation of America has been a dedicated supporter of Syrian refugees throughout this tumultuous time. When Syria’s political turmoil began in March Zakat Foundation of America's emergency relief efforts were launched. A health clinic was established in Wadi Khaled, 1 km from the border between Syria and Lebanon. In September 2011, Zakat Foundation of America opened its second medical clinic in Lebanon to serve Syrian refugees.
Zakat Foundation of America has also distributed daily food and water to thousands of refugees at the Syrian-Lebanese and Syrian-Turkish borders.
A Zakat Foundation of America representative in Lebanon stated that the refugees "left in a rush, leaving everything behind...so they need everything: from food to shelter, from baby formula to basic medical care." Zakat Foundation of America continues its efforts to providing humanitarian relief to the Syrian refugees.
