Dear Blossom Hill Family,

We are writing to update you on three major developments affecting our work: the recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the tenuous ceasefire between Gaza and Israel, and new U.S. Executive Orders affecting humanitarian operations. These events are reshaping the landscape where we work and your support is needed to help us adapt and respond effectively.

The Trump administration is looking to implement three significant Executive Orders: a halt on U.S. foreign aid, suspension of new refugee resettlement, and enhanced visa screening requirements. Yesterday, the Supreme Court denied the administration’s request to cancel $2 billion in foreign aid. While we don’t receive direct federal funding, your commitment to our mission is more important than ever as these policies are still in flux and could create broader impacts across the humanitarian landscape.

In Syria, the fall of the Assad regime has created new possibilities and challenges. The country is now grappling with significant humanitarian difficulties, including widespread displacement and poor infrastructure. The situation is particularly dire in Northwest Syria, where many internally displaced people, including women and girls, are in need of access to basic services, security, and economic opportunities. With your support, our programs continue to empower these girls to become leaders and shape a brighter future amidst these challenging times.

Meanwhile, our college coaching program has adapted by helping Syrian students explore opportunities at universities outside the US. Our student alumni in the U.S. are looking at possibilities of returning to Syria to help rebuild their country. We continue to explore opportunities to support the people of Syria by building schools and community programs.

In Gaza, the ceasefire has led to significant population movements back to the north. In response, our programs are shifting geographically with the people we serve to provide essential services. Your support has enabled us to maintain mental health programs for 200 children and establish three educational tents serving 300 children. We will continue to ensure our services remain accessible as families relocate.

The West Bank has seen increased military activities since the tenuous Gaza ceasefire, but thanks to your commitment, our play therapy programs in the south continue uninterrupted. In the north, we are expanding services through our counselors to include specialized care for child detainees and their caregivers, as well as in shelters where 60,000 displaced people from Tulkarm are now living. With aid organizations unable to operate in the area, the need for our work is even more critical.

Right here in CT, our partner organizations IRIS and CIRI have faced significant funding cuts due to refugee resettlement program suspensions. Your generous support allows us to help fill these gaps by expanding our coding and science programs throughout the academic year and in summer camps in Bridgeport and New Haven.

These adaptations and successes are only possible because of supporters like you who share our commitment to maintain and strengthen our vital programs when they’re needed most. Thank you for standing with us during these challenging times.