Aleppo Explained: What’s Happening in Syria + How You Can Help

Plus, celebrities speak out on the crisis

What is happening in Aleppo?

Aleppo is a city in Syria near the Turkish border. The country is currently in the middle of a civil war that has been going on for more than five years. It is being fought between Syrian soldiers who support the president of Syria and a group of fighters (known as rebels) who don’t want him to be in power anymore.

Before the war started, Aleppo was Syria’s largest city, with a population of about 2.3 million people. It also used to be the country’s main place for business – making it very important to their economy – and a significant sight for world history and culture. Since July 2012, however, it has become a battleground.

Sadly, the citizens who live there have been caught up in the fighting.

Food and fuel for people is now scarce, and buildings (like hospitals and schools) have been bombed. Many innocent people have been killed. Since it began, the war has taken a reported 470,000 lives.

Aleppo then and now

The reasons for the Syrian war are quite complicated, dating back to 2011. If you want to dive even deeper into it, give this article a read. 

What can you do to help?

1. Spread the word

Use #StandWithAleppo online, join protests in your area or organize a demonstration where you live.

2. Donate to relief efforts

Send money or goods to any of these organizations working to help people affected by the crisis.

3. Support refugees

Encourage your local government to condemn the violence by sending aid to Syria and/or welcoming refugee families to your area.

Here’s how some of your favorite stars are speaking out:

1. Yara Shahidi

2. Tyler Oakley

3. Kingsley

4. Leona Lewis

5. Zara Larsson

6. Miley Cyrus captioned the below photo: “No child should be homeless or have to suffer from conflict like millions of [Syrian] children and youth have.”

We’re sending our love and thoughts to all those suffering in Syria at this time!