Founded in 1993, Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) has spent more than 30 years delivering humanitarian aid across the United States and abroad. Its first few years were primarily focused on domestic aid. IRUSA began providing aid to several Middle Eastern countries in 1997, and it has continued to provide support throughout the region since then.
As one of the largest Muslim faith-based organizations in the United States, IRUSA has implemented a wide range of humanitarian programs aimed at alleviating suffering and combating poverty across the Middle East. Let’s look at some specific IRUSA relief programs in the region.
Iraq
Iraq was among the first countries to receive aid from IRUSA in 1997. Since then, the country has struggled with over two decades of instability interspersed with major conflicts. This includes the United States War in Iraq and the capture of large swaths of territory by ISIS.
These conflicts have led to the forcible displacement of millions of Iraqis. Many of them continue to live as refugees without access to basic needs like healthcare and employment. Iraq is also providing refuge to more than 260,000 Syrian nationals who are also in desperate need of resources and economic opportunity.
Islamic Relief USA has maintained a steadfast commitment to Iraq since 1997. It continues its to provide assistance to those in need through various interventions, such as orphan family support and humanitarian aid, including food, warm clothing, hygiene items, and other essential items.
Jordan
Jordan grapples with economic challenges like limited natural resources and high unemployment rates, particularly among youth and women. The country also hosts a significant refugee population, including 660,000 Syrian refugees and 2.3 million Palestinian refugees. Many people lack access to essential services. Since 1997, Islamic Relief USA has provided comprehensive aid to residents and refugees in Jordan, including food assistance, healthcare access, education, economic empowerment, and humanitarian aid to address critical needs.
Lebanon
Lebanon continues to struggle with a dire economic crisis. Over 80 percent of its population lives in poverty, without access to essential services like water, food, healthcare, and education. Fuel shortages have exacerbated the situation, with power outages of up to 23 hours a day. These outages have crippled hospitals, schools, and businesses. Lebanon also hosts more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 210,000 Palestinians, but the government fails to provide adequate support for these refugees or citizens.
Islamic Relief USA has been dedicated to aiding Lebanese citizens and international refugees since the 2006 war. Its interventions have included food aid, healthcare, education, and support for refugees. In addition, IRUSA provided emergency assistance after the 2020 Beirut explosion, which caused at least 218 deaths, 7,000 injuries, $15 billion in property damage, and the displacement of approximately 300,000 people who lost their homes in the blast.
Palestine
Palestine has been gripped by escalating violence since October 7, 2023, with over 31,000 casualties and widespread destruction. Under a total blockade, Gaza is experiencing severe shortages of food, electricity, and fuel, affecting 2 million civilians. The United Nations has warned of an oncoming famine and 90 percent of the population of Gaza has been displaced.
Gaza’s health system is a disaster, and most hospitals are barely functional because of staff shortages and a lack of medical supplies. The World Health Organization anticipates a surge in preventable deaths unless there is significant, urgent intervention. Despite ongoing challenges in aid delivery, IRUSA partners continue to provide support in the form of food distribution, hygiene kits, medical supplies, mobile clinics, trauma response, and winter aid to alleviate suffering and save lives in Gaza.
Syria
Islamic Relief USA has operated in Syria since the beginning of the civil war in 2011. The organization supports families within the country as well as Syrian refugees in neighboring countries with food aid, clean water access, education initiatives, and humanitarian aid for displaced individuals.
In 2023, Turkey and Syria were affected by two devastating earthquakes. Islamic Relief USA quickly mobilized, providing emergency relief like food aid, water access, and essential supplies like hygiene products and clothing. The organization continues to provide long-term aid to communities affected by these earthquakes.
Turkey
Although Turkey is one of the most advanced countries in the Middle East, it still contends with poverty, unemployment, and gender disparity as well as natural disasters. The country also hosts 3.6 million refugees, which creates further challenges. Since the early 2000s, Islamic Relief USA has been actively engaged in Turkey, delivering emergency medical aid and long-term support to residents and refugees.
Islamic Relief USA’s efforts in Turkey include emergency assistance during natural disasters like the 2023 earthquakes, floods, and forest fires. The organization also extends humanitarian aid to Syrian and Iraqi refugees. It provides access to essential resources and providing support for orphaned children.
Yemen
Nearly a decade of conflict has made Yemen the site of one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern history. Over 21 million Yemenis, including more than 11 million children, are in desperate need of assistance. Despite humanitarian efforts, violence and collapsing services have displaced over 4.5 million and threatened widespread famine.
Islamic Relief USA’s extensive presence and dedicated efforts in Yemen have been instrumental in delivering life-saving aid and sustaining critical initiatives. It distributes food aid, clean water, and winter assistance as well as providing emergency health responses. Islamic Relief USA remains committed to alleviating the suffering of Yemenis amidst this ongoing crisis.