The Heroes of Syria

Good news doesn't sell. Ever. It's the bad that catches attention, boosts ratings and elicits reactions. As a result, we see a shooter who injures a person flash on our screen 20 times throughout the course of the day, but a humanitarian organization saving hundreds of lives goes unrecognized. Lucky for me, I don't care who's attention I catch, what my ratings are and what reactions I evoke. For that reason, this blog is dedicated to the social entrepreneurs, thought-provokers and local heroes that have emerged from some of the darkest moments in our history.

The Syrian refugee crisis has been labeled the largest humanitarian crisis of the century. Millions displaced and hundreds of thousands killed - with that number showing no signs of slowing down. . . but everyone already knows that, at least I hope by now everyone knows.

So let's talk about what no one else is talking about:

Alex Assali, like so many other Syrian refugees, has found a home within Germany and now continues to live without work. To supplement his lack of work, Alex chose to give back to the country that provided his family with asylum. He currently saves 120 euros per month to serve food for the homeless people in Berlin. His pictures and story can be seen online, and are a beautiful testament to paying good faith forward.

Airbnb has a valuation of approximately $10 billion. It's a website that allows people to rent and list lodging, with a mutual rating system. Refugee Welcome takes this basic concept and reapplies it towards people in need. This site provides shared flats for refugees to live in, rather than mass accommodation. So far, they've matched 405 refugees with shared flats. By working with other refugee organizations, subsidizing rent costs, and following up - Refugees Welcome is making strides in providing shelter for those in dire need of it.

Cristal Logothetis's story has gained traction, which is well-deserved, and is nothing short of remarkable. Watching the horrendous news, as we all have been from time to time, Cristal found the need for refugees to have baby carriers. Having to travel hundreds of miles on foot, refugees are many times forced to carry their children, leading to over-exhaustion and a waste of their already dwindling energy. Which is where Cristal's nonprofit, Baby Carriers for Refugees, was born. Cristal personally took over two hundred baby carriers with her to Greece where she taught refugees how to properly utilize the carriers and relayed inspirational notes from mothers in the United States who assisted in the donated baby carriers.

I found these three stories to serve as inspirational examples of the difference that can be made in the Syrian Crises. These stories demonstrate that in a situation of displacement, hunger and desperation - great strides can be made to partially remedy the horrors that encompass the Syrian refugees.

For more information on how to make a difference in the lives of people who need it most, visit http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-09-03/5-groups-doing-important-work-help-refugees-you-may-not-have-heard.