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Breaking the Siege: Our mission to Rukban
In late 2024, Three Wishes joined a critical humanitarian mission to Rukban, led by the Syrian Emergency Task Force. For years, Rukban was a place of unimaginable suffering, besieged by Russian forces, Iranian-backed militias, and the Assad regime. Thousands of displaced Syrians lived in isolation, cut off from essential aid and abandoned by the outside world. The fall of the Assad regime in December marked the breaking of the siege, but the scars of war remained. Half of Rukban’s residents had already left, only to discover that their homes no longer existed or were unsafe to return to. Those who stayed did so not by choice, but because they had nowhere else to go.
The Mission
Led by the Syrian Emergency Task Force and with the support of the U.S. military, we safely facilitated the delivery of essential supplies and medical care to the residents of Rukban. Medical personnel were deployed to address urgent health concerns and establish plans for ongoing care. For a community that had been cut off from the outside world for so long, these efforts provided not only physical relief but also a reminder that they were not forgotten.
The people we met had endured years of unimaginable hardship - food and water shortages, the absence of medical care, and the emotional toll of prolonged isolation. Yet, despite everything, their resilience and determination shone through.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Life in Rukban
Rukban is a harsh and desolate place, located on the Syrian-Jordanian border in one of the most inhospitable parts of the desert. For those who remain, survival is a daily struggle. The conditions are unforgiving: scorching heat in the summer, freezing temperatures in the winter, and a lack of infrastructure to meet even the most basic needs. The residents we spoke to shared stories of loss, displacement, and uncertainty. Many have spent years in the camp, caught in limbo with no clear path forward.
The Road Ahead
The mission to Rukban also served as a reminder of the enduring challenges that Syria faces, even as it begins to rebuild. The people of Rukban have lived through some of the darkest days of the conflict. Their resilience is a testament to the human spirit, but it is not enough on its own. They need sustained support to heal, recover, and rebuild their lives. For those who have left the camp, the journey home is fraught with uncertainty. For those who remain, the question is not just about survival, but about finding a way to live with dignity and hope.
Our commitment
Our mission in Rukban was a powerful reminder of why the work of Three Wishes is so critical. The humanitarian crisis in Syria may no longer dominate the headlines, but the needs on the ground are as urgent as ever. As we move forward, we remain committed to providing care, resources, and hope to the people of Rukban and others across Syria who have been affected by the conflict. With your support, we can ensure that the people of Syria are not forgotten, and that they have the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope for the future.