As the year draws to a close, we look back with appreciation on all of those who supported our work in 2023

I know that I speak not only for myself but also for many of my friends and colleagues, when I share that 2023 was one of the most difficult years to be a human rights advocate, especially one working in the Middle East. Whereas 2022 brought the conviction of Syrian perpetrator Anwar Raslan for crimes against humanity, and therefore, some motivation and validation of our work, 2023 brought the devastating earthquakes that destroyed so many lives and displaced - once again - Syrians who had been rebuilding their lives. We are also witnessing the ongoing invasion of Russia against Ukraine, and now the end of 2023 has brought unparalleled suffering to the Palestinian people as civilians - children - are killed, maimed, and displaced by the Israeli government citing its right to self defense, and increased bombardment of northwest Syria by Regime and Russian forces.

It is easy to become demoralized and lose faith in humanity and in the systems that are supposed to protect us uphold the rule of law, but I am sustained by the strength and commitment of my colleagues and our partners, many of whom I am also proud to call my friends. We are grateful for the support of individual donors who have trusted in us to use their hard-earned money wisely in support of human rights defenders and survivors of torture, sexual violence, and other human rights violations. 

We organized 3 fundraising campaigns in 2023, one to support our partners in the wake of the earthquakes, one organized by a generous new friend to Synergy - lawyer Joyce De Coninck - as she ran the NYC marathon in support of Synergy, and now our end-of-year campaign, which we hope will fuel our ability to translate our technical guidance for human rights defenders on the ground who need legal resources. 

I’m proud to share that we have 100% giving by the Synergy for Justice core team, so you can trust that we not only work here, but we also believe enough to donate and support our colleagues in the field. In the spirit of the holidays and the hope that a new year brings, please consider making a donation to Synergy for Justice. Your gift will make a direct impact by supporting human rights defenders on the ground who are fighting every day for justice. Together we will take one step closer to a world where human rights and international laws are respected. 

Happy holidays to you and your families. May the season be one of joy, celebration, and warmth, and may 2024 bring peace and happiness to all of us who share this complicated world.