06/19/2026
Türkiye, already home to one of the world’s largest refugee communities, is under increasing strain as more people are expected to seek safety at it's border with Iran.
For Lilas Jawish, the search for safety began more than six years ago when her family fled the civil war in Syria and settled in Istanbul. Now, she's a full-time dental school student and volunteers translation services.
Like many displaced families, they faced a mix of hope, uncertainty and daily challenges. That’s where organizations like GFN member TIDER step in.
Together with the Refugee Association, TIDER helped establish a grocery‑store‑like food bank in Sultanbeyli — a district where many refugee families live. Here, people can select the food and household items that best meet their needs, preserving dignity and choice.
“If there were no support from this association and the food bank, I would have to leave my [dental] school to support my family’s basic needs,” Jawish said.
In honor of International Refugees Day, continue reading Lilas' story on our blog.
05/26/2026