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'Serving with the heart': International Volunteer Year 2026 honours the dedication and bravery of volunteers around the world, saving lives and making an impact in their communities

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Local, everywhere: Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers keep humanity strong

From mountain rescues in Iran to flood response in Yemen, from school health clubs in Lebanon to refugee camps in Jordan, volunteers respond to crises and moments of need within the very communities they call home.They are neighbours, students, parents, and friends; people who choose to act when it matters most.On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate their stories under the theme "Local, everywhere"; stories of courage, kindness, and hope that remind us that humanity knows no borders.Iran: A language of humanityHigh in the mountains of Iran, rescuer Marzieh Saki found herself in a situation where people’s lives were at risk.During a harsh winter, her team was warning hikers of avalanche risks when she saw a group of young men who didn’t respond to her calls.“I warned them, but they didn’t respond. Then, I noticed that they were using sign language,” says Marzieh. “That’s when I realized they were deaf and probably couldn’t hear my warnings.”She rushed toward them, using gestures and expressions to show them the danger.They understood and turned back, just hours before avalanches struck the same area.“That night, I couldn’t stop thinking. If I hadn’t made them understand, they might not have survived. Since then, I’ve been learning sign language and started the Deaf Volunteers Group to train rescuers on how to reach and help deaf people during emergencies.”Her quick thinking saved lives and sparked a movement for inclusion within the Iranian Red Crescent.Jordan: From a journey of displacement to a leadership role in a new communityTwin brothers Mahmoud and Ezz Al-Din Al-Hassan fled war-torn Daraa, Syria, to Jordan in 2012 with a dream to make a difference despite the challenges of displacement due to the conflict in their country.In 2017, they began volunteering with the Jordan Red Crescent, helping organize relief distributions, health campaigns, and Ramadan Iftars, and supporting children through the Orphan Sponsorship Program.Through these experiences, the brothers found belonging and purpose.They later launched their own initiative, “Plant a Smile,” to bring hope and creativity to children who faced hardship.“When you find someone who believes in you and supports you, you can start from zero and create an unforgettable impact,” they say.From refugees to community leaders, their journey shows how volunteer engagement can transform pain into purpose.Lebanon: A full circle of humanitarian inspirationIn the city of Zahlé, Lebanon, a young boy once spent his afternoons in the local park, taking part in playful weekend activities organized by the Lebanese Red Cross Youth Zahle Center.Years later, that boy - Jad Abdel Ahad - returned to the same park, not as a participant, but as a volunteer. The activities he used to participate in shaped his life far more deeply than he ever imagined. Over time, Jad’s dedication carried him from volunteer to Head of the Youth Center, where he began leading the same activities that once inspired him.As he grew in his role, Jad worked not only to animate the park with youth-led engagement but also to secure funding and ensure its continuity as a safe, vibrant community space.“Those moments shaped who I am today; they taught me about teamwork, empathy, and community spirit. When I was old enough, joining the Red Cross felt like a natural step. As Head of Youth Center now, it feels incredible to organize activities for children in the same park where I once played. I’ve seen firsthand how much these moments can inspire young people, just as they inspired me.”What began as childhood memories evolved into a sustained commitment to service, a story of coming full circle.Libya: Restoring dignity at seaIn Zuwara, Libya, one of the most memorable moments for volunteers unfolded during a late-night rescue operation for refugees who had just survived a dangerous sea crossing. Many arrived exhausted, dehydrated, and terrified after their ordeal.Among them was a young mother, who clutched her baby tightly, too frightened at first to let anyone approach him. Volunteers recall how Hidayah Ahmed Saki stepped forward with calm reassurance, offering water and gentle words until the mother slowly allowed her child to be examined.As soon as she saw her baby receive care, she began to relax and even helped comfort other women nearby.Colleagues say moments like these reflect Hidayah’s strength: her ability to meet people in distress with empathy, patience, and a quiet presence that reassures even in the most chaotic situations.Hidayah herself describes the heart of her work this way:“That moment reminded me that humanitarian work is not only about providing medical aid, but also about restoring trust and dignity. Even small gestures, like offering water or listening, can make a life-changing difference.” Her story is a reminder that in emergencies, compassion is as essential as any medical skill, and that dignity can be restored through the simplest acts of humanity.Palestine: Inclusion that transforms disabilityIn the West Bank, Mohammad Daoud once felt isolated and without direction. A wheelchair user who had faced both physical and emotional challenges, he retreated into silence after witnessing traumatic scenes during a raid on his town.When Palestine Red Crescent volunteers learned about his situation, they began visiting him regularly, offering psychological support and gentle encouragement until he slowly found his voice again. As he continued to improve, Mohammad asked to join their volunteer team.Nearly three years later, he has become a first responder, an active participant in youth activities, and a young man who continues to learn, read, write, and grow with determination.Mohammad describes how the Red Crescent transformed his life:“The Red Crescent opened doors I never imagined I could enter. My disability was never a barrier to learning and growing. Thanks to the opportunities they gave me, I became a first responder and take part in every activity. If I was able to do it, others can too.”He now uses his experience to inspire others, reminding volunteers and community members alike that determination can break any barrier and that every act of service builds a stronger, more inclusive world.Saudi Arabia: Finding joy amid painFor Zainab Mustafa Al-Abdullah of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, volunteering began with a visit to bring joy to children with cancer in Al-Ahsa.“It was one of the most beautiful initiatives I’ve taken part in,” she says. “The joy and hope on the children’s faces made me realize that life is still full of goodness.”While handing out small gifts, she met a young girl named Taraf whose words changed her outlook.“She looked at me, smiled, and said, ‘I love you. I'm grateful I’m still alive so that I can receive gifts and play with you every day.’“Those words from a nine-year-old taught me that life is beautiful despite its hardships,” says Zainab. “They made me appreciate health, gratitude, and the importance of staying hopeful.”Her story shows how acts of kindness can heal both giver and receiver.Yemen: Strength in the heartIn Hadramout, Abdullah Abubakr Habshi Assagaf joined the Yemen Red Crescent during a flood emergency. Among the people he assisted was an elderly man who struggled to walk yet worked tirelessly to support his family.“That scene made me realize the true meaning of volunteering — it is not merely a task we perform, but a feeling of responsibility and a desire to bring happiness to others,” says Abdullah.“Every time I take part in humanitarian work, I learn that true strength does not come from the body, but from the heart that never gets tired of giving.”His words echo the spirit of countless volunteers who keep giving, no matter the hardship.One humanity. Local, everywhere.Across the Middle East and North Africa, these stories reveal what "Local, everywhere" truly means.Volunteers are not waiting for change to arrive; they are the change.They remind us that humanity begins at home and radiates outward.Volunteers are the heartbeat of humanity, local in action and global in spirit.Find out more about our "Local, everywhere" campaignMore stories from the Middle East and North Africa:Healing far from home: The Egyptian Red Crescent’s lifeline for Gaza’s evacueesFighting fire with humanity: Syrian Arab Red Crescent responds as wildfires ravage villages

Statement: IFRC appalled by the killing of one Iranian Red Crescent colleague

Tehran/Beirut/Geneva, 15 March 2026: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is appalled by the death of Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh, a staff member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) from Isfahan Province, who was killed during a search and rescue operation in Tiran-o-Korun, Isfahan Province, on 8 March.Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh lost his life while carrying out his humanitarian duty to assist people affected by the ongoing hostilities. The IFRC expresses its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all IRCS colleagues. Since the outbreak of the conflict, several other IRCS staff and volunteers have also sustained injuries while carrying out their duties.The Red Crescent emblem is asymbol of protection, humanity, neutrality, and hope. Yet too often, our volunteers and staff are killed while performing life-saving work. This is unacceptable.We stand in solidarity with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and all humanitarian workers providing life-saving assistance in difficult and often dangerous conditions.The safety and protection of humanitarian personnel, as well as respect forthe Red Crescent emblem, are essential to ensure the continued delivery of impartial, life-saving assistance to people in need.Once again, our network is mourning the loss of a colleague. Any attack on humanitarians is unacceptable and must be condemned. We will never stop asking for the protection of humanitarian teams: this is a moral and legal obligation.Since the start of the year, seven members of the IFRC network have passed away while on duty.For more information: [email protected] In Beirut:Mey Al Sayegh, +961 761 744 68   In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

Statement: IFRC appalled by the killing of a Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer

Geneva, 9March 2026 - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) isappalledby the killing of a Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer while on duty on 5March 2026.Um Salama Mohammed Abdullah wasavolunteer from South Kordofan State Branch. She was on duty in the maternity ward in Al-Dilling hospital when the health facility was reportedly attacked. She was 24 years old. The IFRC sends its deepest condolences to herfamily, friends and all our Sudanese Red Crescent colleagues providing life-savingassistanceeven during thisdifficult time.TheRedCross and Red Crescent emblems aresymbolsof protection, humanity, neutrality,and hope. Yet too often,our volunteersand staffarekilledwhile performing life-saving work. The loss of Um Salama Mohammed Abdullahis a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who dedicate their lives to helping others.Any attack on humanitarian personnel weakens entire communities and compromises our ability to help the people who need it most.  The IFRC calls fortheprotectionof civilians, humanitarianworkers,and medical personnel: it is a legal and moral obligation. Ournetworkismourning,but this is not enough. The killing must end now. Humanitarians must be protected.The Sudanese Red Crescent has lost 22 colleagues on duty since the beginning of the conflict (April 2023).Since the start of the year, globally, 5 members of the IFRC networkhave passed awaywhile on duty. For more information: [email protected]   In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Lea Salwan, +41 79 245 70 49In Sudan: Anette Andresen, +249 11 01201 93, WhatsApp + 47 415 19 115

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Another Iranian Red Crescent volunteer killed while assisting others, the fourth in just five weeks: IFRC mourns 20-year-old Abolfazl Dahanavi

Tehran/Beirut/Geneva, 04 April 2026:The International Federationof Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) mourns with deep sorrow thekillingof AbolfazlDahanavi,who was only 20yearsold. Hedied onthemorning ofSaturday 4 AprilinMobarekehCounty,in theIsfahan Province,as a result ofan airstrike,while carrying out humanitarian activities.Abolfazl is the fourth Iranian Red Crescent volunteer killedin the line of dutysincethe conflictbegan on 28 February 2026. He was only 16 years old when he started volunteering for the IRCS,dedicating four yearstoserving othersbefore his life was cut short at 20.Fourvolunteershave been killedwhile saving others-in justfive weeksof conflict.This is unjustifiable.We have mourned before. We have called for protection before. We are calling again with greater urgency and outrage: the killing of humanitarianpersonnelmust stop.The Red Crescent emblem is an internationally recognizedand protectedsymbol of neutral,impartialand independenthumanitarianassistance. Those who wear it are there to help–andmustbe protected.The IFRC extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Abolfazl, and stands infullsolidarity with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and the thousands of volunteers whoseremarkable couragemust be matched with universalcommitmentto protect them asthey continueto serve people in desperate need.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Beirut:    Mey Al Sayegh, +961 761 744 68     In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 

Through rubble and loss, Iranian Red Crescent teams continue saving lives amid escalating hostilities

This article is based on the emergency response efforts as of 2 April 2026.As hostilities continue to escalate across Iran, civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, with attacks reported across 30 out of 31 provinces.In less than a month, more than 2,000 people have been killed, including women and children, and at least 21,000 injured. Many families have been forced to flee their homes, with an estimated 3 per cent of Iran’s population of around 92 million now internally displaced.Homes, neighbourhoods and essential services have been damaged, placing growing pressure on hospitals, shelters, and basic infrastructure.At the forefront of the response, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has mobilized its nationwide network of volunteers and emergency teams to support affected communities, providing life-saving assistance in some of the hardest-hit areas.Rescue amid the destructionIn the city of Salmas, in West Azerbaijan province, Iranian Red Crescent Society rescuers worked alongside the Fire Department after reports that someone was trapped beneath rubble following an attack.Specialized search and rescue teams carefully worked through the debris, eventually locating the person alive. The survivor was safely extracted and transferred for medical treatment.It is one of thousands of rescues carried out by IRCS teams since the escalation began, including children pulled from collapsed buildings and families reached in the immediate aftermath of attacks.A nationwide humanitarian responseFrom the earliest moments of the escalation, the Iranian Red Crescent Society mobilized at scale.Today, it remains the primary humanitarian actor in the country, with 529 branches activated across all 31 provinces and operations reaching 197 cities. Around 100,000 responders, including volunteers, medical teams and rescue personnel, are working around the clock to support affected communities.Search and rescue teams, ambulances, clinics, pharmacies and logistics units are all engaged in delivering life-saving assistance. So far, more than 3,500 people have been rescued from affected areas.At the same time, the response extends beyond immediate physical needs. Through a nationwide hotline, the Iranian Red Crescent has provided psychological and social support to people in distress, receiving more than 100,000 calls from across the country.In West Azerbaijan province, where families displaced by the hostilities have been relocated to emergency shelters, psychosocial support teams are present on site, with a particular focus on supporting children and families as they cope with trauma, fear and loss.Pressure, danger and lossDespite the scale of the response, the operating environment remains extremely challenging.Eighteen IRCS centres have been struck, and nearly 100 ambulances have been damaged or destroyed — critical assets in a context where they often represent the only chance of survival for those injured.Relief workers themselves have not been spared. Three IRCS members have been killed while carrying out their humanitarian duties, includingSomayeh Mir Abu Es’haq, who lost her life during an attack while on duty in Isfahan Province, andHamidreza Jahanbakhsh, who was killed earlier during a search and rescue operation,and Alireza Sohbatloo, who was killed in an attack while providing services at a Red Crescent clinic in Zanjan. As of 1 April 2026, at least 17 other colleagues have been injured while in the line of duty since the escalation began.For many responders, these challenges are not only operational, but deeply personal.In Qom, an IRCS first responder was confronted with the devastating reality of recovering his aunt and her husband from beneath the rubble, alongside a young child.Such moments reflect a broader truth. Many responders are not only witnessing tragedy, they are living it.It is a stark reminder of the burden carried by humanitarian workers, continuing to save lives under immense pressure, even while grieving their own loved ones.Continuing despite the challengesDespite the immense challenges, support continues to come from across the country, both through organized response efforts and individual acts of solidarity.A young barber, Alireza Kazemi, also known as Kenzo, has been volunteering his services to Iranian Red Crescent Society rescuers, offering haircuts to help lift morale during long and demanding shifts.“I wanted them and their families to feel a bit better despite these conditions. I worked from 1:45 PM yesterday until 5:00 AM this morning to provide this service, and we will continue working to reach other areas,” he said.“I was outside Iran, but when the escalation began, I felt the need to come back and provide my services here. I want to help my people in any way I can.”Scaling up support for the responseThe IFRC and its network is supporting the Iranian Red Crescent Society by scaling up critical resources to sustain the response.An initial allocation of 1.5 million Swiss francs from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) has enabled the rapid procurement of essential medical supplies and protective equipment for frontline responders.In addition, a 40 million Swiss franc Emergency Appeal has been launched to support up to 5 million people affected by the crisis. Through this appeal, the IFRC is providing operational support and facilitating international procurement and delivery of critical relief items.You can support the Iranian Red Crescent Society’s response and help reach more people in need by contributing to the IFRC Emergency Appealhere.

Empress Shōken Fund announces 2026 funding decisions

The Joint Commission of theEmpress Shōken Fund (ESF) has announced a new distribution of funds, totalling 430,884 Swiss francs, which will support 15 projects run by 15 National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies. The Commission is administered by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).The projects chosen cover a variety of issues, including disaster preparedness, first aid and rescue, health, social welfare and youth engagement.The countries where the projects are being implemented are Botswana, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, Guatemala, Iceland, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), Latvia, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania.The ESF received 68 applications last year for the 105th distribution of income, the highest number ever, reflecting growing demand for innovation across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.In 2025, the ESF continued strengthening its pipeline of innovation initiatives by reinforcing the rigour of its application, review and learning processes. This resulted in clearer selection criteria, structured experimentation and learning expectations, and stronger peer-to-peer support for applicants, including mentors from theSolferino Academy network, some of whom are past ESF grantees.As a result, the quality of applications continued to improve, with proposals demonstrating greater clarity, stronger learning intent and more deliberate approaches to replication. This positive trend confirms the value of the ESF’s focus on innovation, experimentation and learning. It also highlights the ongoing need to support National Societies as they test and scale new approaches to increase humanitarian impact.The first ESF grant was awarded in 1921 to help five European National Societies fight the spread of tuberculosis. Since then, more than 17million Swiss francs have been allocated to 175 National Societies for a total of 795 initiatives. The grants are announced every year on 11April, the anniversary of the death of Her Majesty Empress Shōken, known for her charity work and for being one of the founders of the Japanese Red Cross Society.2026 grantsDisaster preparedness and early warningCosta Rica: Resilient Indigenous TerritoriesIndigenous communities often face delays in emergency response due to their geographic isolation and limited access to services. This initiative strengthens local preparedness by training and equipping Indigenous volunteers as first responders, combining modern emergency practices with traditional knowledge. Its culturally grounded, community-led model improves response times while offering a replicable approach for other remote and marginalized communities.Sao Tome and Principe: Aqua-AlertCoastal communities face increasing risks from flooding, erosion and climate-related hazards but have limited early warning capacity. Aqua-Alert introduces enhanced digital monitoring and early warning systems to improve anticipation and response. By combining local data collection with accessible communication tools, it strengthens community resilience and offers a scalable model for small island contexts.Indonesia: AldebaranMany hazard-prone communities lack continuous access to preparedness information. Aldebaran addresses this gap through an AI-powered platform paired with youth-led “agents of change” who provide ongoing localized support. By combining technology with human engagement, it ensures accessible, real-time guidance and builds a sustainable, youth-driven preparedness ecosystem.Botswana: Circular Solutions for ResiliencePoor waste management contributes to environmental degradation and increased flood risks in vulnerable areas. This initiative establishes a recycling hub that transforms automotive waste into usable products, reducing environmental hazards while creating income opportunities. Its circular economy approach links climate resilience and livelihoods in a model that can be replicated in similar contexts.First aid and rescueLatvia: First Aid for Every ChildChildren often lack access to appropriate first-aid education despite being key actors in emergencies. This initiative develops an accessible, child-friendly training system tailored to different age groups. By making first-aid learning engaging and inclusive, it builds life-saving skills early and creates a foundation for long-term community resilience.Egypt: The Creative RescuerTraditional disaster preparedness approaches often fail to engage young people effectively. This initiative introduces creative, experiential learning methods to make preparedness more engaging and practical. By testing alternative education formats, it aims to improve retention and behaviour change, offering strong potential for adaptation across other National Societies.Health and well-beingDenmark: Y2Y-VOICESYouth perspectives are often underrepresented in mental health discussions and programming. Y2Y-VOICES addresses this gap through a peer-to-peer learning and mentoring model where young volunteers co-create advocacy campaigns. By combining storytelling, communication skills and psychosocial support, it empowers young people to shape mental health narratives while strengthening their own well-being and connectedness.Chile: Caring for CaregiversVolunteers face increasing psychosocial pressure, and this and the lack of structured support systems leads to burnout and attrition. This initiative pilots a preventive psychosocial support model across multiple branches, including peer support spaces, self-care training and psychological first aid. By institutionalizing volunteer care, it strengthens both individual well-being and overall organizational resilience.Social welfare and inclusionIceland: Project SamfléttaRefugee women often face isolation and barriers to accessing services and employment. Project Samflétta addresses this through an adaptive support model combining practical assistance, skills development and improved service navigation. Its iterative approach allows for continuous learning and adjustment, supporting long-term inclusion and empowerment.North Macedonia: House of OpportunitiesPeople experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty often struggle to navigate fragmented support systems. This initiative creates a multifunctional service hub that brings together essential services in one place, supported by a simplified mapping approach. By improving access and coordination, it offers a practical, replicable model for inclusive service delivery.Youth engagement and climate/environmental actionPakistan: YOUR-CAPUrban youth are often under-engaged in climate resilience efforts despite being key agents of change. YOUR-CAP supports youth teams in designing and testing local climate solutions through training, mentoring and small grants. With the addition of a Youth Wellness Corner, it provides light psychosocial support, recognizing the link between climate action and well-being.Lao PDR: Youth Engagement & Leadership StrengtheningYouth engagement is often informal and lacks continuity. This initiative builds a structured pathway from recruitment to leadership through orientations, camps, clubs and small grants. By systematizing youth engagement, it creates a sustainable model for long-term volunteer development.Tanzania: Youth-Led Climate Resilience Innovation LabsCommunities need locally adapted, low-cost climate solutions. This initiative establishes youth-led innovation labs where young people co-create and test practical adaptation measures with communities. By linking innovation and preparedness, it strengthens both local resilience and youth leadership.Guatemala: Blue GuardiansWhile water ecosystems are under increasing pressure, youth engagement in environmental action remains limited. Blue Guardians establishes a Youth Water Observatory and supports youth-led monitoring, clean-ups, reforestation and awareness campaigns. Its built-in learning design compares approaches to identify the most effective models for scale.Congo: J-INNOVCommunities affected by recurrent crises often lack access to affordable and repairable tools. J‑INNOV establishes humanitarian fab labs to train youth innovators and develop locally produced solutions. By combining innovation, skills development and micro-enterprise incubation, it creates sustainable, locally driven responses to recurring challenges.The Joint Commission of the Empress Shōken Fund warmly congratulates all the 2026 ESF grantees and looks forward to learning with them as they bring these initiatives to life across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Between sirens and hope: Magen David Adom in Israel continues to provide emergency relief to communities impacted by conflict

This article is based on the emergency response efforts as of 2 April 2026.In Israel, Magen David Adom (MDA) has raised its alert level to maximum, mobilizing all ambulances, intensive care units, emergency motorcycles, and rapid response vehicles nationwide.MDA teams have treated and transported more than 1,700 injured people to hospitals, providing lifesaving care in several cities impacted by missile attacks.They are also conducting secondary transfers of bedridden and ventilated patients from non-sheltered facilities to protected locations, while leading a national blood-donation campaign in secure sites and offering public webinars with clear, life-saving guidance for civilians during missile attacks.Here are the stories of three MDA first responders who share their frustrations and sadness about what they’ve experienced, as well as the satisfaction, pride and hope that comes when lives are saved.‘A feeling of helplessness’“This is something that I will probably, I'll carry with me for life, the feeling of helplessness in being able to help someone in such a dire experience,”says Magen David Adom paramedic Avigail Danino, who was among the first responders who treated the injured after a missile strike on Beit Shemesh in Israel, where nine people were killed and dozens injured.“Sunday morning when the [missile] fall in Beit Shemesh happened, I was one of the paramedics on call with an ambulance,”she recalls. “Once I arrived at the scene I understood that there was a complex destruction area.“One of the people that I had to treat was someone who lives by the crash site. Additionally, he has a brother who lives nearby the crash site, and he knew that his brother went[there] during the sirens to the safe place where the crash occurred.”That’s when the man saw emergency medical personnel removing a body from the place where the missile struck.“He saw a gurney with a body bag over it and he recognized his brother's shoes, and that's how he understood that his brother was killed during the missile attack.”Frustration that ‘doesn’t go away’Magen David Adom volunteer EMT Reuven Harow was also among the first responders who treated the injured after the same missile strike on Beit Shemesh in Israel.“I got here at that point we just looked for how can we help and the way to help find somebody who needs help and take them to the hospital,” he says, recalling the team’s rapid response.“I found a woman who was having trouble breathing. I put her in the ambulance and took her and we got her out of here and then I came back and went to see what else I could do to help.Harow says that as a volunteer for Magen David Adom, he feels proud that he can help friends and neighbors in the city where he grew up and raised a family. “The fact that I can put on my shirt or I can put on my emergency vest, and I can go out and I can help people, and it's a tremendous feeling of satisfaction that I get from the work that I do.”But he adds that because this is happening in his hometown, “the level of frustration that you feel when you can't fix something, it doesn't go away.”'It was a surreal moment' — an MDA paramedic welcomed new life amid the sirensMDA Paramedic Elad Pas was transporting a woman in labor from one of the Bedouin communities in southern Israel, when he realized that the baby was about to be born, and that he would need to deliver the baby himself.“The baby was born blue and wasn’t breathing,” he recalled. “We had to provide ventilation until his condition improved, and he began breathing on his own.”During those tense minutes, the team provided professional medical care while also following safety procedures due to alarms sounding in the area.“It was a surreal moment,” said Elad, who is himself a father of five who has served with Magen David Adom for twenty years. “On one hand, the background noise of sirens and uncertainty; on the other, a newborn baby — a powerful symbol of life and hope. All I wanted was to protect him and give him one more moment of safety.”For Elad, the experience reflects the deeper meaning of his work. “When I’m with a patient, I am completely there for that person,” he explained. “We often face people’s most difficult moments and sometimes, like this time, their very first.”He added that this constant encounter with the extremes of life provides perspective and inner strength. “It reminds me to appreciate health, family, and the everyday things we often take for granted. We see sorrow and loss, but also incredible moments of humanity and renewal.”“Magen David Adom brings together people from all parts of Israeli society — Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, young and old, united by one mission: saving lives. I only wish that this spirit of solidarity could spread further. It truly shows what is possible.”The newborn and his mother are both well.

Lives on Hold: Inside Lebanon’s growing displacement crisis

Within this exodus are people like Layla, Adnan, and Nancy. Their stories bridge the gap between tragedy and hope, highlighting the critical humanitarian lifeline provided by the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), in partnership with the IFRC.Layla’s storyLayla cannot remember the exact date she urgently fled Burj al-Barajneh, a municipality located on the south side of the capital Beirut.“At the beginning of the hostilities, the first strike hit near our home. I grabbed my children and leftin panic.”The streets were chaotic, crowded with people on foot more than in cars.“That first night, we slept on the beach in Ramlet al-Baida. It was very cold. We were exhausted.”After moving from place to place, Layla and her five children eventually found shelter at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut, where they now live.Managed by the Lebanese Red Cross, the Sports city is Lebanon’s largest collective shelter, hosting more than 1,200 displaced people. The Lebanese Red Cross also provides essential aid nationwide—blankets, mattresses, ready-to-eat meals, bread, and safe drinking water—ensuring support reaches those most in need.“We are six. The situation is difficult, but we thank God. I still don’t know if our home is damaged,” she says.Her youngest, four years old, screams whenever she hears drones or airplanes; she also suffers from heart problems.While her older daughter panics during shelling, and her sons remain silent — “but you can see the fear in their eyes”, Leila adds.Despite everything, Layla expresses gratitude: “The Lebanese Red Cross is doing everything they can. Even their kindness and smiles make a difference.”Her requests are simple—hot water for the children, clothes and shoes, and some fresh food beyond canned items. This is her second displacement in less than two years, and she is still waiting—for safety, and the chance to return home.Adnan’s story“My name is Adnan, and I’m fourteen years old. We fled from Shiyah at the start of March.”He now lives with his family of five in the Sports city shelter.“Being in a shelter is better than nothing, and better than living on the streets,” he says.Adnan misses his school and friends; he studies remotely via lessons sent over WhatsApp. When asked what he wishes for, he answers simply: “I hope the escalation ends. God willing.”Nancy’s Story: ‘The Red Cross is my safe place’“My name is Nancy, and I’m twenty years old. I study psychology at the Lebanese University.”Nancy was displaced from Tyre, a coastal city in southern Lebanon.She now works at the Sports city shelter, supporting displaced families on the ground, while her parents are staying at a separate Lebanese Red Cross-managed shelter at Antelias High School.“I help people with their needs because they are living in the same conditions as I am,” she says. “Being on the ground keeps me stable. Without this work, my mental state would be completely shattered.”Having experienced previous displacements, Nancy emphasizes the importance of psychological support, adding: “Being displaced is never easy. It’s very hard to leave your life, your home, your family, friends, and your university—and not know whether they’ll be safe today or tomorrow”.“The Lebanese Red Cross is my safe space. When I put on this uniform, I feel at home and able to help others.”The broader responseThe Lebanese Red Cross is Lebanon’s main provider of ambulance services, operating 125 ambulances, 12 Mobile Medical Units, and 29 health centers (with some temporarily closed due to the security situation).Sixteen Emergency Operations Rooms coordinate with authorities to support shelter operations, monitor displacement, and plan the humanitarian response. To support hospitals, the LRC maintains an emergency blood supply.IFRC support is critical in sustaining these services. With a CHF 2 million allocation through the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund and an extended Emergency Appeal, the IFRC helps ensure ambulance services, health care, blood supply, and relief assistance reach displaced families across Lebanon.The most urgent needs remain shelter, food, emergency medical access, and psychological support, as families arrive with few belongings and no clear timeline for returning home.Through the courage and resilience of people like Layla, Adnan, and Nancy, and the dedication of the Lebanese Red Cross with IFRC support, vital humanitarian aid continues to reach those most in need in Lebanon’s largest shelters.Story by Mey Al SayeghHead of communications for IFRC's Middle East and North Africa region