Bashar is a Syrian artist in Germany bringing stories to the stage with the magic of his mobile theater. He's part of the IRC's business training program, supported by Citi Foundation.

Ahlan Simsim Episode

Sesame Street and the IRC Team Up for Refugee Children

Over 35 million children are living as refugees with no chance to go home anytime soon—but less than three percent of humanitarian aid goes to education.

Alex Cruz is a shelter specialist at the IRC's welcome center for asylum-seeking families in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite being in constant pain from health issues she’s had since birth, Alex chooses to focus on assisting families looking for safety and protection. “My job is the only reason I get up in the morning,” she says. Read her story.

'Ahlan Simsim' is a new, local, Arabic-language version of 'Sesame Street' designed to help young refugees in the Middle East cope with crisis. It's part of a larger education partnership between the International Rescue Committee and Sesame Workshop.

In November 2019, Tecle Gebremicheal became the first refugee from Africa to run for local office in Boise, Idaho. “When I first came to America, I promised myself that I will do everything I can to give back to the country and community that welcomed me,” he says. “I want to show that when refugees come here, we try to integrate and contribute however we can.”

Actor and IRC Ambassador Mandy Patinkin and businesswoman and philanthropist Cindy McCain recently visited the International Rescue Committee's welcome center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandy and Cindy sat down to talk about the need for the U.S. to remain a safe haven for people escaping violence and persecution.

In an episode of Oprah's Book Club, Oprah Winfrey shares the story of Nadia, who left Honduras to escape violence when her daughter was only four months old. The harrowing journey of over 2,000 miles to the U.S.-Mexico border took seven months. The International Rescue Committee and our partners are helping women like Nadia and their families on both sides of the border. See our reading list about seeking asylum.

In an episode of Oprah's Book Club, Oprah Winfrey shares the stories of women who have fled growing violence in northern Central America but have been unable to find sanctuary in the United States because of new U.S. policies.