Last Wednesday, the US pledged to donate $140 million to Lebanon to fund clean water and health programs to Syrian refugees and host communities. Currently, the US has provided $1.5 billion out of the projected $2.8 billion needed to cover the costs of supporting almost 2 million new inhabitants. Despite these efforts, violence broke out in Beirut as a result of growing tensions between natives and the incoming Syrian refugee population. Lebanon continues to hold the world’

As of today, Scotland has welcomed one fourth of the Syrian refugees previously settled in the UK. According to politician Ben Macpherson, “It's time for the UK Government to significantly step up its refugee resettlement efforts in the midst of what is possibly the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.” Over 1,800 refugees have arrived in Scotland since 2015, and Scotland plans to open its doors to other ethnicities escaping violence. Closer to the epicenter

Celebrations continue to erupt in Mosul after Haider al-Abadi’s declaration of the defeat of ISIS. But, with half of the city’s residents gone and over 10,000 buildings destroyed, the battle has not yet been won. Bodies of family members who did not escape the battlezone lie, deserted, amongst the rubble. On Friday, 48-year-old Sumaya Sarhan awaited the return of her brother, who was caught in an airstrike just 3 months prior. When rescue workers uncovered his remains, Sa

Today, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi entered Mosul to inform awaiting soldiers that the Old City has finally been liberated after 9 long months of conflict. Despite their resounding victory, airstrikes continue in the Western portion of the country, and casualties continue to climb well into the thousands. 60% of the territory previously owned by ISIS has been liberated by the Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, but the issue of rebuilding still remains. According

Hello everyone, and happy 4th of July! I would like to share with you the option of customized paintings. Please email me directly at acrylicdreams.spi@gmail.com with your request, and I will work with you to create the perfect picture for a loved one. You can chose between a variety of modifications, including a light/medium/heavy gloss finish, a specific color scheme, and glitter. All customized paintings start at $75, but prices may vary based on size. Thank you, and I

Hi! My name is Noor. I’m a high school student and the founder of Acrylic Dreams. I am a self-taught artist, and I have been painting since I was only 12 years old. Originally, I found acrylic paint to be both fun and versatile. Since then, I have dove into the world of digital art, traditional hand drawings, and photography. I was inspired to create this organization when my family and I moved to the Middle East in a time of great uncertainty. My classmates, peers, and