In the annals of humanitarian history, few organizations have left as indelible a mark as Near East Relief (NER). Founded amidst the chaos of World War I and the Armenian Genocide, NER’s story is one of unprecedented altruism, resilience, and the mobilization of global compassion.
The year was 1915 when the Ottoman Empire began what would later be recognized as the Armenian Genocide, along with massacres of other Christian minorities. News of these atrocities reached the West, stirring the hearts of philanthropists, missionaries, and influential figures like Henry Morgenthau, Sr., the U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. They formed the American Committee on Armenian Atrocities, which would soon transform into Near East Relief in 1919, reflecting an expanded mission to aid all suffering in the region.
The scale and scope of NER’s operations were monumental. Through campaigns like the ‘Golden Rule’ Sunday, where 120,000 churches collected donations, NER raised over $110 million, which today would be billions. This financial support allowed them to feed, clothe, and house over a million refugees. They established over 400 orphanages, schools, and medical facilities across the region, including the creation of the famous Armenian Orphan Rug, woven by Armenian girls as a thank you to President Calvin Coolidge for American aid.
The logistics of delivering aid to these war-torn areas were daunting. NER staff often risked their lives, navigating through hostile territories to set up relief stations, orphanages, and medical units. Their efforts were not just about immediate relief; they were also about laying the groundwork for future stability through education and vocational training.
As a token of appreciation and a badge of honor, NER awarded its workers with a medal. This bronze Near East Relief Medal, designed by Gordon C. Aymar, was not just a symbol of recognition but a tangible piece of history. Each medal bore symbols representing the unity of the diverse peoples NER sought to help, with inscriptions celebrating the ‘faithful and unselfish service to humanity.’ While the medal itself is a fascinating artifact, it serves here as a symbol of the broader humanitarian efforts that defined NER’s legacy.
The impact of Near East Relief’s work extended far beyond the immediate relief provided. It set precedents for international humanitarian aid. By transitioning to the Near East Foundation in 1930, the organization shifted its focus towards sustainable development, aiming for long-term community empowerment. This evolution saw NER’s orphanages morph into schools and universities, fostering a new generation of leaders in the Near East. Their efforts also played a critical role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the affected communities, notably through projects like the Armenian rug for the White House.
NER’s model of operation influenced subsequent humanitarian organizations, demonstrating that global cooperation and compassion could not only alleviate suffering but also rebuild societies.
In conclusion, Near East Relief’s story is not just about the aid given; it’s about the awakening of global civic responsibility. The organization’s efforts during one of the 20th century’s darkest periods remind us of the power of collective action driven by empathy. The medal, while a beautiful historical artifact, encapsulates this spirit—a reminder of when humanity chose to unite in aid rather than divide in conflict. As we reflect on NER’s history, it challenges us to consider how we can continue this legacy in today’s world, facing its unique crises with the same resolve and international solidarity.
