VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — As the instability inside Iran continues, more and more individuals and families are searching for safety. And as the conflict escalates, the fear of an increase of citizens leaving Iran for help is growing.

Organizations like Operation Blessing are preparing for an influx of refugees.

“The big challenges is most people are fleeing in response to the conflict and the violence,” said Drew Friedrich, Operation Blessing president. “And so, they don’t have a great plan when they cross into Armenia, so that’s the despair they might have is sort of not knowing what’s next, or where to even settle.”

And that is where Operation Blessing comes into play.

They are working with churches and other organizations inside Yervan, Armenia’s capital city, to go to the border with Iran and assist Iranian refugees. They are helping with food boxes, hygiene supplies and other emergency aide.

“We’ve seen video and talk to our staff about people literally dragging suitcases across the border,” Friedrich said. “If you can drive, that’s great. But again, it’s about a 24-hour drive from Tehran all the way to the capital of Armenia, which is Yerevan. And so, they’re usually getting as close as they can. They’re walking across these border cities.”

Since 2009 Operation Blessing has been operating in Armenia, and over the years has seen refugees from Iran from past conflicts. It is a region that is dangerous to be in and in need of humanitarian relief.

“So the sense we have is that they’re not in imminent danger in Armenia,” Friedrich said. “Obviously, there’s no way to know that for sure. It seems like some of the bombing has been kind of indiscriminate. I think it’s been 13 countries the last time I saw, so you’ve always got to be mindful, … got to be careful. Again, that’s the benefit of having church partners, church networks and good relationships with the government in Armenia is they’re kind of keeping us in the loop of what’s happening, making sure that we’re as safe as possible.”

Since last June the Global Disaster Response team has helped thousands of Iranians who have entered Armenia.

“There’s this sense of hope of what might be,” Friedrich said. “They’ve been praying for the end of this repressive regime for a very long time. And so there’s hope that there may be freedom on the horizon. At the same time, obviously, they’re fleeing a conflict zone where there’s death and destruction and despair.”

To follow Operation Blessing’s efforts or to support its disaster relief work, please visit https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/.

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