In 2023 and 2024 the Ead Samawi Foundation supported ICRC’s Too Big To Fail (TbtF) Water Project in Syria, a critical initiative addressing the country’s deteriorating water infrastructure. Years of armed conflict had left a devastating mark on Syria’s critical infrastructure, particularly its water facilities. Essential infrastructure across the country – particularly the seven key water facilities serving millions of Syrians – was at risk of collapse, owing to the protracted crisis. Without immediate intervention, entire communities faced the prospect of losing access to safe water, and not being able to meet their essential needs. Against this backdrop, the ICRC acted decisively to prevent the total breakdown of essential infrastructure, prioritizing the stabilization of the country’s main water stations. As a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian actor, the ICRC worked with local authorities and partners, and leveraged its expertise in water engineering to ensure that water services remained operational, preventing further deterioration. The Too Big to Fail project aims to stabilize the water production and delivery service from the seven largest critical water facilities in Syria, serving 12 million people by 2026. Through this initiative, the ICRC is working to ensure that these services remain resilient, mitigating the risk of further decline and shielding communities from the dire humanitarian consequences of infrastructure collapse. Comprehensive technical assessments were completed for the Al Khafsa water treatment plant – responsible for supplying Aleppo and surrounding areas as well as five additional stations in Homs, Lattakia/Tartus, Hama, Damascus, and Daraa. Urgent stabilization measures began in 2022 and remain ongoing, underscoring the ICRC’s commitment to safeguarding essential services and protecting the well-being of millions amid ongoing hardship. – Majed Samawi