Actor Toby Jones makes a BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Action Syria, an innovative charity working with Syrian communities to ensure they have the medical care and education they need, every day and when emergencies strike.
Toby Jones is widely recognised for his appearances on screen and in the theatre. Most recently, he has completed a successful run as Iago in Othello (at the Haymarket Theatre, London) and returned to reprise his role as Colin Tattersall in the hugely successful Paramount Plus show Mobland. Other roles include Hijack, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Infamous, Mr Burton, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Jurassic World and the Harry Potter films. Toby Jones will be making a BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Action Syria. The appeal will be broadcast on Sunday, 8th March (at 7.54am and 9.25pm) and again on Thursday, 12th March (at 3.27pm).
For the first time in over a decade, families across Syria are returning home. Yet, 14 years of conflict have left 16.7 million people in Syria in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Millions remain displaced. Basic services are crumbling and healthcare is scarce. Over 7000 schools across the country have been damaged or destroyed, and for many Syrian children, the simple act of learning in a safe, supportive environment remains out of reach. At this critical moment for Syria, Action Syria – and Toby – are more determined than ever to raise money for Syrian communities as they begin to rebuild. Our appeal focuses on the story of 11-year-old Limar, who is learning in a safe classroom again thanks to the support and funding of Action Syria.
In early 2025, within months of the fall of the Assad regime, Limar and her family returned home to rural Damascus. After years of conflict and displacement, Limar was excited to go back to school. But, the school she was enrolled in was damaged and unsafe. Classrooms were overcrowded, desks were broken, and basic facilities like toilets, water and electricity were missing or damaged. Action Syria worked with local organisations in Syria to restore Limar’s school. Windows and roofs were fixed and insulated, running water repaired and classrooms repainted. Today, Limar is learning in a safe, supportive classroom once again. For children like Limar, education is central to recovery: it restores routine, supports emotional wellbeing, and helps children rebuild confidence after years of disruption. Restoring access to education is a truly life-changing experience, enabling children like Limar to learn, thrive and shape their own futures.
There are over 2 million children in Syria who are still out of school, unable to access the education they urgently need. Action Syria works with local Syrian organisations to make sure the most vulnerable receive the help and support they need.
Toby Jones says: “I first became involved with Action Syria when I read at one of their carol concerts, and I was struck by the difference they were making for Syrian communities. At such a pivotal moment for Syria, helping children return to safe education feels both urgent and hopeful. I’m honoured to share Limar’s story and to support this appeal.”
Toby’s appeal on behalf of Action Syria will air at 7.54am and 9.25pm on Sunday, 8th March, and again at 3.27pm on Thursday, 12th March.
To listen in, please visit Action Syria’s website.
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