As many of you are aware, Palestinians remain the largest refugee population worldwide lingering in an untenable condition.  For many parents, rising food prices in the West Bank and Gaza contribute to ongoing food insecurity for their children.  In Ramadan, many families were unable to prepare a nutritious meal after a day of fasting.  "Food insecurity" is a condition whereby people lack sustainable access to nutritious food to maintain a healthy life.  Palestinian families face unbearable obstacles with estimates of 43% of the population living below the poverty line of $2.30 a day and 15% in absolute poverty.

Standing alone, the never ending siege continues, locking people in an open prison.  Now in its third year, the blockade has ruined the living conditions of the entire population.  John Ging, the director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza recently stated, “The humanitarian situation here in Gaza continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate for the ordinary poor citizens."

1.5 million Gazan’s, over half who are children, endure the rapid deterioration of livelihoods while forgoing any aspirations of a future.  The senseof hopelessness was recently captured in a survey conducted by Save the Children Sweden whereby adult and child alike expressed “feelings of constant insecurity and powerlessness.”

During the month of Ramadan, Kinder USA was able to provide food to over 1600 families in both the West Bank and Gaza, with 8 or more members in each family.  In many of the families, 10 to 13 children were the norm, while in the West Bank village of Yatta, many of the beneficiary children and young adults were not only in desperate need, but physically challenged.

In Gaza 30 local farmers who have watched their livelihoods disintegrate over the years due to the blockade, benefitted from the project along with women-led cooperatives who prepared maftool (a traditional dish made of burghal), pressed dates, thyme, and honey for distribution.  Families shopped with vouchers, each worth $110 purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry and dairy products to carry them through the month.

Cooperating with the Charitable Consumer Market in the village of Yatta, families were able to shop not only for fresh foods, but also consumables such as oil, seasonings and all that is needed to complete the family meal. 

Fayza, whose husband died of cancer some years ago, raises her 6 six school-age children without an income, subsisting on monthly dry food rations provided by various organizations.  Shy and not willing to speak, her children thanked all who made it possible for them eat a nutritious meal throughout the month of Ramadan. 

Our project is continuing through the end of the year as the need is great and ever growing.  Restoration of human dignity in the lives of Palestinians has been the cornerstone of Kinder USA’s work and through grants to community-based organizations, as during our Ramadan project, we not only help to boost the local economy, but also lay the foundation for a future that serves the best interest of children. All of us at Kinder USA know that nothing substitutes an environment of peace, stability and prosperity but until that day, our work continues with your support.  Thank you.