What does the beginning of Ramadan hold in store for the people of Gaza?  The answer:  daily power outages, frequent disruptions to water supply, and raw sewage flowing into the streets where children play. The ongoing blockade means that 1.5 million people remain imprisoned in one of the most densely populated areas on our planet.  Of course, innocent women, children, and the elderly bear the lion's share of suffering. Let there be no doubt -- the human cost of this siege is nothing less than an affront to humanity. 

Continuing restrictions on imports such as diesel cause chronic power shortages, which in turn impact the delivery of water, sewage and healthcare systems, all dependent on an uninterrupted supply of electricity.  Basic food items such as flour, sugar, salt, and oil are allowed into Gaza, but at a rate which, according to the UN, only covers about half of the population's most immediate needs. Certain food items such as canned foods, coffee, and even baby  formula remain on the ‘restricted’ list and are not allowed entry.  Adobe ovens, remnants of another era, have made a comeback due to the impossibility of finding fuel for cooking.

More than 75% of Gazans are reported to be food insecure due to dearth of nutritious foods, increase in poverty, destruction of agricultural land, and the inevitable increase in prices.  Diets now consist of foods high in carbohydrates such as cereal, sugar and oil, while protein-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and poultry remain scarce.  This exasperates an already alarming situation for a malnourished population.  Already, more than two-thirds of the children are reported to be suffering from Vitamin A deficiency and almost half of children under the age of 2 are anemic.  The irreversible, long-term effects of such deficiencies include stunted growth, diminished capacity to learn, and difficulties warding off infections.   

Among the people of Gaza, the day to day struggle for survival, coupled with diminishing prospects for the future, have deepened the profound sense of hopelessness and despair.  Restoration of human dignity has been the cornerstone of Kinder USA’s work in Palestine.  This mission takes on an even greater urgency during the month of Ramadan.  By providing grants to community based organizations, KinderUSA not only serves hundreds of children through nutritional and sustainable projects, we help boost the local economy.

This Ramadan, we are once again working with local farmers and women-run cooperatives who make several types of processed food from local crops.  Families in Gaza and the West Bank will be provided with chicken, eggs, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables through our voucher program.  The food enables families to prepare nutritious nightly meals to break fast during the entire month of Ramadan and beyond.

We are asking all of our generous donors to consider a contribution -- whatever you can afford -- to assist Kinder USA in providing enough food for a child and his/her family during the entire month of Ramadan.  Keep in mind, these efforts also support impoverished local Palestinian farmers and women’s groups.

We at KinderUSA wish you a blessed Ramadan and thank you for your continued support.  Through your efforts, we can continue this worthy mission of restoring dignity and hope in the lives of Palestinian children.