In Gaza, Women, who account for 49% of the population, bear a heavy share of the burden of economic strangulation imposed by the 11 year blockade. During that time, the number of women seeking employment has increased 200%. Many of these women are highly educated and now find themselves as the breadwinners of their family…
Gaza: Our Duty, Our Children Join us for an event that is sure to both educate and engage guests, informing them of the people and communities we are serving during the month of Ramadan. In the exotic ambience of Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale California, keynote speaker, Dr. Saree Makdisi will discuss the plight of the…
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating on all levels in a downward spiral demanding immediate intervention to prevent a total collapse.
There is a continued sense of despair with 80% of the population relying on aid to survive. Electricity, for those fortunate enough to have it, runs about 5-6 hours a day disrupting basic services to hospitals, health clinics, sewage and water treatment facilities. Three hospitals and ten medical centers have already suspended services due to lack of fuel impacting 300,000 people. According to the World Bank, “access to improved drinking water sources in Gaza declined to one of the worst in the world today”, further reporting that “96% of the water is not suitable for human consumption”.
The blockade on Gaza, now in its 11th year, prevents people and goods from moving, leaving the population isolated and trapped. In 2017, 54 Gazan’s died awaiting ‘permission’ to receive vital treatment outside.
In Gaza, Women, who account for 49% of the population, bear a heavy share of the burden of economic strangulation imposed by the 11 year blockade. During that time, the number of women seeking employment has increased 200%. Many of these women are highly educated and now find themselves as the breadwinners of their family after their spouses are either incapacitated from injury or deceased.
Such is the case of Nisreen, a widow caring for her 7 children. She lost her husband to cancer 5 years ago and has struggled to survive ever since. In Gaza, cancer is a death sentence, and not for lack of expertise, but rather for lack of proper treatment due to the siege.
Living in a two room house with no doors, windows, electricity, nor safe water and sanitation, life for Nisreen and her children is unbearable. Her older children want to help, but they too find they increasingly have no options for employment. This kind of despair has led many to the borders over the past few weeks to demonstrate their frustration and desperation.
Sadly, many of the youth have lost all hope, turning to drugs and other negative outlets to help them cope. Children are forced to drop out of school and work in risky occupations to help put food on the table. Cuts to UNRWA, which provides critical services to over 75% of Gaza’s population coupled with non-payment of salaries are leading to a complete collapse across all sectors.
“The lives of these children and their families have value and cannot be taken with impunity,” said Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, KinderUSA Chair, “We have to help replace despair with hope, reminding the global community that Gaza’s children belong to all of us.”
With that in mind, we at KinderUSA along with our implementing partner, Beit Lahia, have implemented a project ensuring food security for 38 female-headed households through the donation 200 chicks along with the essential tools and training required. Nisreen and 37 other women will raise chicks for roasting and laying hens to be included in our Ramadan food package distribution. KinderUSA purchases from the women and will replenish their stock at the close of the month allowing them to sell on the open market to care for their families. With enough support, we can expand this project so that it benefits more families in need, offering them a source of income and dignity throughout the year.
Gaza: Our Duty, Our Children
Join us for an event that is sure to both educate and engage guests, informing them of the people and communities we are serving during the month of Ramadan. In the exotic ambience of Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale California, keynote speaker, Dr. Saree Makdisi will discuss the plight of the Palestinian children in Gaza and the events that continue to make it unlivable for any human being along with the stunning level of international indifference. Please take a moment to read here Dr. Makdisi’s recent op-ed in the LA times challenging the media and others to tell the truth about Gaza. You will not want to miss his much-anticipated presentation.
In the spirit of Ramadan, our program will also feature Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council and Jihad Turk, President of the Bayan Institute at Claremont College. Throughout the evening, you will have opportunities to purchase items from Palestine and make donations supporting our work through the month of Ramadan.
At a time when it is imperative to show our support for the children in Palestine, you are encouraged to attend. Buy your tickets now here, or at the door where ticket prices for Adults, Students, and Children are $75, $55, and $25. We all look forward to seeing you there!
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating on all levels in a downward spiral demanding immediate intervention to prevent a total collapse.
There is a continued sense of despair with 80% of the population relying on aid to survive. Electricity, for those fortunate enough to have it, runs about 5-6 hours a day disrupting basic services to hospitals, health clinics, sewage and water treatment facilities. Three hospitals and ten medical centers have already suspended services due to lack of fuel impacting 300,000 people. According to the World Bank, “access to improved drinking water sources in Gaza declined to one of the worst in the world today”, further reporting that “96% of the water is not suitable for human consumption”.
The blockade on Gaza, now in its 11th year, prevents people and goods from moving, leaving the population isolated and trapped. In 2017, 54 Gazan’s died awaiting ‘permission’ to receive vital treatment outside.
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