“Fuel is really a problem for everyone, along with electricity. Families cannot store food, nor can they cook. As a team we made the decision to distribute prepared meals so families can eat nutritiously,” said Loubane, Executive Director of FingerPrint of Change. Linked to the global food and fuel crisis coupled with three years of…
Wafa, a student from northern California, is working on her Masters in Public Health. For the past six weeks she has been volunteering with our partner the Women’s Center in Shu’fat camp gathering data and working alongside the amazing team. Shu’fat camp, located in East Jerusalem, houses an estimated 125,000 occupants, many of whom are…
Hammam, a 36 year old father of 7 is one of the families who struggles daily to feed his children. Like many fathers his age, job opportunities are non-existent so he, along with his wife, collect plastic dishes, sterilizes, and sells them for approximately $4 a day. Living in a one room house donated to…
Zana, a mother of 9, was abandoned by her husband 3 years ago, unable to cope with the various medical needs several of his children needed and no funds to meet the demands. “He left me facing life alone after discovering that his children suffer from a severe deficiency in the immune system. I am…
A recent report published by Save the Children (SC) found that four out of five children in Gaza suffer from depression, sadness, and fear resulting from a 15-year blockade that witnessed “six life threatening situations” which includes deadly assaults on the population and a pandemic. KinderUSA is providing some relief with our Gaza summer camp…
Gazans continue to struggle in a region with massive unemployment, toxic water, and crumbling infrastructure under a blockade of land and sea for 15 years. Food and fuel enter Gaza based upon “mathematical formulas” determined by the occupying forces, in a drip-feeding fashion, or just “enough for survival” according to the Amnesty International February 2022…
Life in Lebanon is difficult for most people the economic free fall, COVID-19, and the conflict next door in Syria. Palestinian and Syrian refugees live 88 percent below “minimal survival conditions,” according to a UN representative. Many families are food insecure with both petrol and food prices soaring and out of reach for most placing…
This Ramadan the need was great and our efforts together have made the difference in the lives of thousands of children and their loved ones. Ferial is a widow caring for 8 members of her family. At 69 years of age, her health is deteriorating, in addition to suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder since the…
Seventy percent of the workforce in rural areas of Gaza is performed by women as laborers. Many of these women will do most anything to feed their families, earning sometimes as little as $1 a day. Working with our partner the Palestine Environmental Friends (PEF), KinderUSA funded through generous donors the Women Empowerment through farming…
Once again, Muslim and Christian worshippers have been attacked during the sacred days of Easter and Ramadan. Acts of provocation designed to instigate further conflict require Palestinians to exercise restraint as they do their best to observe the holiday rituals. Our work during the month of Ramadan attempts to ease the suffering so many families…
“Fuel is really a problem for everyone, along with electricity. Families cannot store food, nor can they cook. As a team we made the decision to distribute prepared meals so families can eat nutritiously,” said Loubane, Executive Director of FingerPrint of Change.
Linked to the global food and fuel crisis coupled with three years of severe economic and financial crisis, Lebanon is witnessing public services failing its population while the price of food items soars out of reach for most. With the war in Ukraine where 70% of Lebanon’s wheat came from along with depleted reserves due to the explosion in Beirut’s’ port, wheat is very difficult to procure, and families wait for hours in line for bread.
Palestinians living in the camps in Lebanon are not able to secure enough food to feed their families. With prices for food, medicine, fuel and rent continuing to rise, the level of poverty among Palestinian refugees is also increasing, now recorded at 86 percent according to the United Nation.
This is equally true for Syrians in informal settlements across the country, and impoverished Lebanese many of whom are now homeless. Access to healthcare, electricity, and clean water is also out of reach with families turning to aid groups for assistance.
Our partner on the ground, FingerPrint of Change, has begun distribution of freshly prepared food to 1600 families in the camps of Sabra and Shatila and Burj el Barajneh, along with settlements in Bekaa, and the south for the month of August. The food is prepared by women who are paid a small stipend, with all the ingredients bought locally to help boost the local economy.
This is an ongoing crisis in Lebanon where the country hosts the largest number of refugees “per capita per square kilometer in the world” according to the United Nations. Like all communities in Lebanon, refugees are making difficult choices to survive such as going without meals, necessary health care, and sending children to find work instead of going to school.
KinderUSA hopes to continue this project of food assistance to the most vulnerable beyond August. but we need your help. Please consider making an online donation today of $50, $100, $250 or whatever is meaningful to you. Thank you for your continued humanity.
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Wafa, a student from northern California, is working on her Masters in Public Health. For the past six weeks she has been volunteering with our partner the Women’s Center in Shu’fat camp gathering data and working alongside the amazing team.
Shu’fat camp, located in East Jerusalem, houses an estimated 125,000 occupants, many of whom are permanent residents. It was initially established by UNRWA in 1965 in order to provide a safe haven for 500 families who were dispossessed and displaced, and continues to increase in capacity. Within the camp, there are significant food and water shortages as well as an overburdened sanitation system, leading to unsafe living conditions. The women and children, who are disproportionately affected by social and economic factors, face the greatest challenges and are amongst the most medically vulnerable. As a result, they must inadvertently compete for limited resources including food, water, and access to healthcare.
A common question they asked me was “Which is more beautiful, Palestine or America?” and before I could respond, they’d follow with “Palestine, of course.” And I naturally agreed.
This summer, thanks to the Women’s Center- Shu’fat Camp (WCSHC), I was afforded the opportunity to witness the significant impact that KinderUSA has had on the lives of Palestinian children in East Jerusalem. I spent a few weeks assisting the lovely staff at WCSHC with three concurrent summer camp programs, two of which were in Bedouin encampments. Through my interactions with the children, I learned about their motivations and ambitions, and they inquired about my experience living in America (many of them had never met an American and were quite fascinated by me).
The camp(s) participants are incredibly grateful for the on-going support, which is evidenced by their excitement at the mention of KinderUSA. The sponsored programs not only unify the children, but also give them something to look forward to on a daily basis. Moreover, I can attest to the success of this initiative and hope it continues for the sake of the underserved children of East Jerusalem and beyond.
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Hammam, a 36 year old father of 7 is one of the families who struggles daily to feed his children. Like many fathers his age, job opportunities are non-existent so he, along with his wife, collect plastic dishes, sterilizes, and sells them for approximately $4 a day. Living in a one room house donated to the family, he recently had to move to an UNRWA school due to the unbearable heat and elements of the summer.
“I have been responsible for myself since I was 8 when my mother died. I work hard to provide food for my children and protect them from any unethical behavior,” said Hammam. His wife continues, “ We could not live like other people, we always face problems because of our bad situation. Because of this situation, we have accumulated debts which has reached $586 to the supermarket and we were not able to pay.”
A recipient of the emergency distribution, 1000 families like Hamman’s received fresh vegetables, fruit, diary, and chickens just before the start of Eid al Adha. “My refrigerator was empty for a week and now I can cook fresh vegetables for my children. Words aren’t enough to express our appreciation of KinderUSA and Beit Lahia [KinderUSA implementing partner]. This wonderful food basket made my family and me very happy!” said Hammam’s wife.
For 20 years, together, we have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children in Palestine and beyond. Thank you to all who continue to support the work of KinderUSA.
Zana, a mother of 9, was abandoned by her husband 3 years ago, unable to cope with the various medical needs several of his children needed and no funds to meet the demands. “He left me facing life alone after discovering that his children suffer from a severe deficiency in the immune system. I am facing my destiny alone without any help”, said Zana to our representatives on the ground.
Now In our final stages of KinderUSA’s Emergency Food Distribution, our effort helps to fill the gap in nutrition for families like Zana and her children. The family lives in a 3-room house that is in need of repair from a fire in May 2014 and the assault on Gaza in May 2021. The roof of their home has metal sheets which forces them to leave in the summer from the excessive heat and to live with cold and rain in the winter.
The Emergency Food Distribution program is a continuation of our Ramadan distribution. Targeting 1000 families with no or limited income living in 12 marginalized areas of Gaza. Families are receiving fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy, chickens, and more. The project contracts 20 small scale farmers and 10 women cooperatives who equally benefit through the work provided, caring for their own families.
“I was super happy when I received a message [on the distribution], in that time my refrigerator was empty. When we received the food basket, we were all very happy and I felt the world was better. It contained 18 different types of fresh vegetables, including chicken and eggs,” said Zana.
A recent report published by Save the Children (SC) found that four out of five children in Gaza suffer from depression, sadness, and fear resulting from a 15-year blockade that witnessed “six life threatening situations” which includes deadly assaults on the population and a pandemic.
KinderUSA is providing some relief with our Gaza summer camp for children in partnership with Beit Lahia. More than 1400 children are participating in basketball, mural painting, cultural competitions, and more. One young man, Ameer, aged 10, has had a very difficult life after his father left the family and he is now being raised by his grandparents. The SC report identifies caregivers’ inability to care for their children physically and psychologically with some leaving rather than face what they perceive as failure.
Wanting to join all the activities provided, Ameer was overwhelmed with joy. “What a day, this is one of my best days ever; I’m thrilled to be here, I like singing, and I asked the coach to give me the microphone to sing; I hope next time I will come with my sister, words cannot describe my happiness,” Ameer said!
In the forward of the SC report children wrote that “they want Gaza to be a safe and beautiful place where they can live in peace.” So do we.
Gazans continue to struggle in a region with massive unemployment, toxic water, and crumbling infrastructure under a blockade of land and sea for 15 years. Food and fuel enter Gaza based upon “mathematical formulas” determined by the occupying forces, in a drip-feeding fashion, or just “enough for survival” according to the Amnesty International February 2022 report Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: a cruel system of domination and a crime against humanity.
For Basma who lives in Gaza, and the sole support for her family of 9, life is a daily struggle to survive. Her husband is imprisoned for debt owed his creditors. Unemployed, he tried unsuccessfully to support his family and now Basma, 42, does what she can to keep food on the family table. Along with her 12-year-old son, they work collecting empty soft drink cans generating an income of approximately 5 shekels a day ($1.47).
“The problem is that after [my husband] was imprisoned, all ways were cut off for us and I was not able to find food for my children, so I went looking for a job but I didn’t find anything except collecting empty cans,” said Basma. A beneficiary of the Ramadan Food Distribution, “my life has changed” according to Basma who received two distributions containing fresh vegetables, maftoul, jam, eggs, live chickens, cheese, and more. Really, I and my children are very happy for this food basket. A lot of thanks for Kinder-USA and I hope from Kinder-USA continues to provide this assistance because it is really a very wonderful help in terms of quantities, quality and satisfy my family need.”
KinderUSA with our partner Beit Lahia are continuing fresh food distribution to 1000 families like Basma and her family. For as little as $65, you can provide fresh food to families who are doing their best to feed their children.
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Life in Lebanon is difficult for most people the economic free fall, COVID-19, and the conflict next door in Syria. Palestinian and Syrian refugees live 88 percent below “minimal survival conditions,” according to a UN representative. Many families are food insecure with both petrol and food prices soaring and out of reach for most placing 4 in every 5 people in poverty. Children are always the most vulnerable with limited access to healthcare, education, shelter, and necessary nutrition.
“More than half of families report that their child has had to skip meals, and hundreds of thousands of children are out of school,” according to an UN expert. “If the situation does not improve immediately, an entire generation of children will be sacrificed.”
For 8 year old El Soloh who lives with his family of 5 siblings in Bourj el-Barajneh Camp in the suburbs of Beirut, a life of poverty has affected every aspect of their living conditions. His father used to work as a taxi driver but once fuel prices soared, he could no longer afford to drive and returned his rented vehicle leaving him unemployed for over a year.
Recipients of the Ramadan food distribution, El Soloh’s family found the pleasure they once knew around the iftar (breaking of fast) table. “Soloh and his siblings reminisced back to a time when their father would come home and discuss the days work, with their mother preparing a nutritious meal,” said Loubane Tay Executive Director of FingerPrint of Change, KinderUSA implementing partner. “KinderUSA not only secured a much-needed meal but also quality time during the holy month of Ramadan within the hard conditions Palestinians face in Lebanon,” Loubane continued. ”
In Lebanon your donations provided meals to 2080 Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian families. For the children in Sabra, Shatila, and Baraj el Barajneh camps, including surrounding neighborhoods an Eid (Holiday) Festival including face painting, clowns, games, and gifts was organized. Thank you to all who made this Ramadan a memorable one for all the children we served!
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This Ramadan the need was great and our efforts together have made the difference in the lives of thousands of children and their loved ones.
Ferial is a widow caring for 8 members of her family. At 69 years of age, her health is deteriorating, in addition to suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder since the war in 2014. Her husband passed away in 2007 and she has cared for her children, and now married children and grandchildren, receiving only aid from the World Food Program amounting to approximately $31 a month.
She and her sons do what they can to bring food to the table, but often it is not enough to feed the family. “I am very tired, because I do not have a stable source of income,” said Ferial.
A beneficiary of the Ramadan food distribution, Ferial and her family along with thousands more in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and Lebanon were able to break fast with their family enjoying a meal rich in nutrients.
“I was scared and worried, how would I feed my family in Ramadan but after I received the food basket, I was very happy, especially since more than 8 months, no meat or chicken has entered our house.” Ferial continued.
Our food distribution program will continue beyond Ramadan feeding families like Ferial’s in Gaza and Lebanon. Many families are living on the brink and children are growing without access to proper nutrition. The fresh food distribution enables these families to remain steadfast and focus on other needs.
“When we received the Kinder-USA fresh food basket, we were all happy. All my children and grandchildren were very happy because it secured our basic needs of food during Ramadan month. I am able to pay some of my debt and I have bought my grandchildren Eid Clothes. I thank you all for this blessing!”
This Ramadan the need was great and our efforts together have made the difference in the lives of thousands of children and their loved ones.
Donate Today
Seventy percent of the workforce in rural areas of Gaza is performed by women as laborers. Many of these women will do most anything to feed their families, earning sometimes as little as $1 a day. Working with our partner the Palestine Environmental Friends (PEF), KinderUSA funded through generous donors the Women Empowerment through farming project. The project creates independence for women, builds their capacities, and empowers them economically to care for their families.
Mariam, a mother of 8, lives in Khan Younis. Without an education and a family to feed, Mariam was thrilled to be chosen as a beneficiary of the farming project. Producing zucchini and other vegetables for sale in the open market, the family works together securing their livelihood.
“This helped me a lot to cover my family expenses and needs and to provide my children with food, clothes, toys and to allow them to access health services and complete their education”.
Haneen also lives in the Khuza’ area of Khan Younis supporting a family of 5 with no source of income. She applied for the farming project hoping to be selected after attending an introductory workshop.
“I felt extremely happy once my name was announced and I was selected as a beneficiary in this project!”
Receiving all the necessary tools and training, Haneen farms zucchini and other vegetables in addition to Kohlrabi, rarely seen in Gazan farms.
“Everyone was surprised by this strange plant in the area, which I consider as an (integrated pharmacy) on its own, for all of its health benefits. I’m really thankful for KinderUSA and PEF who supported me to make this success possible!“, Haneen concluded.
Thank you to all who helped to provide economic sustainability for these women and their children. Our Ramadan Fresh Food distribution continues throughout the month. If you have not already, please consider making an online donation today.
Thank you!
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Once again, Muslim and Christian worshippers have been attacked during the sacred days of Easter and Ramadan. Acts of provocation designed to instigate further conflict require Palestinians to exercise restraint as they do their best to observe the holiday rituals.
Our work during the month of Ramadan attempts to ease the suffering so many families must endure in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and Lebanon. Fresh food distribution to families such as Mohammed’s in Gaza, brings a sense of solidarity letting them know, they have not been forgotten.
Mohammed is unemployed and survives on $90 a month from the Social Affairs ministry, not nearly enough for food, medical, housing, fuel, and all that comes with supporting a family of 9 children. With the Ramadan fresh food distribution they receive this month the family can focus on other needs rather than worry how they will feed their children.
Mohammad explained: “This Fresh Food basket has helped me with the suffering of providing food for my children throughout Ramadan. I have received enough for half of Ramadan, and I will receive another one in the second half of Ramadan, which means throughout Ramadan, I have food for my children; I am so happy.” Mohammed’s wife added, “Without this help, I would not know what to cook for my children. Today, I have a variety of fresh food, which provides my children with fresh and healthy food throughout the month of Ramadan. That means I know what I want to do today, tomorrow, and the future. I am so grateful for this aid.”
KinderUSA is asking you to support one or more families this Ramadan.
One hundred and thirty dollars will provide enough food for a family during an entire month.
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We envision a free, just and peaceful Palestine where children thrive and look forward to a productive future, like children everywhere.
