Once again, Gaza was under assault, facing a barrage of explosions, destruction, and death. In the latest round of violence, a number of Palestinian children lost their lives and many more have been wounded and remain traumatized. Of course, the senseless deaths of innocent children should never be normalized. These children are more than mere statistics. And these children of Gaza are terrified.
Wednesday, 20 November, is World Children’s Day, a day set aside to promote children welfare and international togetherness. It is also the day when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child which establishes global standards for protection, survival, and development of children, without discrimination.
Rights of Palestinian children are violated on a daily basis. They are denied adequate nutrition, healthcare, education, and protection from violence. With the ongoing blockade entering its 13th year, there has never really been a time to feel safe or secure. Rolling electricity blackouts, shortages of clean drinking water, rampant unemployment, and severe cutbacks in international aid have all combined to render Gaza “unlivable”.
Meanwhile, food insecurity in Gaza continues to rise, with more than 70% of the population food insecure. Nearly every household – up to 93% – are unable to meet children’s basic needs.
In times such as these, many good people can feel helpless in the face of so much tragedy. Children cower in fear due to circumstances beyond their control, and we struggle to make sense of the world’s silence. We need to remember that there is something, however small, that we can do to alleviate some of this suffering.
Many families in Gaza need food and are appealing to organizations such as KinderUSA to bring relief. Our partner on the ground has mobilized and stands ready to begin distribution of food. We are asking you to help us deliver an urgent food parcel to families in need for as little as $75. Please, donate today, whatever is meaningful to you, and join us on World Children’s Day and take a stand for the children in Palestine.
