Even as recent events – from the horrific war in Syria to the traumatic flight of migrants to Europe – shine a spotlight on the plight of the world’s children, the forgotten children of Palestine continue to suffer from a denial of basic human rights. For these children, the daily struggle for food, shelter, education, and medical care serve as a grim reminder that the basic rights enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child remain as elusive as ever.
In the West Bank, the number of residential structures demolished by occupation authorities grew by 265% in 2016, severely impacting the safety and wellbeing of numerous children and their families.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the cumulative effect of 3 major wars in 6 years and the crippling blockade have left the civilian population in dire straits. Hundreds of children were killed during the most recent Israeli incursion in 2014, and more than 13,000 families remain displaced, living in makeshift shelters and rubble.Mohamed Ibn Chambas, speaking for the Secretary-General 03 May 2016 stated, “The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains of grave concern. All efforts should concentrate on helping the population in Gaza, still suffering from the consequences of the 2014 conflict: 74 per cent of affected families still await the reconstruction of their homes. Gaza’s chronic energy, water and employment needs also require urgent and sustained attention.”
Next month, we begin the largest Ramadan initiative in the history of KinderUSA for one reason – the need today is greater than it has even been since our inception as an NGO. Our Farmers and Women Cooperative project will cover areas most affected by demolitions, blockades, and the needs of these innocent children. Fresh food, live poultry, dairy products and more will immediately feed children and their families during the month of Ramadan.
Please consider making a donation today to help support our efforts to bring sustenance to children and their families in Palestine. Thank you.
KinderUSA is a 501 ( c ) 3 tax-exempt organization. EIN: 75-2999028
If you are in southern California, don’t miss our upcoming annual event in Glendale with Dr. Ramzy Baroud: https://www.facebook.com/events/1019948171417152/
