Aid to Palestinians in Gaza today is absolutely a lifeline keeping more than half the population from going hungry.
With the cutting of funding and the ongoing, strangulating, blockade now in its 12th year, Gaza is degrading to a point of “uninhabitable”, a warning by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, less than 3 months from now. Arguably, it already is.
Restrictions on movement and access to basic goods, 97% of its water not suitable for human consumption, health and education facilities struggling to meet the needs of a population with limited electricity – 4 hours a day for those without the means to purchase generators. Most critically, access to nutritional food with more than 68% of the population “food insecure” according the UN.
Aid to Palestinians in Gaza today is absolutely a lifeline keeping more than half the population from going hungry.
KinderUSA is continuing its Nutritional Meals program in Gaza, providing more than 32,000 meals to 14 kindergartens this school semester. Women cooperatives prepare the meals providing them with an income to care for their own families. For many of these children, it is the only meal they will eat that day.
“My son has interest in school now and is doing much better. Sometimes, he brings home his food to share with his brothers and mother who do not have the same benefit,” said Abu Ibrahim about his son Sajid who attends a school in Beit Hanoun. Sajid’s mother suffered a stroke and must rely on her husband to care for her and the children.
“There are 12 of us and I do what I can collecting junk for sale to bring food home. Most days, it is impossible and I must rely on charities to help feed my family,” says Abu Ibrahim.
There is always a determination and perseverance in the voices of Palestinians. But how long can this last? And what of the children?
Please continue to support KinderUSA’s Nutritional Meals program and all programs bringing relief to Gazan’s. We must continue our efforts and remain engaged for the future of all Gaza’s children.
