The coronavirus pandemic is worsening the vulnerabilities of families in Gaza, as it is here at home and across the globe. Struggling to feed their families, the economic shock from the pandemic has given parents few options. Many rely on aid from the charity sector or the kindness of neighbors. Our Country Coordinator in Gaza, Hana, said in a recent call that, “My sons have been doing what they can to help feed families in need. There are so many families without any food and they take from our home to give to others. The need is too great.”
Our staff on the ground are working tirelessly to support our implementing partners who are distributing fresh food for families in the most marginalized areas of Gaza during this month of Ramadan. Amin, a father of 7, lives in an area east of Rafah close to the border. He remains concerned for the safety of his children because of the frequent cross border violence. “Now I worry also about Coronavirus and how to protect my children.”
Their home is a single room with sand flooring. Unemployed, and living on less than $30 a month the social ministry hands out, Amin relies on food aid and often goes without just so he can provide essentials for his children. The family is a recipient of the Ramadan Fresh Food program and will receive two distributions during this blessed month.
“Thanks to Allah. Now we have enough food for Ramadan month. Chicken, eggs, maftool, cheese, and jam. Thank you all who support us!”
Your support makes our work possible and we know without it, the children we serve would suffer greatly. We also know that governments are using this pandemic to further restrict and control vulnerable populations such as the Palestinians. It will take all of us working together, vigilantly, to ensure that the profound inequalities facing many children and their families throughout the globe are not exasperated further.
