In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire with high rates of unemployment and crushing poverty leaving parents unable to provide food for their children. Ongoing violence and continued uncertainty with massive unemployment and food insecurity leave little hope for Gazan’s. This, coupled with COVID-19 restrictions affecting both work and school, leaves children more vulnerable to nutritional needs and mental health concerns.
Zahran, a father caring for 11 family members, lives in Rafah near the ‘buffer zone’ with limited infrastructure in a makeshift home consisting of 3 rooms assembled with metal sheeting. Three of Zahran’s children are physically impaired requiring ongoing therapy and medication. Initially working in construction helped to bring food and medicine home but due to an on the job injury, Zahran lost his job then sought work in the agricultural sector just to feed his family.
When COVID-19 restrictions went into effect the first week of March, Zahran lost that job alon thousands of workers in the sector. Measures taken to prevent the spread of the pandemic has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian crisis.
Zahran and his family are beneficiaries of the Ramadan Fresh Food Distribution including live chickens from our Women Empowerment Project, fresh vegetables purchased from small scale farmers, and fresh dairy prepared by female-headed households along with prepared mamoul (date filled pastry) as a special treat for the children. Enough food to last the month!
“We are grateful for this food you have provided. Each month, I feel helpless not knowing how I will feed my children. This month, I do not have to ask for a loan from the store or beg from the neighbors. My children have not had such good food like this in a long time. We cannot thank you enough. Ramadan Kareem.”
In the last days of Ramadan, our work continues. We are focusing on how we can address the increasing numbers of families in need that we were not able to reach. The COVID-19 crisis pushed numerous Palestinians into hunger with more and more facing a fate like Zahran and his family daily.
Thank you to all who have contributed to this important project and for standing with the Palestinian children. Our work is impossible without your support.
Thank you! KinderUSA’s virtual Ramadan speaker series was a great success because of you! Throughout the month of Ramadan, we had three captivating virtual conversations with Ilan Pappe, Juan Cole and Dr. Mads Gilbert to help raise funds for Kinder’s Ramadan Programs that benefit the neediest children and their families in Gaza. Your continued support makes that and much more possible. If you missed any of the conversations you can view them on our YouTube. And be sure to stay tuned for future conversations!
