Loading ...Supporting Palestine: Here’s Where You Can Donate!
By: Waverly Nohr/Arab America Contributing Writer
As the media has been flooded with how the Israeli-Gaza conflict, you’ve probably become aware of the rocket strikes, civilian casualties, and general unrest between those on the Gaza strip. It can seem frustrating in how, as a normal citizen, it is hard to make an impact on stopping the chaos and oppression as well as the consequences of war—a long-lived one I might add. Donating to international aid companies is an extremely tangible way to do so.
Here’s where you come in! Let’s investigate how you can actively support Palestine and halt the death and destruction in the Gaza Strip. The following organizations are some that will ensure your money goes to providing food and water, educational opportunities, safety for refugees, and so much more. While this is a start, it is encouraged that you stay educated about the topic and be vocal about the injustices happening in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other organizations that you may come across, but these are some that you can donate to.
Organizations:
1. United Palestinian Appeal (UPA):
This organization is one that believes in the longevity of Palestine and brining economic stability, cultural development as well as peace to the region. Since 1978, the mission has been carried out providing many Palestinian children with scholarships to higher education programs as well as has made it an important task on educating the general public on what is happening in Palestine.
2. UNRWA USA:
In an organization focused on human development of Palestine, UNRWA USA offers resources to Palestinian refugees that might be in the United States. UNRWA USA received a platinum rating from Guide Star meaning it qualified as one of the “most fiscally responsible organizations.” If you donate to UNRWA USA, you will be donating to one of the more transparent and accountable nonprofits out there.
3. Islamic Relief USA:
This organization recognizes the evil in creating healthcare more inaccessible to Palestinians, while COVID-19 hit them very hard too. In a time of turmoil, Islamic Relief respects the right of Palestinians to practice Islam as it is permitted by international law. Islamic Relief USA has been helping Palestine since 1994 and has provided food and water throughout the years of immense insecurity. Through this non-profit, you can give either one-time donations or sign up to giving recurring donations.
4. American Near East Refugee Act (ANERA):
American Near East Refugee Act (ANERA)
ANERA is an organization that has consistently provided relief to Palestine as well as Lebanon and Jordan, working on the ground to alleviate famine, disease, as well as provide women, children, and the elderly with healthcare, education and aid in economic development by offering jobs to women. ANERA is an organization that strives to provide equal rights for all Palestinians and has been around since 1968. A donation to ANERA is tax deductible and ANERA is a nonprofit organization, ensuring that your donation is not being taken from a middle man organization.
5. Rebuilding Alliance:
When visiting this website, there is a promise to deliver Food, Water, Hygiene Kits, Blankets to Families in Need. Additionally, Rebuilding Alliance strives to send supplies to make families self-sufficient, seeing that lack of food has been a recurring issue for Palestinians. Through advocating for equal rights, there is a surge of education as well as socio-economic success.
6. American Muslims for Palestine (AMP):
American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)
AMP was founded to educate the American public by supporting the media and informing the public of the right that Palestinians should have to be free and self-determined. The mission is to provide a transparent view of the issues that Palestine faces and encourage action to change their fate.
7. Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF):
Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF)
As we have observed, there has been a disturbingly high number of children casualties as a result of the political unrest in Gaza. This organization sponsors the sick and injured children in Palestine. With a huge program sending doctors to Palestine, they aim to rebuild and get control of the medical challenges.
8. National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA):
National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA)
As another medical organization, NAAMA aims to foster the ability of Arab American doctors to go to places of unrest and help with the rising amount of injured and sick people. Additionally, NAAMA makes the statement that they “support Palestine and the Palestinian people in their just cause for their rights to their national homeland, rightful properties, and unrestricted access to their holy sites.”
9. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP):
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
MAP provides healthcare for women and children in need using your donations. By using Facebook, you can start your very own fundraising or participate in challenges such as races or bike rides that contribute to the fundraisers MAP hold.
10. Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS):
Palestine Medical Relief Society (PMRS)
As a major health NGO in Palestine, PMRS has aimed to better the wellbeing of Palestinian citizens, mentally and physically. As for what they are doing in light of recent events, they have focused on the well-being of the women and children in the Gaza strip. PMRS also publishes content keeping the world up to date on the stories of individuals currently being affected. This organization works tirelessly to improve the health infrastructure while spearheading its projects in a way that places importance on the community in Palestine.
11. Mariam Foundation for Gaza
The Mariam Foundation, Augusta Victoria Hospital, Aid and Hope Program for Cancer Patient Care in Gaza once again teamed up to launch the official relief program. They support patients in Gaza who suffer from lack of medical attention in hospitals who are focused now on treating the wounded and those who have lost their homes. They are determined to providing a solutions to those without access to hospitals for medical care nor homes for a safe place. Let us get together and support Gazan patients and send them all the love and support.
You can donate through bank transfer to one of the disclosed bank accounts, or by credit card!
Conclusion:
Whichever organization you choose to donate to will aid those who are suffering from these consequences of turmoil. If your resources allow you to, donate! And if not, spread the word about this crisis that people in the Gaza strip are living through.
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