Dear Friend,
Last week, our team in Gaza shared some rare positive news. They had located two kitchens that still had some supplies. That has let them distribute hot meals to people in urgent need in recent days. Generous support from kind people like you makes that possible. We remain grateful for each and every gift.
But the situation is dire. Since March of this year, the government of Israel has blocked almost all food, water, medicine, humanitarian aid, and commercial supplies from entering Gaza. It has done so while continuing extensive bombing of hospitals, shelters, and residential areas. And it has done so with full support from the United States.
Most of the 2 million residents of Gaza are experiencing emergency and catastrophic levels of food deprivation. The World Health Organization has reported that over 70,000 children under 5 will become acutely malnourished in the coming months if the situation doesn’t change.
As a Quaker organization working with people of many faiths, we honor the Light of the divine in all people. This leads us to oppose violence in all its forms and to take action to uphold human rights and dignity. Our staff in Gaza are acting with tremendous courage to put these values into action.
Over the past 18 months, we have drawn on long-standing partnerships to procure food and other essentials from within Gaza. In addition to distributing meals, our team has given practical assistance to local farmers growing food under the most difficult of conditions. Because of this collaboration, we were able to purchase fresh vegetables from these farmers at fair prices earlier this month, thanks to financial support from the AFSC community. A total of 300 food baskets—containing tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, and zucchinis—were distributed to help meet the urgent needs of displaced families.
This is lifesaving aid for those who receive it. But much more is needed.
Next Wednesday, May 28, is World Hunger Day. AFSC is joining students and many others in calling on people to fast on this day to protest what is happening to the people of Gaza. Please visit our Pledge to Fast page to register your commitment.
Thank you again for your support and for all the ways you join us in working for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful future. We couldn’t do this work without you.
In peace,
