Dear Friends,
Amid a deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where civilians face dire shortages of food, medicine and shelter, the recently announced US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has made consistent headlines as a dangerous, complex and inefficient aid distribution mechanism.
Just yesterday – following numerous incidents at aid centers resulting in dozens of fatalities – the group shut down operations as it was reportedly unprepared for the scale of demand, leaving starving Palestinians hungry for another day that the young and elderly, especially, cannot spare.
Later today, I’m sitting down with Sean Carroll of Anera and Yotam Polizer of IsraAID, whose organizations are well equipped to serve the needs of civilians in Gaza.
I hope you can join us today at 3pm Eastern as Yotam and Sean tell us what obstacles stand in the way and what it will take to bring relief to civilians in Gaza >>
– Lily Adelstein, J Street Deputy Director of Government Affairs
Friends,
After nearly three months of a complete blockade on all food, medicine and life-saving supplies into Gaza, the Netanyahu government began allowing some aid into the Strip last month. But ending the blockade has been only half the battle.
The Trump and Netanyahu-backed distribution mechanism was in chaos before it began. Its leader resigned in protest. Humanitarian groups and the UN publicly expressed grave concerns about the plans. It has now led to predictably tragic results: Sprawling lines and starving civilians clamouring behind fences. Reports of armed groups and IDF forces opening fire on panicked crowds. Dozens reported killed.
We’re bringing in two directors of leading relief organizations – Sean Carroll of Anera and Yotam Polizer of IsraAID – to share the inside track on exactly what’s happening with distribution and what needs to change right now to bring sufficient relief to Palestinians.
Register to join us this Thursday, June 5 at 3pm Eastern >>
As my colleague Ilan said today, “While the details of these tragic events are not yet clear, what is clear is that Trump and Netanyahu’s aid plan is entirely insufficient and risks triggering a famine that would not only have horrific results for the Palestinian people but also for Israel’s moral character.”
Sean and Yotam, whose organizations have both been doing heroic work to bring relief to Palestinians in Gaza, will walk us through the current realities and obstacles facing civilians in need of food and supplies. They’ll also lift the curtain on what – and who – can have the greatest impact on resolving this crisis.
I hope to see you Thursday. Register to mark your calendars >>
Best,
Lily Adelstein
Deputy Director of Government Affairs, J Street
