Amidst the escalating violence in Gaza, a growing number of individuals with a strong sense of moral duty are seeking ways to extend their support to the Palestinian population. In a devastating incident on October 7th, a violent attack orchestrated by Hamas resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,200 Israeli lives and the capture of approximately 200 innocent individuals. Following the recent events, Israel wasted no time in launching a series of attacks on Gaza. In a devastating series of events, the relentless Israeli bombardment in Gaza has resulted in a staggering death toll of over 34,305 Palestinians. The impact of these attacks has also forced a staggering 2 million individuals to flee their homes, leaving behind a trail of destruction and displacement.
Gaza is currently grappling with a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions, which continues to deteriorate with each passing day. Tragically, lives are being lost due to the devastating combination of hunger and illness. The healthcare system is in a state of complete collapse. Despite ongoing efforts to deliver aid, Israel persists in obstructing its delivery and maintaining a complete siege on the territory.
Gaza’s population of 2.3 million has been subjected to challenging living conditions imposed by Israel and supported by the international community. For over a decade and a half, the people of Gaza have endured the harsh realities of Israel’s blockade, finding themselves cut off from the rest of Palestine and the international community.A staggering number of Palestinians face unemployment, with more than half of the population currently jobless. Additionally, an overwhelming majority of over 80% depend on humanitarian aid as their only means of survival. The residents faced significant challenges with access to clean water, electricity, and medical care.
In a series of military offensives, Gaza has witnessed the devastating consequences of Israeli airstrikes. The attacks in May 2021, August 2022, and May 2023 resulted in the loss of countless civilian lives and the destruction of vital infrastructure. According to Save the Children, the psychosocial well-being of children, young people, and their caregivers had already reached alarming levels even before Oct. 7, 2023.
It is imperative that we redouble our efforts and bolster our resolve to transform these current circumstances. Discover six effective methods to provide support to the people of Gaza today.
Reach out to your representative in Congress and demand an urgent halt to hostilities.
According to recent popular opinion polls, a significant majority of people in the United States are in favor of a cease-fire. Protests have swept across the globe, with millions of people taking to the streets in a powerful display of collective action. Despite the ongoing conflict, the number of members of Congress publicly advocating for a cease-fire remains limited. It is crucial for our elected officials to continue receiving input from the public.
Make sure to set aside a few minutes of your day to reach out to your representative by utilizing this convenient online form. Next, proceed to send them an email.
AFSC invites you to participate in our weekly Action Hour for a Cease-Fire, which you can join online. On a weekly basis, we will provide you with the latest updates from AFSC’s dedicated staff in Gaza. Additionally, we will offer valuable tips for effective advocacy, empowering you to make a difference. Lastly, we encourage you to take action by reaching out to Congress through phone calls and written correspondence. Sign up at this location.
In the northern Gaza Strip, a young Palestinian girl strolls alongside a captivating mural created by the renowned artist Banksy. The artwork depicts children joyfully swinging on an Israeli army watchtower, serving as a powerful symbol of resilience amidst the challenging circumstances. April 10, 2015. Sameh Rahmi
2) Shed light on the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Join the demonstrations. Public demonstrations such as marches, rallies, and vigils serve as a strong means to showcase solidarity with Gaza. Get your message across with our free downloadable posters for Palestine.
Compose a letter addressed to the editor. Supporting Gaza, countering harmful media narratives, and providing often overlooked context are all important aspects of addressing the situation. Here are some useful tips for writing letters.
3) Discover the intricacies of Gaza and amplify the voices of Palestinians.
Check out the compelling book titled “Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire.”An anthology showcasing the creative visions of 12 Palestinian writers envisions a future for Gaza that transcends the hardships of occupation and apartheid.Get your hands on the e-book for a limited time, absolutely free. Join in on online discussions with the contributors of “Light in Gaza” and rally your community to form a book club.Our study guide is a valuable resource for facilitating discussions.
4) It is crucial to ensure that corporations are held responsible for their involvement in the violation of Palestinian rights in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict is believed to be facilitated by the U.S. military industrial complex, similar to previous Israeli offensives in Gaza. These are some of the major weapon manufacturers that have been involved in military attacks on Gaza. AFSC will continually update the list of companies that are profiting from the ongoing attacks on Gaza.
But that’s just scratching the surface. Several American corporations have been implicated in Israel’s alleged apartheid regime and accused of committing regular human rights violations against Palestinians. Take a stand against human rights violations by scrutinizing where your money goes. It’s time to hold these companies accountable for their involvement in apartheid and war crimes.
For more information on the companies implicated in the occupation and ways to get involved in divestment or boycott campaigns, be sure to check out AFSC’s Investigate website.
5) Get involved in the movement to dismantle Israeli apartheid.
In 2023, the Apartheid-Free initiative was launched by AFSC and its partners. More than 263 communities, groups, and organizations have made a commitment to label themselves as “Apartheid-Free” and unite with others in their efforts to put an end to all forms of support for Israel’s apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military occupation. Get involved and contribute to the movement for a world where equality and respect are fundamental values. Utilize the resources available on the Apartheid-Free website to make a difference.
6) Create a thoughtful present.
Support AFSC’s emergency relief efforts in Gaza by making a donation:A generous donation will help provide much-needed humanitarian relief and contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at ending the violence and fostering an environment conducive to peace.
Join AFSC in advocating for Palestinian rights.Support our ongoing efforts to foster peace, justice, and human dignity for all people by contributing to our community-focused initiatives across the United States.
Final Thoughts
As the sun goes down over Gaza, stories of people who have been through a lot and still managed to keep going echo across the destruction, telling us of the lives that have been lost in the fighting. In a place that is anything but normal, families try to find normalcy and raise their children with dreams of peace in the midst of constant hardship.
When there is a lot of information available, people can choose to stay ignorant, and not caring is a very bad thing. There are more reasons than political ones to help Gaza. It’s about protecting human rights and respect, and because every child deserves a future without war.
Let’s turn our anger into a long-lasting call for peace, justice, and understanding. Now is the time to give a voice to those who have been silenced, hold those responsible accountable, and fix what’s wrong. Each small deed leads to a bigger change that brings hope and makes peace possible. When you support Gaza, you believe that kindness and care can lead to a fair peace where justice isn’t something that happens after the fact but something that we do every day.
