War in Palestine: YMCA Gaza provides emergency aid

The war in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, continues and is having a devastating impact on the civilian population. According to the United Nations, almost two million people have been displaced from Gaza so far, more than half of all residential buildings have been destroyed and the basic supply of water and electricity has virtually collapsed. The hygienic conditions in the overcrowded emergency shelters are further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

In the midst of this emergency, the local youth association YMCA Gaza remains one of the few organizations still active on the ground. Although the association itself has lost its building to the war, the YMCA Gaza community is working tirelessly to help its fellow human beings. Together with Horyzon's partner organization in the West Bank, YMCA East Jerusalem, as well as Caritas Palestine and local churches, it is organizing psychosocial support for those affected and distributing food to families - even if this is currently only possible to a limited extent. The YMCA Gaza is now appealing for help from the global YMCA and YWCA network: the aim is to collect 50,000 dollars as quickly as possible in order to continue the emergency aid.

At an online meeting of over a hundred YMCA / YWCA leaders in mid-August, Elias Al Jeida, board member of the YMCA Gaza, describes his situation. He is still in Gaza and is currently living there together with 450 other families in a church building. "There is no water, no fuel, no humanitarian aid and only limited transportation. On quiet days, we try to help the people around us. But quiet days are rare. Most days are characterized by air strikes and casualties. Forced starvation is not a rumor. It is a reality," says Elias Al Jeida. More stories and video statements from members of YMCA Gaza are summarized in the YMCA World article.

As a former partner organization of YMCA Gaza, Horyzon supports the emergency aid financially. Together with Cevi Switzerland, Horyzon is also committed to the YMCA World initiative and is spreading the call for donations in the various networks. Every contribution and every bit of help helps to share hope for the people of Palestine and provide urgently needed support in the midst of the crisis.