Aid for the Victims of Violence in the Middle East
Like many New Yorkers, the Interfaith Center of New York has partners, supporters, and staff with loved ones on both sides. We pray for an end to the cycle of violence, oppression, and multi-generational trauma. We call for continued cooperation and solidarity -- as well as patience and understanding -- among our religiously diverse neighbors in New York City. And we recommend donations to the following organizations working to support both Israeli and Palestinian victims of the recent violence. Organizations are listed in alphabetical order.
Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City
At the time of this writing, Al Ahli Arab Hospital (which has served Gaza residents since 1882) has no water, electricity, food, fuel, or safe place to shelter. Please give what you can to help Al Ahli respond to this horrific humanitarian crisis. For further info contact: Diana Branton, American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem +1 985.664.2973 (cell and WhatsApp).
Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders is an independent, impartial, and neutral non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, and natural and human-made disasters. With thousands wounded by airstrikes, the organization is currently reporting overcrowding and supply shortages for its relief efforts in Gaza. “The situation is horrific, with massive Israeli and Palestinian casualties,” Doctors Without Borders said in a statement.
Dror Israel Emergency Response
Dror Israel Emergency Response provides trauma-informed educators in Sderot and other impacted communities in Southern Israel to assess critical needs. Current emergency initiatives include: 1) supporting evacuees including traumatized children and youth in day care and schools 2) Providing youth counselors in bomb shelters 3) providing day care for children of hospital workers. 4) Support for children and families sheltering in place.
Islamic Relief USA.
Islamic Relief has been working in Palestine for over two decades, helping hundreds of thousands of people every year through immediate emergency relief and long-term development programs. that will help rebuild Palestine and bring hope to its people. Among other initiatives, they work to provide: food aid; access to clean water and sanitation; access to healthcare including psychosocial support; childhood development efforts including access to education and support for children with disabilities; and emergency aid for families in Gaza.
New Israel Fund's Emergency Fund
Funding will help to 1) provide basic care for the most vulnerable groups in the conflict zone, including families in kibbutzim near the Gaza border, Bedouin communities, and others; 2) combat violent speech and incitement online, disempowering extremist voices calling for revenge online; 3) prevent the spread of inter-communal violence in mixed Arab and Jewish cities; and 4) provide mental health and trauma counseling for impacted communities and civil society leaders.
Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA)
PAMA has an emergency appeal to support Gaza hospitals. The escalating violence and lack of water and electricity in Gaza is causing an increasing number of injuries which is filling local hospitals. PAMA is working on the ground to provide Gaza hospitals with much needed medical supplies, and to save the lives of injured civilians. PAMA is also preparing a much-needed shipment of emergency supplies to help the doctors and hospitals save patients.
Aid to the People of Ukraine
Want to help, but unsure how? The International Women’s Convocation (IWC) is accepting donations that are administered by the Hungarian Unitarian Church.
IWC is a global partnership of Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists who work for women’s empowerment through UU connections around the world. It’s a nonprofit group that has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Donations will give immediate help to families fleeing war in Ukraine, providing transportation, shelter, food, supplies, and counseling.