The situation

The humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip is driven by multiple factors: the continuing restrictions on the movement of people and goods, the residual impacts of the 2014 hostilities, and the lack of access to essential services especially for the poor and vulnerable groups.

Two million Palestinians living in Gaza became totally ‘locked in’, denied free access to the remainder of the occupied Palestinian territory and the outside world. Movement restrictions have undermined the living conditions in Gaza and fragmented the people and its economic and social fabric.

The economy is in ‘free fall’ according to the World Bank; indicated by high rates of poverty, unemployment and food insecurity, which is compounding low resilience and high vulnerability to shock, for example unemployment rate in Gaza strip was 45.1% in July 2019.

Additionally to the fragile economy, the COVID-19 lock-down only worsened the situation in Gaza. Through tighter movement restrictions, the unemployment rate has risen higher than ever, dragging more segments of the population into extreme poverty since March 10.

The project

Many households in Gaza lack access to basic needs and live under poverty-line. Your donations will go to the Islamic Relief Social Safety Net Program in Gaza. You contribute to the protection of the most vulnerable households in the Gaza Strip and enhance their well-being and status by improving access to many basic needs and strengthening their resilience to cope with negative effects of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. 

This project tailors the intervention to each specific family based on their unique situation and needs. Thus, each family receives different support. All families will receive food vouchers for 4 months, and additional assistance will be tailored to specific families' needs, with possible assistance including:

1. Cash Programming (Food vouchers*all families will receive this* & rent subsidies)

2. Health & Nutrition (Drugs, disposables. minor surgeries and nutrition items);

3. Education (School kits, tuition for children with disabilities) 

4. Protection related issues (Winterization, Awareness sessions on priority topics such as hygiene promotion, GBV, life skills etc.)

Please donate generously!

The organizers

Islamic Relief Canada is Canada's largest Muslim international and development charity, working globally in more than 40 countries to end the cycle of poverty. In 2019 alone, IRC's work reached 1.2 million people and they initiated over 40 projects to create sustainable, self-sufficient communities! Islamic Relief Canada is responding to regions with urgent need internationally to protect vulnerable families, strengthen health systems with much-needed supplies and support, and increase prevention and preparedness.

The Palestinian Community Association in Ontario  consists of a group of youth inspired to envision for themselves and their respective communities a better Canada. The organization's goal is to promote our identity, patriotism and strengthen community social ties. And create awareness regarding Palestinian culture and rights that truly embrace the Palestinian community in Canada.