Palestine

About the Situation

Decades of political instability have stifled economic development in Palestine. The vast majority of Palestinians, living inside the territories, and living as refugees in neighboring regions, depend on international aid for survival. Foreign investment in the region has dropped, further hindering the ability for Palestinians to move toward a more stable economy.

In Palestine, where a majority of the population relies on foreign assistance for survival, insecurities in food, water and electricity, as well as crippled health care services and educational facilities, make living conditions some of the worst in the world.

Continued violence throughout Palestine has severely affected the most vulnerable section of the population—the children. Many Palestinian children suffer from psychological trauma.

Reports from the Field

Read “IRUSA Team in Palestine,” to learn about a trip IRUSA team members took to Palestine in July 2011.

How Islamic Relief is Helping

Islamic Relief Worldwide has been providing humanitarian relief in Palestine since 1994, and Islamic Relief Palestine opened its office there in 1998 so that long-term development projects could be implemented and overseen by people in the field. Islamic Relief projects in the region have included food distribution, medical relief and orphan sponsorship. Islamic Relief has also established educational enhancement centers, care programs for traumatized children and a school for the deaf.

Here’s a breakdown of some programs Islamic Relief has supported in Palestine:

ABU AL HASAN AL QASIM SURGICAL UNIT PROJECT
On going

This project provides support to the surgical unit in Abu Al Hasan Al Qasim hospital in Yatta, Hebron. The effort delivers 10 surgical beds, needed accessories, and two operating rooms, complete with all necessary surgical equipment. More than 300,000 stand to benefit.

DIALYSIS EQUIPMENT FOR AUGUSTA VICTORIA HOSPITAL
On going

Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem provides pediatric hemodialysis services to patients who are brought in from West Bank cities. IRUSA donors are helping provide additional machines, chairs and spare parts to help alleviate stress on overused equipment and to ensure that essential dialysis treatments are administered properly.

EMERGENCY AID 2012
On going

Violence erupted across Palestine in November 2012. IRUSA is working with UNRWA to provide emergency aid and supplies, including food packages, for those who need them most.

HOUSE REHABILITATION FOR ORPHAN FAMILIES
On going

This project aims to improve the living conditions of 100 orphan families in need of assistance across Jenin, Tubas, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Activities include the maintenance and rehabilitation of kitchens and washrooms; installation of insulation for roofs, windows, and doors; tiling and painting services; outdoor and indoor safety enhancement; and the repair and replacement of existing water, sewage, and electrical networks.

ORPHAN SUPPORT & SPONSORSHIP
On going

WEST BANK LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR FARMERS
On going

IRUSA donors are helping about 200 small-scale farmers in the Qalqeliah and Tulkarem districts by providing support for increased cultivated land space; increased water availability; road building to provide easy access to agricultural lands; and training workshops on topics, including water management, organic farming, pruning and pest control. Overall, more than 11,200 people will benefit from this initiative.

PRESCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
On going

Islamic Relief USA has rehabilitated schools, trained teachers and provided books and toys to 40 kindergarten programs, benefitting more than 5,500 children, teachers and workers.

SMALL ENTERPRISE FOR RURAL WOMEN
On going

More than 110 women and their families will benefit from this program, designed to equip women in the Tubas region with the tools and training necessary to become successful entrepreneurs, and to improve their economic situations and livelihoods.

UNRWA SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM IN GAZA
On going

Islamic Relief USA is collaborating with UNRWA and local food suppliers to provide daily supplementary food assistance for more than 21,500 students attending UNRWA schools in Gaza. The program provides food aid to these children for a period of 104 school days, and aims to helps students focus better in the classroom and work toward achieving academic success. Approximately 80% of surveyed students said they feel more energetic after they receive snacks—many of the students, who do not bring food from home to school, reported that they rely on these snacks as their sustenance during the school day.

RAMADAN FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Seasonal

UDHIYAH/QURBANI DISTRIBUTION
Seasonal

ADEQUATE EDUCATION IN THE WEST BANK
Completed

This project helped alleviate over-crowdedness at eight schools throughout the West Bank. Twenty-six additional classrooms, 6 computer and science labs and a school yard were built through this effort. More than 1,800 students, both boys and girls, benefited.

ASKAR COMMUNITY BASIC SCHOOL FOR BOYS
Completed

IRUSA funded the construction and equipping of a new school in the Askar refugee camp in Nablus. About 500 boys in grades 1-9 now attend the school, which is equipped with computer and science labs for a high-quality education. During the summer months, many of the boys gather with their friends and play sports, including basketball and soccer, in the school’s yard.

DIALYSIS UNIT AT ABU AL QASEM HOSPITAL
Completed

The equipment provided by Islamic Relief for this new dialysis unit is enabling access to regular treatments necessary for maintaining the health of kidney patients in and around the village of Yatta.

EMERGENCY RELIEF
Completed

Islamic Relief teams distributed thousands of food packages and hygiene kits to families affected by the 2008 conflict. Islamic Relief also provided medical supplies and equipment, and supported the rehabilitation of emergency departments for local hospitals. The subsequent establishment of a crisis group psychosocial intervention project helped thousands of affected children.

FARMLAND REHABILITATION
Completed

More than 100 farmers have received assistance to prepare farmlands for planting and harvesting. Teams of relief workers have cleared land of rocks and constructed agricultural roads and terraces to make farming possible. Islamic Relief also provided 150 water cisterns and seedlings to help get farming underway.

INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Completed

Six hospitals received equipment to improve their intensive care and emergency units, benefiting thousands.

SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM
Completed

Some 20,000 students received fortified sandwiches daily at school. This program helped ensure that these children received at least one nutritious meal a day.

HOW YOU CAN HELP