Statement on Gaza and Funding Appeal

By Rita Boulos, chairwoman of municipal society and Ariela Bairey Ben Ishay, chair of the association of educational institutions, on behalf of the board members.

Condolences

Our heart goes out to Abir Elzowidi, the executive director of the American Friends of Neve Shalom – Wahat al-Salam for the loss of her cousin in Gaza. At the age of 21, he was one of the casualties of Israel’s military campaign there. We are deeply saddened by this unnecessary death, and we extend our profound condolences to his family in the US and Gaza.

Stop the attacks on Gaza!

We in the village of Wahat al-Salam / Neve Shalom call for an end to Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The one that has just ended was the fifth in recent years. We condemn every incidence of murderous military action against civilians.

Palestinians and Israelis everywhere deserve to live in safety without suffering and unnecessary grief. We all need a real peace that allows both peoples to enjoy well-being and freedom. Military operations have never promoted anyone’s sense of security. Innocent children, women and the elderly are among those who pay a heavy price for aggression.

From our village, we hear the booms and explosions from missile attacks and see the war planes on their way to bombing locations in Gaza. TV and social media bring us images of the dead and the wounded, of funerals, of the wholesale destruction of homes and of entire neighborhoods. Our hearts are constricted by all this suffering, and we share in Gazans’ anxiety, fear and deep concern.

Help us raise funds for Gaza hospitals

The last campaign ended in dozens of deaths and hundreds more injured. Gaza’s health system, already weakened by long-standing shortages of drugs, medicines and laboratory supplies, by severe restrictions of movement, a chronic energy crisis and a worsening economic situation, is struggling to cope with the heavy new demands placed upon it. We are therefore initiating an emergency campaign to raise funds to send new supplies and equipment to Gaza hospitals.

To send a donation, please visit https://www.wasns.org/donate. Donations may be made either via Paypal (“Make a one-time donation to Wahat al-Salam via Paypal”).
Please be sure to indicate “Campaign for Gaza hospitals” when donating.

As before, we will ensure that 100% of all donations reach their goal. All purchase of medical supplies and equipment will be according to actual needs and overseen by medical professionals. Supplies and equipment will be purchased locally or in the West Bank before transportation to Gaza hospitals and clinics.

The delivery will be carried out by Dr. Raid Haj Yehia, a WASNS resident who, in his capacity as a member of Physicians for Human Rights, makes regular journeys to Gaza for the purpose of providing treatment and delivering medical supplies.

Cover photo © Activestills, by Mohammed Zaanoun (link)