Dear John,
I’m writing to update you on our emergency response in Gaza.
As you may have seen, aid entering Gaza is at its lowest level in months. More people are facing starvation, polio, and other diseases. Most of Gaza’s population—1.7 million people—now live in makeshift camps as winter approaches. Meanwhile, Israel has continued its bombardments on Gaza, killing more people and obstructing relief efforts.
Generous support from the AFSC community has been critical in helping AFSC’s team in Gaza continue their tireless efforts in the most difficult circumstances. To date, our team, working with volunteers and local partners, has reached more than 1.3 million Palestinians with life-saving aid in Gaza. That includes providing over 745,939 people with food, 513,058 with drinkable water, and 54,400 with hygiene kits.
Because most school buildings have been destroyed, many children are now going to school in crowded tents in displacement camps. Since August, AFSC’s team has given out backpacks, notebooks, and other school supplies to over 1,500 children. “It has meant the world to see students’ faces light up when they receive these supplies to help them in their schooling,” writes AFSC’s Serena Awad.
But we are at a crucial moment, and we need your help to send an urgent message to policymakers. Every day that humanitarian aid is obstructed in Gaza costs lives. To end the violence, the U.S. must stop sending bombs and warplanes to the Israeli military.
Please join us in urging Congress to support an arms embargo on Israel now and to insist on an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access for the delivery of aid.
Thank you again for all the ways you support our efforts.
In peace,
