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Dear Friend,
The recent news of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza represents a moment of hope for people on both sides of the conflict. Any sign of peace is a moment to celebrate. As the ceasefire is expected to take effect this Sunday, we reiterate our call for an immediate end to restrictions on humanitarian aid and safe access to adequate health services for the 1.9 million civilians living in the region.
With your generous support, Project HOPE has responded to the vast health needs in Gaza since late 2023. We continue to operate multiple health clinics providing primary care, maternal health, and group counseling for families in need.
I’m reaching out to share these powerful words of reflection and HOPE from our team in Gaza:
“Hearing the word ‘ceasefire’ at last fills the heart with mixed emotions; joy for the return of peace and sorrow for all that we have lost. Yet, the most beautiful part is the hope of finally returning to our homes.”
–Nirmin Akilan, Pharmacist
“We survived drowning, but the sea remained in our eyes. The war has ended, but the material and psychological devastation it left behind will last for a long time.”
–Dr. Mohammed Al Aydi, General Practitioner
“In my mind, a frequent question is how I survived all this?! I think I need a break and cry for all the loved ones and property I lost, I am really tired of steadfastness and resistance, I wish the war would end and I would go back to my home and bed, but unfortunately I know that I will only find a pile of stones.”
–Fadi Alnajjar, GBV Officer
“‘Life is an experience that combines joy and sadness, success and failure.’ We have tasted sadness in all its forms throughout the war, and it is time for the sun of freedom to rejoice in its emergence after a long time.”
–Ahmad Alhennawi, Social Worker
“We paid a bloody tax. The dreadful war has been a thorn in our side. ‘Ceasefire’ is the joy that has been awaited for more than a year. Grateful for having been given another life, unfortunately this painful happiness is overshadowed by the number of loss and the missing martyrs under the rubble.”
–Israa Omar, Nurse
“We survived death, but the wounds of loss and the pain of separation still bleed deep within us. Between comfort and a glimmer of safety, souls become heavy and words fail us in describing the pain we carry.”
–Somaya Abu Shanab, Midwife
When I read these powerful words from our team in Gaza, it impacts me deeply. They reiterate for me that even with this turning point, we know that there is a long road ahead. Nearly all of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are homeless, traumatized, and on the brink of famine-like conditions. We remain focused on our call for a significant reduction in humanitarian aid restrictions and an increase in humanitarian access to all areas of the region.
It will be years before communities can adequately rebuild and recover, which is why we must continue to support our team and be there for children and families in Gaza. Please make a gift to help families who need it most in Gaza and other crisis zones around the world.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
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