How Michigan residents can help victims of Israeli-Palestinian war
As violence mounts in the Middle East, scores of charities are raising money to help. Photo: Anas-Mohammed / Shutterstock.com.
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan)
Humanitarian groups are calling on people to support victims of the Israeli-Palestinian war following the deaths of more than thousands of civilians.
The violence began after an Oct. 7 surprise attack by Hamas, a group that governs the Gaza strip, killed some 1,300 Israeli citizens. Israel launched air strikes in return, killing over 2,700 and ordering the evacuation of 1 million Palestinian residents of Gaza in advance of a ground invasion.
The World Health Organization demanded the immediate reversal of the evacuation, calling it a “death sentence,” while the United Nations has said that providing access to humanitarian relief is desperately needed.
“History is watching,” the UN’s emergency relief coordinator, Martin Griffiths, said.
There are victims on both sides. Here’s how you can help:
ActionAid
ActionAid, an international non-government organization that fights poverty, has an emergency response fund to deliver essential relief in occupied Palestinian territories. The humanitarian group has been aiding this region since 2007.
Alliance for Middle East Peace
The Alliance for Middle East Peace is made up of 170 organizations including Palestinians and Israelis members. The organization works to bridge the gap between the two communities.
American Friends Service Committee
The American Friends Service committee is a humanitarian organization that promotes peace and nonviolence. It is raising money for residents in Gaza impacted by the war.
International Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross is a neutral organization that provides humanitarian assistance. It is providing aid to both Palestinians and Israelis.
IsraAID
The Israel-based humanitarian organization based in Israel is raising money for mental health services, resilience kits, child-friendly spaces and other distractions from the violence. So far, the organization has raised nearly $1 million with a goal of raising $5 million.
The Jewish Agency for Israel
The agency has started a Fund for Victims of Terror to provide immediate financial assistance of $1,000 or more to families in addition to ongoing care and support.
The Jewish Federations of North America
The organization represents 400 independent Jewish communities around the world. It is raising money to support victims of the Hamas attacks, treat trauma and rebuild infrastructure.
Middle East Children’s Alliance
The Middle East Children’s Alliance is a nonprofit that works to help Palestinian children, Syrian refugees and people seeking aid throughout the Middle East. The organization has set up an emergency fund to assist ground efforts that support people in Gaza.
Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
The organization is raising money to provide free medical care to children injured in Gaza. The group also is allowing supporters to start their own fundraiser through the fund to help Gaza residents.
Save the Children
An emergency fund for the nonprofit has distributed some $1 million in both Israel and Gaza. “Save the Children condemns the killing of civilians – especially children – in the strongest possible terms. Children are always the most vulnerable in every conflict and must be protected,” according to a statement on the organization’s website.
United Hatzalah of Israel
United Hatzalah of Israel is a community-based volunteer organization that provides emergency medical services to victims in Israel. The organization is raising $49.6 million to equip volunteers with protective vests, helmets, oxygen tanks, defibrillators and other aid.
The United Nations
- The United Nations is accepting donations for food, shelter, health and other services in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which helps children in more than 190 countries, is also raising money to help those in Gaza.
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency is also assisting with registered Palestinian refugees.
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