At the Gaza Palestinian American Association (GPAA), we are committed to improving the quality of life for Palestinian communities across the War-torn Gaza Strip. Your support enables us to undertake more projects like this, bringing hope and better living standards to Palestinian communities. Consider making a donation to GPAA to help us continue our vital work.
GPAA Daily Water, Bread & Food Distribution Project – Ongoing
GPAA Is honored to be running almost daily – conditions permitting – distribution of drinking water, bread bags, and food to the displaced families in the tent camps in various parts of Gaza
Project Summary
GPAA field volunteers distribute drinking water, bread bags, and food rations to the displaced people in the tent camps throughout the strip. Given how hard it is to have access to drinking water and bread, this ongoing project has been a major undertaking by the association.
Impact and Results
The impact of these almost daily rations of drinking water and bread bags to the displaced populations throughout the Gaza Strip has been evidently remarkable. Many families that have no adult members to secure such necessities have been the major beneficiaries of this undertaking. Also, areas where water access has been scarce or risky have benefited and continue to benefit from this project. This project expands on a daily basis thanks to the donors generous donations.
GPAA Al-Wafaa Orphan Camp
Project Summary
The children in Gaza are living in another war that has been ongoing since the first minute of this aggression, which is a war of fear, anxiety, tension, and psychological and behavioral sensory disorders, as the rates of speech and hearing disorders, especially among children, have reached their highest levels in light of the almost complete absence of basic needs and the systematic destruction of infrastructure and the exit of most of the service institutions specialized in the same field from service since the beginning of the aggression, not to mention the lack of awareness among parents about the importance of urgent intervention to reduce the impact of this problem. GPAA is proud to engage in this rapid intervention initiative in an attempt to address issues that may accompany our children in Gaza for life. At the same time, we strive to address and solve these issues early with simple tools, capabilities, and ideas now through this day camp for the orphans, Allah Willing!
Impact and Results
- In light of the ongoing war against our people in the Gaza Strip, the residents of the Strip have been suffering from war for more than 14 months. A frenzied attack targeting people, trees and stones, produced tragic and exceptional circumstances that were extremely harsh and complex. In addition to the continuous bombing and the state of forced displacement and migration practiced by the Israeli occupation in a barbaric manner, there was a semi-systematic targeting of children. Thousands of children have been killed. Since the beginning of the aggression, there has been and continues to be a direct targeting of the destruction of the educational infrastructure and even the human resources that are relied upon and that have always carried the Palestinian identity and transmitted it across generations. Also, the psychological aspect, mental health, and psychological and social support are always neglected, especially for groups with high vulnerability, especially children and women, as a result of considering that the priority of psychological treatment is less important than the importance of staying alive in light of the scarcity of resources and available capabilities due to the war in general and the siege imposed from all sides in particular. This problem is sometimes overlooked and ignored by decision-makers and specialized institutions to build an urgent intervention to reduce the impact of psychological trauma and sensory disorders directly caused by the ongoing war machine. Hence, GPAA is proud to undertake this project.
- In addition, this initiative comes as the new school year for Palestinian students approaches, as we will be with them to help and support them in light of their deprivation from receiving any educational process for more than 14 months. Therefore, this initiative is essential to create a psychological educational environment based on preparing the child psychologically and emotionally and supporting them financially and morally in light of these difficult and harsh circumstances that they are facing.
- Also, alleviating the suffering of displaced people in shelters and displacement camps, especially orphaned children, by implementing the initiative’s programs efficiently and effectively, which mainly depends on spreading awareness among families and delivering messages containing educational awareness information by specialists, in addition to providing psychological therapy sessions for children suffering from psychological and behavioral disorders to create an appropriate educational environment and atmosphere for children, through which we try to make up for the children’s loss of normal school life, interspersed with many extracurricular recreational activities.
- Lastly, this initiative is meant to provide psychological support, entertainment, and systematic and non-systematic education activities for children, in addition to holding training and educational workshops for parents, the organization strives to get an integrated center that provides comprehensive services targeting orphaned children specifically in an attempt to alleviate the suffering they are living in currently in the shelter camps and displacement centers in the center and west of Khan Yunis Governorate, south of Gaza Strip.
GPAA Darussalam Camp for the Displaced
Project Summary
In light of the devastating war waged on our people in Gaza for the last 14 months, the Gaza Palestinian American Association (GPAA) in partnership with Darussalam Masjid in California sponsored the building of a complete camp for the displaced in Gaza to establish a safe and secure humanitarian camp for displaced persons affected. The camp will provide essential humanitarian assistance, protection, and support services to alleviate suffering and promote long-term recovery. The designated area for the camp is an area of approximately (5000 meters), which is slated to serve a total of no less than (100) tents for approximately (600 individuals), noting that the area in which these tents are erected is currently classified as a safe area.
Impact and Results
Establishing a camp for displaced persons in Gaza now can provide several critical benefits:
- Physical Safety: The camps offers a designated safe space, shielding individuals from ongoing displacement and potential threats.
- Basic Needs: Providing essential necessities like food, water, shelter, and medical care ensures the survival of displaced persons.
- Emotional Support: The camp offers psychological support and a sense of belonging, helping individuals cope with trauma and loss caused by this unjust war on our people
- Mental Health Services: Access to mental health professionals to help address the psychological impact of displacement and conflict.
- Child Protection: Camps can provide child-friendly spaces and educational opportunities, mitigating the negative effects of displacement on children’s development.
- Education and Skills Training: Providing educational opportunities for children who have been deprived of education for over 14 months as well as vocational training to equip displaced individuals in Gaza with the skills needed to rebuild their lives.
- Community Building: Fostering a sense of community and social cohesion can help displaced persons rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normalcy.
Medical Makeshift Facilities
Project Summary
In light of the destruction of most, if not all, of the hospitals in Gaza, GPAA has strived to establish various makeshift medical clinics throughout the strip, serving the displaced people in the tent camps.
Impact and Results
Makeshift clinics in Gaza provide essential healthcare services to displaced people in the tent camps, often in challenging and dangerous conditions. These clinics play a vital role in mitigating suffering and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Immediate medical care: Makeshift clinics offer timely access to medical treatment, which can be life-saving in emergency situations.
- Disease prevention and control: Clinics implement measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as vaccination campaigns and sanitation practices.
- Trauma care: They provide immediate care for injured people, reducing mortality rates.
- Mental health support: In war-torn Gaza, mental health issues are prevalent. Makeshift clinics offer counseling and support services to those affected by trauma.
- Access to essential medicines: Clinics distribute essential medications and supplies, ensuring that displaced people have access to necessary treatments.
- Community health education: Clinics provide health education to displaced populations, promoting healthy behaviors and disease prevention.
- Relief and comfort: The presence of makeshift clinics offer a sense of relief and comfort to displaced people, who often face significant hardship.
Field Dental Services for the displaced
Project Summary
With the war on Gaza entering its second year, access to dental services has been grossly compromised. GPAA is proud to support field dental services to provide dental care to children in the tent camps of the displaced in various areas of Gaza.
Impact and Results
Dental services to our people in the displaced camps across Gaza is crucial for several reasons:
Pain Relief: Oral pain can significantly impair the population’s ability to function effectively. Dental treatment can alleviate their pain.
Nutrition: Dental problems can hinder a the displaced women and children ability to eat properly, leading to malnutrition
Abscesses and Infections: Untreated dental conditions can lead to abscesses and infections, which can spread to other health issues.
Psychological Well-being: Dental pain can contribute to psychological distress. Addressing dental issues can improve overall mental health of the displaced people in Gaza
Optometric Clinic for the displaced
Project Summary
Gaza Palestinian American Association is proud to sponsor an optometric clinic in Gaza to provide crucial optometric services to displaced people, significantly improving their quality of life and alleviating their pain.
Impact and Results
- Enhanced daily functioning: Corrected vision enables suffering people in Gaza to perform essential tasks like reading, working, and caring for themselves and their families.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Addressing vision problems can alleviate stress and anxiety associated with poor vision.
- Improved overall well-being: Good vision contributes to a positive outlook and better mental health for our people in Gaza
- Community empowerment: By providing this service, the clinic can empower our community and improve their overall health and well-being.
Field Physical Therapy Clinic for the wounded in the displaced camps
Project Summary
GPAA Association is proud to establish a physiotherapy center that provides motor rehabilitation for injured persons through physiotherapists and specialized equipment ( TENS, ES , Hot tank, tools ). The center’s establishment aims to help restore movement to the injured brothers and sisters in the displaced camps. The location is currently a tent in a displaced in southern Gaza Strip (Dir Al Balah area) serving displaced persons in the southern region of Gaza.
Impact and Results
Establishing a physical therapy clinic specifically for war wounded offers numerous benefits, both for the individuals and society at large. Here are some key advantages:
- Pain Management: Therapists can employ techniques to alleviate pain, reduce discomfort, and improve the quality of life for our injured people.
- Improved Physical Function: Physical therapy can help restore mobility, strength, and flexibility, enabling wounded Gazans to regain independence and participate in daily activities.
- Psychological Well-being: Physical therapy can positively impact mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression associated with injuries and trauma.
- Faster Recovery: Early and consistent physical therapy can accelerate the healing process, leading to quicker recovery times.
- Prevention of Secondary Complications: Regular therapy can help prevent secondary complications such as contractures, muscle atrophy, and joint stiffness. Enhanced Quality of Life: By restoring function and reducing pain, physical therapy can significantly improve overall quality of life.
- Social Integration: Physical therapy can facilitate social integration by helping individuals regain confidence and participate in community activities.
Regular Distribution of Hygienic Supplies
Project Summary
In light of the extreme restrictions imposed on the delivery of hygienic supplies in Gaza, GPAA strives to provide various hygienic supplies throughout the strip wherever and whenever possible.
Impact and Results
The availability of hygienic supplies in war-struck areas in Gaza is crucial for public health and well-being. Access to clean water, soap, and sanitation facilities can significantly reduce the prevalence of diseases, improve overall health outcomes, and contribute to social and economic development.
Disease Prevention:
- Reduction of waterborne diseases: Access to clean water and proper sanitation can prevent the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
- Improved hygiene practices: Availability of soap and handwashing facilities can reduce the transmission of infectious diseases like influenza, pneumonia, and skin infections.
- Improved quality of life: Access to hygienic supplies can improve the overall quality of life for people living in tent camps.
Makeshift School classes in the Tent Camps for the displaced children
Project Summary
ALL of schools in Gaza have been destroyed completely or partially, and ALL students across the Gaza strip have been deprived of education ever since the war broke out. GPAA is undertaking the establishment of makeshift schools in Gaza to provide a crucial lifeline for displaced children, offering them hope, opportunity, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
Impact and Results
Makeshift school classes play a vital role in providing displaced children with education and support in war-torn Gaza. These temporary learning spaces offer numerous benefits, including:
- Continuity of education: By providing a safe and structured learning environment, makeshift schools help maintain children’s educational progress, preventing them from falling behind.
- Mental and emotional support: Education provide a sense of normalcy and stability for children who have experienced trauma. It can help them cope with their experiences and develop resilience.
- Skill development: Makeshift schools teach essential life skills, such as reading, writing, and basic arithmetic, preparing children for their future.
- Hope for the future: Access to education give displaced children hope for a better future and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
- Community building: Makeshift schools foster a sense of community among displaced children and their families, providing a support network during difficult times.
- Foundation for reconstruction: Education is essential for the reconstruction of war-torn beloved Gaza. Educated children will become future leaders and contribute to the rebuilding of GAZA.
Winter Clothing for the Displaced in Gaza
Project Summary
Winter clothing can significantly improve the quality of life for displaced persons in Gaza, especially during harsh winter conditions. By sponsoring this program, GPAA tries to help displaced persons in Gaza survive harsh winter conditions, improve their overall health and well-being, and increase their resilience in the face of aggression.
Impact and Results
Physical Health:
- Protection from Hypothermia: Winter clothing helps maintain body temperature, preventing hypothermia, a life-threatening condition.
- Reduced Risk of Illness: Warm clothing can lower the risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, which are common during cold weather.
- Improved Overall Health: Adequate warmth can boost the immune system and overall well-being.
Psychological Well-being:
- Enhanced Comfort: Warm clothing provides comfort and reduces stress associated with cold exposure.
- Boosted Morale: Feeling warm and protected can improve mental health and resilience.
- Increased Sense of Security: Having appropriate clothing can provide a sense of security and safety.
Empowering Al-Jamia Al-Abyad: A Successful Community Energy Project
Project Summary
The “Establishment of an Energy Station in Al-Jamia Al-Abyad” aimed to enhance local infrastructure by providing sustainable energy solutions. This initiative involved the installation of a 5 kW energy device, solar panels, batteries, and essential wiring to operate a local well and street lighting.
Impact and Results
- Improved Access to Water: The energy station now powers a local well, ensuring a reliable water supply for the community.
- Enhanced Safety: Street lighting powered by the new energy station has significantly improved nighttime safety for residents.
This project has transformed the daily lives of Al-Shati Camp Al-Jamia Al-Abyad neighborhood residents, providing essential resources and improving overall living conditions.
A water well serving displaced residents in Mawasi Khan Younis Rea
This is a water for multi purposes (Drinking & washing) since El Mawasi area is nearly deserted place and people who located at this area are in an insisting need for such project. The project will secure water for multi purposes (Drinking & washing) since El Mawasi area is nearly deserted place and people who located at this area are in an insisting need for such project.
The GPAA is a humanitarian society that’s why the project aligns with the mission and priorities of the GPAA.
The project will provide 500 (2500 persons) displaced families with adequate quantities of water to cover the daily basic needs of water.
Project Summary
This is a water for multi purposes (Drinking & washing) since El Mawasi area is nearly deserted place and people who located at this area are in an insisting need for such project.
Impact and Results
1This project will meet the displaced people’s daily needs of water which is essential to their survival.
The project will protect the beneficiaries from being caught with catching diseases.
The free of charge water distributions will be of great value to the beneficiaries since they are living under abject poor conditions and they have no money left.
Helping Farming Families in Northern GAZA
The project aims at targeting 100 families that live in the north of Gaza, the north has empty spaces that would enable families sustain the gardens and ultimately produce healthy food for themselves, their neighbors and their friends.
Project Summary
The project aims at targeting 100 families that live in the north of Gaza, the north has empty spaces that would enable families sustain the gardens and ultimately produce healthy food for themselves, their neighbors and their friends. Under the current circumstances of ongoing war and the lack of food supplies and the insane prices of vegetables, this idea would give hope to the people that they can grow their own food. The project also aims at growing and target the shelter centers.
We are going to support 100 families who live under the poverty line and live up to the standards such as having empty space in their house, which would enable them to sustain the project. The families would be provided with the seeds and seedlings and will be followed up and helped constantly by agricultural engineers who are going to teach them and support them throughout the entire period of the project.
Impact and Results
Each family received:
- At least 30 assorted seasonal vegetables seedlings (Palestinian summer squash, hot peppers, eggplant, cucumber and tomatoes)
- 80 grams of local seeds (dill, mulukhiya, chard),
- Compost, soil, and amendments
- Plastic planters, where needed
- Training and follow up by agriculture experts
