The Rebuilding Alliance’s desire to help the people in Gaza, after the 2014 bombings, was reciprocated by an overwhelming response by the people.

 “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” –Rumi

What is needed is the right intention and the willpower to carry on.

 The humanitarian crisis caused by the Operation Protective Edge launched in July 2014 by the Israeli forces on Gaza is unmatched in Palestine’s recent history. According to Amnesty International, the seven-week long bombing resulted in the deaths of more than 2000 Palestinians including 500 children and injuring more than 10,000 people. The United Nations reported that more than 96,000 homes got damaged, while 7000 turned completely into rubble, displacing more than half a million people.

 The team at the Rebuilding Alliance (RA), led by Donna Baranski-Walker, Founder and Executive Director of RA, knew they had to help the people in Gaza who have lost their homes, clothing, and pretty much everything. Flyers, asking for clothing, shoes, and bedding, were sent out in the bay area. The response was phenomenal. People from all faiths and backgrounds came, donated, and packed boxes for the shipment. The children sent puppets to give hope to the children in Gaza. A 40-feet long container was shipped to Gaza. However, getting the shipment through a series of clearances from local, Palestinian and Israeli authorities was no easy feat. The RA persevered. 

 The RA learned many new things along the way. It learned how to send things, who to work with, as the next shipment, a 20-feet container, was sent with the help of the Red Crescent Society. It learned what the people in Gaza wanted. The RA also provided clothes for the people in Gaza during the Ramadan for Eid by buying locally through funds raised at home. 

 The clothing drive led to the start of many ventures such as the provision of hygiene kits, backpacks with stationeries for the children, solar lights projects, etc. Extra clothes, from the clothing drive, were sent to the Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Donna shares that being able to respond to the needs of the people who have lost everything is a very satisfying experience. 

It is in this spirit the RA has continued to serve the people in Gaza, Palestine. Your continued support is needed to fulfill our goal.