Supporting Palestinian Civilians
On October 7, 2023, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsened dramatically following Hamas’ attack on Israeli civilians and Israel’s subsequent retaliation against Palestinian civilians. The death toll in Gaza continues to climb into the tens of thousands as a result of bombings as well as starvation and disease.
Peace Winds’ programs in Gaza were immediately suspended following the attacks on October 7. Although little to no aid is being allowed into the area, Peace Winds has maintained contact with our two Palestinian staff members, Samira and Hadel, to coordinate food distribution for as many evacuees as possible. For the latest updates on Peace Winds’ aid activities in Gaza, please visit our blog here or by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
Activities Prior to October 7, 2023
Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip has been ongoing since 2007, and in that time, unemployment among Palestinians has climbed and the economic situation has deteriorated. In the interest of providing long-term support, Peace Winds began conducting a short-term employment project in April 2022 to provide job opportunities to young people in Gaza with subsidies from Japan Platform (JPF). The unemployment rate for young people in Gaza exceeds 70 percent, and Peace Winds is working to bring this number down by providing job opportunities and wages to those who were affected by the air raids in 2021. Program participants make use of the specialized knowledge and skills they learned at university in areas such as education, healthcare, and welfare.
Many of these young adults have lost their homes or family members in the airstrikes. However, the organizations where they work as part of Peace Winds’ program speak highly of their motivation and work ethic. Although employment opportunities in Palestine remain limited, some of the program’s participants have received job offers for roles such as administrative assistants, pharmacy technicians, and sign language instructors.
A young man who graduated from a university’s pharmacy department who is now working in a medical office. He plans to become a pharmacist in the future.
