CRS in Gaza

Dear Michele T, Families in Gaza are on the brink of a humanitarian crisis. They need help now. Ten years ago, a blockade was put into place that crippled the economy. Mothers and fathers struggled to feed and care for their children as war raged around them. Fortunately, critical assistance from the United States was available to help families meet their needs. Emergency funds were at the ready—relief and medical supplies were standing by.   Watch Now But then something happened. A recent suspension of key public grants has caused even emergency assistance to stop. My heart breaks at what this could mean for people struggling to survive in Gaza. Because of the public funding freeze, Catholic Relief Services can no longer provide the critical emergency supplies needed by our vulnerable brothers and sisters in Gaza. This, along with water, electricity and fuel shortages, means people there are living in dire circumstances. Children under 10 have already witnessed three wars in their short lifetimes. It's hard to imagine a country recovering. But let me tell you something I’ve learned—something you won’t hear much about in the news. Hope goes a long way. And when you provide help, you provide hope. I want to introduce you to a colleague and friend: Bassam Nasser, a man passionate about his work. Because people like Bassam have the support of people like you, families in Gaza have a chance. Michele T, watch this video and meet Bassam. Watch what your contribution can do daily. Watch how you can bring hope. We are all deeply concerned about the wide-reaching impact the funding cuts will have. How will schools will remain open? How will health clinics and hospitals be able to meet the needs of the people? Many don’t even know how they will put food on their tables in the coming months. But you'll see in this video that you can make a difference. You won't see that in the news. Families in Gaza—and around the world—are grateful for people like you during times like this. Hilary Dubose Country Representative, Jerusalem, Westbank, Gaza Catholic Relief Services Meet Bassam P.S. How are we doing? As one of our loyal supporters, your feedback is important to us. Please take our short survey. Photos by Karen Kasmauski and Mohamed Reefi for CRS.