How to Support Palestine in the Current Crisis: Volunteering, Donating, and Educating Yourself

Dia C.

10/12/20233 min read

The ongoing crisis in Palestine has brought to light the urgent need for support and solidarity from people around the world. If you are looking for ways to help, there are several avenues you can explore. By volunteering, donating, and educating yourself, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Palestinians affected by the conflict.

Background

Since early October 2023 Palestine has been under attack by Israel. Millions of citizens have lost their homes, lives, loved ones, and more. While it may seem like there is nothing you can do, there are ways that you can help them, even from home.

1. Volunteer

Volunteering your time and skills is a powerful way to support Palestine. Numerous organizations offer volunteer programs that allow you to contribute directly to relief efforts on the ground. One such organization is the Palestinian American Coalition, which provides humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. You can visit their website at https://pac-sf.org/ to learn more about their volunteer opportunities. Alternatively, you can also attend protests and marches in your area to bring awareness. If you do attend protests/marches, make sure that they are safe.

2. Donate

Donating to reputable organizations that are actively involved in providing aid to Palestinians is another impactful way to help. The Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) is one such organization that focuses on providing medical care and support to children in need. You can visit their website at https://www.pcrf.net to make a donation and learn more about their work. Our Partner, Dougherty Math Circle, has donated over $1000 to this effort already.

3. Learn

Educating yourself about the history, culture, and current situation in Palestine is crucial in understanding the complexities of the crisis. By staying informed, you can effectively advocate for the rights of Palestinians and raise awareness about their struggles. Read books, watch documentaries, and follow reputable news sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. From our discussions with UCSD Hillel and the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem, educating people about the conflict is very important to raise awareness and funds. Two resources that may be helpful are: What it means to be a refugee in Gaza by Serena Awad and teachpalestine.org.

Additionally, engage in conversations with individuals who have different perspectives on the conflict. This will help broaden your knowledge and enable you to approach the situation with empathy and sensitivity.

Conclusion

The crisis in Palestine calls for collective action and support. By volunteering your time, donating to reputable organizations, and educating yourself about the situation, you can play a vital role in making a positive impact. Remember that even the smallest contribution can go a long way in providing relief and support to those in need. Together, we can work towards a more just and peaceful future for Palestine.

Summary

Since early October 2023, Palestine has been under attack by Israel. Millions of citizens have lost their homes, lives, loved ones, and more. While it may seem like there is nothing you can do, there are ways that you can help them, even from home. You can donate to several organizations that help give medicine and/or food to Palestinians. Some include; The Red Cross (gives relief by giving medicine), The Carter Center (“Seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health”), and Mercy Corps (for over three decades they have worked in the west bank and Gaza to help communities in their time of crisis). There are so many more, these are just a few. When you choose to donate, make sure to research the place you are donating to to make sure it is trustworthy. And remember, any amount helps, even $1 goes a long way. If you are unable to donate, don’t worry because there is another way to help; educate yourself and others. While this has been a popular topic of discussion, many people don’t know what is going on, why it is happening, and/or how to help. Researching and bringing awareness can help influence others to help. Two resources that help with this are What it means to be a refugee in Gaza by Serena Awad and teachpalestine.org. There are thousands of others as well, just a simple search will give you them. You can also attend protests and marches in your area to bring awareness. If you do attend protests/marches, make sure that they are safe. Because of the danger that is there, unless people work with an organization, they cannot travel to Palestine to help, so currently these are the best options. Please consider helping in any way you can.