Palestine: a nation that has undergone an unimaginable humanitarian crisis torn by war and civil unrest. The conflict has been an ongoing source of terror and instability for the Palestinians after their land and homes were lost. Since 1977, the 29th day of November has been dedicated to honor and observe as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This year, the annual global generosity movement, GivingTuesday coincides with this day. HHRD’s campaign highlights the plight of Palestinian refugee families as they spend decades in makeshift homes exposed to an unsafe environment. Home reconstruction is one of the main projects that requires immediate assistance especially with the winter months ahead. As these refugees settle in their home away from home, their residences require maintenance, reconstruction, and expansion with large families suffering uncomfortably in deteriorating homes.

With the heartbreaking realities of this uncertain way of life, Palestinians have spent decades praying for security and peace. Every day a child wakes up hoping to live to see the next day, a wife longingly waits for her husband to return home safely, and a mother clenches at her daughter’s blanket after an airstrike. With over 5 million people displaced, around 1.5 million people are registered with the UNRWA for refugee services.

As the world prepares for the upcoming holiday season, HHRD continues with its relief efforts to keep the faith alive and help change one Palestinian life at a time. Since 2013, HHRD’s Middle East North Africa (MENA) office in Jordan has assisted over 1.7 million Palestinian refugees.

Helping Hand USA aims to “create opportunities and strengthen the bond of humanity” with our ongoing programs and campaigns. Our team in Jordan has been assisting and continues to work in the field on relief campaigns to rehabilitate our Palestinian brothers and sisters. While helping families with several refugee services in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Gaza, Helping Hand USA with the help of local NGOs, has been working towards providing on-the-ground healthcare and medical services to Palestinians. Trucks with basic necessary household supplies and hygiene kits are sent from Jordan to Gaza to relieve suffering people and children. Our Education Support Program (ESP) allows donors to sponsor refugee children from Palestine and other countries and help pay for their education costs.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People reminds the world that Palestine is not forgotten. The day signifies the recognition of their pain, suffering, and right to a sovereign nation. It is also a celebration of their beautiful culture and history, which deserves to be fought for as they persevere toward seeing Palestine's flag fly high in their independent land. 

Become a part of this change and help save a Palestinian life by donating at www.hhrd.org/GivingTuesday

About the Author: Hiba Khan is the Marketing Content Lead for Helping Hand USA.