Support Palestinian Youth in Gaza

I woke up yesterday morning to a message from Ayman, who has just survived another attack. In the middle of the night, a horrific device—manufactured in my homeland, tearing through his homeland with lethal force. It landed in the so-called "safe zone," spewing toxic contents as it ripped apart dozens of people asleep in their refugee and left craters in the earth that mirror the depth of sorrow in people’s hearts.

In his first messages, Ayman shared just a few grim details of what happened in the camp. And yet I am so grateful to hear from him. Every day I check to see when he was last “seen online” just to know if he’s alive. I feel ashamed to ask him directly, and yet sometimes I can’t sleep until I know he’s made it through another night of this brutal campaign to dismantle the very fabric of his community’s existence.

Ayman is the founder of Youth Without Borders, a Palestinian organization in Gaza started by youth in 2005. The organization focuses on supporting youth to be human rights advocates, community organizers and social and cultural entrepreneurs and has been supported by the community and reputable human rights, humanitarian and development organizations.

As many of you know, their youth development center—a symbol of hope and resilience throughout the 18-year Israeli siege on Gaza—was destroyed months ago. Some of us watched it together. The video shot by an Israeli soldier cheering as the entire building came down as if he was watching a monster truck show.

Since this time, Youth Without Borders has been trying to help the displaced people who have lost their livelihoods and have no money. Aid is only trickling in and is not only being randomly distributed, but resold in the market to the highest bidders. The UN is warning of starvation and epidemic diseases in Gaza amidst such intense combat.

Youth Without Borders is asking for support to continue to operate and support youth.

If you can give something to support them in this time, you will not only help the families who will receive the funds, but also give the youth a sense of solidarity with the global community.

To see some of the work of Youth Without Borders check out their facebook page.