Famine in Gaza

Donate now to provide food, water, and other essentials to families in Gaza. A few weeks ago, the World Health Organization found that children are starting to die of starvation. The U.N. reported on March 18, 2024 that 70% of the population of northern Gaza is suffering from catastrophic hunger. Famine is overtaking the population. [Source: Human Rights Watch]

Your donations will go towards the Gaza Emergency Relief Program of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).* The AFSC continues to operate in Gaza despite the danger. As of April 4, 2024, this program provided food to 475,156 displaced people in Gaza, including in northern Gaza.

Help the courageous staff of AFSC to provide relief.

What is Orange Grove Friends Meeting (OGFM) Doing?

At the April 14th Meeting for Business, we adopted a statement** in support of a ceasefire, return of the hostages, and humanitarian aid. We also allocated $10,000 from reserves to provide funding for AFSC emergency aid in Gaza. And we agreed to fundraise among our members and attenders for humanitarian relief in Gaza.

It is difficult to watch this unfolding humanitarian disaster, particularly when our tax dollars are contributing to it. You can do something about it!

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*The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light of each person. The AFSC works with people of all faiths and backgrounds to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace. The AFSC has provided assistance to the people of Gaza since 1948.

** This is the Minute of Concern (statement) that the OGFM Peace and Social Concerns Committee proposed and our Meeting for Business approved:

Minute of Concern on Israel/Palestinian War
Approved by the OGFM Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
April 14, 2024

As Quakers, we oppose war and seek a just and lasting peace in Israel/Palestine. We grieve the death of over 1,200 Israelis and over 33,000 Gazans, including 13,800 children. Over 75,000 Gazans have been injured but most lack decent health care. Gazans are facing famine and infectious disease as well as the destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, places of worship, and farms. Their need for food, shelter and medical care is critical. We therefore urge our elected officials to seek:

1) An immediate and lasting bilateral ceasefire.
2) Return of Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners.
3) Expedited humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza.