As-salamu alaykum (Peace be upon you)/ Hi,

My name is Jebina. I am usually afraid of heights, I can’t even climb a ladder, but I have decided to challenge this fear in order to help the people of Gaza. 

Gaza is a strip of land surrounded mostly by Israel with a high population of Palestinians. After decades of suffering, the land is still suffering a major humanitarian crisis. 

Around five decades ago, Jewish people were handed a large part of Palestinian land to call their home (Israel). Many Arabs who already lived in Palestine and neighbouring countries felt this was unfair as this was their longstanding nation and home and so the conflict between Israelis and Arabs began.

In 1948 both sides went into war. This resulted in the Gaza Strip being occupied by Egypt. In 1967, another war took place which resulted in Israel occupying this land. Isreael troops stayed there for many years until 2005 when Gaza finally became free.

However, this was not the end of its people’s suffering. Terrorist groups controlled the land which led to Israel holding Gaza under a blockade meaning it countrolled the county’s borders and what goes in and out.

Life for the many of the 1.5 million Palestinians who live in the Gaza Strip is difficult.

Israel controls its coastline and all the entry and exit crossings into Israel. Due to restricted access, not many goods get into or out of Gaza. Aid agencies say families are not eating as much as they should. 80% of the population rely on our assistance and charity for food.

Gaza, a land made up of fearful families, escaping the oppression of new Israel many years ago, still sees no peace. There is no working airport. Power cuts occurs too often. Majority of its people are unemployed due to businesses not being able to transport internationally due to the blockade and people not being able to buy things.

I am ‘daring to dive’ to help these people, with Penny Appeal. Gaza is going through a humanitarian crisis. Your donation will send food packs to the suffering children and families.

Remember, a little goes a long way and no donation is too small. 

As Prophet Muhammad SAW said: ‘Charity does not decrease one’s wealth’.

Jazāk Allāhu Khayran (May God reward you with goodness)/ thank you. Let’s make a change in the world today.