Dignity For Palestinians

 

Who We are

The mission of the Dignity for Palestinians (D4P) Campaign is to preserve and enhance the dignity of Palestinians in Gaza by providing critical emergency health and wellness assistance. This involves addressing immediate health needs, improving living conditions, and supporting overall well-being in the face of challenging circumstances. D4P aims to ensure that Palestinians receive the care and resources they need to maintain their dignity and resilience during times of crisis and ongoing difficulty.

How Did Dignity for Palestinians Begin?

Dignity for Palestinians (D4P) was initiated in March 2024 by Dr. Musallam Abukhalil, who was at the time a leading physician and manager of a primary care clinic within a school shelter in Western Nusierat. With extensive first-hand experience addressing the medical needs of the local shelter community, which serves a population of at least 25,000 according to official figures, Musallam realized that his role as a clinician wasn't enough. He has since established a strong coalition of local Palestinian volunteers, activists, and international partners who understand the urgent need for immediate and effective humanitarian aid. A key founding member is Elicia Yoffee, a Jewish-American peace and justice activist who volunteers with fundraising and social media coordination. Musallam and Elicia met over a decade ago through a virtual program between Penn State University’s World in Conversation Project and UNDP’s Al Fakhoora Scholarship and Empowerment Programme. Their mission is to create a focused, independent initiative that can operate with flexibility and responsiveness in the challenging environment of Gaza.

What We Do

Dignity for Palestinians began with grassroots efforts to raise funds and mobilize resources to meet critical health needs such as access to food, water, and shelter. It successfully crowdfunded its flagship Emergency Health and Wellness Assistance Program (EHWAP), surpassing the original goal of $20,000. The campaign also worked with international nonprofit organizations like Mountain of Mercy, One Ummah, and informal groups supportive in the West Bank, Ireland, UK, Canada, and the US, as well as local community leaders, to identify urgent issues and coordinate aid delivery. In less than a year, the campaign has managed over $100,000 in funds, providing food, water, shelter, and cash assistance to the most vulnerable and fragile groups within the shelter community.

D4P operates directly in Gaza, ensuring that aid is efficiently delivered to those most in need. It prioritizes providing emergency food assistance, health services, and wellness programs. Additionally, the campaign advocates for better conditions and improved access to healthcare in Gaza. 

Dignity for Palestinians has a unique position in relation to other locally-led organizations due to our access to private goods supplier connections. This strong relationship gives D4P the ability to hold credit with suppliers and allows us to transfer payment electronically to private suppliers, avoiding the steep withdrawal fees that have risen since the start of the war. In addition, D4P does not pay commission to suppliers, and our supply chain is more secure as private trucks have more security than aid trucks, which are regularly looted. 

What Are Our Goals? How do we plan to achieve them?

1. Improved Health and Well-being:
   1. Access to Essential Services: By providing emergency food, water, health services, and cash assistance, the campaign aims to meet the immediate needs of the displaced population, reducing the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and health complications. This will contribute to overall improved health outcomes within the community.
   2. Enhanced Mental Health Support: Through wellness programs and community engagement, the campaign seeks to address the psychological toll of displacement and conflict, fostering resilience and mental well-being among affected individuals.
2. Restoration of Dignity and Hope:
   1. Empowerment and Self-Reliance: By involving local leaders, activists, and community members in the design and implementation of initiatives, the campaign empowers the population to take an active role in their own recovery. This sense of agency can restore a sense of dignity and hope among those who have faced significant adversity.
   2. Reduction of Vulnerability: The targeted assistance provided by the campaign will help alleviate the dire conditions faced by the most vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and the elderly, reducing their exposure to risks and enhancing their ability to cope with ongoing challenges.
3. Strengthened Community Cohesion:
   1. Fostering Solidarity: By engaging local leaders and community members in collaborative efforts, the campaign strengthens social ties and promotes solidarity within the displaced population. This sense of unity is crucial for collective resilience and community rebuilding.
   2. Increased Awareness and Advocacy: The campaign’s efforts to raise awareness and advocate for improved conditions in Gaza are expected to generate greater local and international support, fostering a stronger sense of community both within and outside Gaza.
4. Capacity Building and Sustainable Development:
   1. Long-term Impact: The campaign's emphasis on local involvement and the development of strategic partnerships is anticipated to build local capacity for sustained humanitarian response and development. This will help ensure that the community is better equipped to handle future crises and work towards long-term recovery.
   2. Resource Mobilization: By successfully leveraging local networks and international partnerships, the campaign will not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to the long-term development of local resources and infrastructure.
5. Increased Visibility and Advocacy:
   1. Global Awareness: Through media outreach and digital engagement, the campaign aims to bring global attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, encouraging international action and support. This increased visibility can lead to more robust advocacy efforts and potentially influence policy changes that benefit the community.

Projects 

Warga Cenka: Vegetable Baskets Initiative, September 4th, 2024

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hiEgOWz1DiEXX5OS1o7feudjyktszNta

The Smell of our Country Art Exhibit: Supported by Adam “Spicebag” Doyle July 30th, 2024

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10-C9xskWL6DQcNX7TnL_pQx6xMigQ37F

Heal Palestine: Infant Formula Milk and Cerelac Packs Distribution, July 31st, 2024

Orphans Worldwide: Cold Flavored Drinks for Children, July 1st, 2024

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12n03fN1fUifmiXMLx2eRhJes_IdtKadQ/view?usp=drive_link

Mountain of Mercy, Chicken Baskets for 300 Families, June 21st, 2024

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t07b04lPCxWuy76JaojvdhEamNzdNWHN/view?usp=drive_link

Chocolates for Children, Eid al Fitr, April 10th, 2024

Why You Should Contribute

Dignity for Palestinians is a Palestinian-led, local, independent initiative that provides resources directly to the internally displaced population in Western Nusierat. Your donations allow us to continue our initiatives, which include providing emergency food supplies, essential medicines, nutritional support for infants and toddlers, safe drinking water, cash assistance for orphaned children, and more. Donations also support our community workshops, wellness programs, and the provision of temporary housing or tent maintenance. 

Please consider contributing if you are able, and share with others who may be willing to contribute.