UNRWA has raised nearly US$150 million in donations since October 2023, with significant contributions from its branches, institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), large businesses and individuals in Spain and the United States. The organization says some of these donors have doubled their donation amounts.
“Your donation means a lot, no matter the size,” said Karim Amer, Director of Partnerships at UNRWA. “Your donation has helped millions of families suffering massive loss, displacement, trauma, constant anxiety and fear.”
For the organization, which faces severe funding shortfalls, continued support is vital. It is noteworthy that in January 2024, after some complaints from Israel, 16 donor countries suspended their grant cooperation, due to which UNRWA suffered a loss of about 450 million US dollars.
Israel alleged that 10-12 UNRWA workers were also allegedly involved in a Hamas-led terrorist attack in its southern part on 7 October.
The UN immediately launched an investigation into Israel’s allegations, which concluded in August. Some evidence in that investigation indicated that as many as nine employees were possibly involved. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini then announced the termination of these employees in the interest of the organization.
Since then, all countries except the United States have resumed their donor support for UNRWA.
Invaluable help and solidarity
UNRWA has served Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria since receiving its mandate from the United Nations General Assembly in 1949.
Until the outbreak of war in Gaza in October (2023), UNRWA provided education to more than half a million boys and girls, as well as basic health and care services to more than two million people across the Middle East region.
Privately donated funds are used to provide food, water, medicine and shelter to meet the dire needs of Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip.
More than 40,000 people, including 213 UNRWA workers, have been killed in nearly 10 months of fierce fighting in Gaza. The war has created widespread hunger and destruction there. Many people are starving and most of the health, water and shelter infrastructure has been destroyed beyond repair.
Public support for UNRWA staff on the ground is vital as they face enormous difficulties in helping refugees, while they themselves are deeply affected and displaced.
“For our allies in Gaza, public support gives them the strength to continue their work and deliver aid,” said Karim Amer.
First time donors are very interested
Karim Amer said there is an influx of first-time donors to UNRWA from individuals and organizations based in the United States, Britain, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Germany, the Philippines, India, some African countries and other regions.
He said that schools, student groups, consulting firms, employee funds and restaurants seem eager to come forward to donate to UNRWA.
Various types of aid to Palestine
Many music artists are releasing songs in support of Palestine and donating the proceeds to UNRWA. Mexican singer Marianina in April Palestine to Mexico He released a song called ‘Junk’ and is donating all the proceeds from it to UNRWA. Canadian violinist Jessica Moss also performed a concert for UNRWA in Berlin in February.
US four-time Grammy Award-winning rapper Macklemore released an opus in May (2024) – Hind Hall Which became very popular on social media and he is donating all the proceeds to UNRWA.
Jason Terry, UNRWA’s director of strategic programs in the United States, told UN News a few days ago that he had received his first royalties of $47,000 just a few days ago. “We also received a personal donation of $100,000 from Macklemore earlier in the year.”
Macklemore’s song draws attention to the global protests to end the war in Gaza.
Jason Terry said we are grateful for Macklemore’s support and passion to serve the people of Gaza. “Their gifts are already helping us provide food to many families and children.”
Charitable solidarity of the Muslim community
Muslims all over the world also showed him immense kindness and helped him immensely. In 2023, people donated $4.7 million to UNRWA’s Zakat program. Zakat is a charity system according to Islamic rules, where people donate a certain portion of their wealth.
It provides grants to provide cash and food items to the poorest people and includes Palestinian refugees.
Many people are donating to UNRWA in their personal capacity and many non-governmental organizations are also donating. Germany-based NGO Hassen Hassen International has donated more than $5 million since the war began in October (2023). These donations provide food, water and medicine for children and cash to families.
Singaporeans donated about $6.2 million through an organization called Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF). “RLAF truly considers it a privilege to work with partners like UNRWA, working with aid for innocent victims of war,” said Muhammad Faisal bin Usman, the organization’s chief executive officer.
basis of hope
UNRWA aims to raise about $1.21 billion through the surprise appeal between April and December to address the urgent humanitarian needs of about 1.7 million people.
To show support for UNRWA, an annual resolution was held on 12 July, where the governments of 118 countries, including 15 members of the Security Council, expressed their support for the organization.
In their joint statement, the governments of these countries emphasized UNRWA’s vital role as a lifeline of hope for millions of refugees in the Middle East and a pillar of regional stability.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said the conference was held at a crucial juncture, when an unprecedented and systematic attack was launched to dismantle the organization.
“UNRWA has no choice,” he said.