When: December 7^th, 2019

Time: 3pm – 6pm

Location: UPA DC Office, 1330 New Hampshire Ave. NW Ste. 104

Metro: Dupont Circle (south exit)

$15 Suggested Donation

*Light refreshments will be served

Fishing is one of the most important professions in Gaza. As a coastal area, Gaza and its residents benefit from access to the sea. It is a source of livelihood for the fishermen and a source of nutrition for all. This tradition has been passed down for generations in Gaza. Today, thousands of fishers continue to work in the sea despite the challenges posed by the war and blockade.

Among these challenges are a restricted fishing zone, limited access to fishing equipment, and a lack of adequate lighting in the harbors. For these reasons, boat collisions are frequent, and poverty among fishers is alarmingly high. Their work could be done much more safely and efficiently if they had the proper resources available to them.

UPA is already working to provide them with these resources through the Small Business Development program, which is dedicated to supporting small business owners in their ventures. Last year, UPA installed a solar energy system in Gaza’s Khan Younis harbor to provide more visibility for the fishermen who work at night. Given Gaza’s frequent power outages, this system was necessary to ensure that fishers could navigate the water at night, and could find their way back to the shore. It also ensures that they won’t need to clean their equipment in the dark after returning to shore.

UPA is currently in the process of installing another solar energy system, this time in Gaza’s Deir Al Balah harbor. We are thrilled by this progress, and at the same time, we recognize that there is still a lot to be done to help the fishing sector flourish. A multi-faceted approach is in order. We are raising funds at our Open House to provide the following for fishers in Gaza:

• Solar-powered harbor lighting
• Fishing nets
• Safety equipment
• Water-resistant clothing
• Boat repairs

The 2019 Open House is an excellent opportunity to mingle with the UPA team while supporting a great cause. We are excited to welcome all visitors to our office, and we encourage you to invite your friends and family. Refreshments will be provided. Mark your calendars, and we hope to see you there!

Suggested donation of $15 for supporting fishers in Gaza (can’t attend but want to donate?) upaconnect.org/openhouse