World Humanitarian Day was established by the United Nations to recognize and honor the courageous efforts of humanitarian workers who work tirelessly to create a better, safer world for everyone. This year, the theme emphasizes that civilians and humanitarian workers are #NotATarget in areas of conflict, and should never be considered as such. UPA dedicates this day to its staff in Gaza, who stand at the forefront of its efforts in one of the most volatile places in the Middle East.

UPA’s staff in Gaza are our heroes, our inspiration, and our hope for a brighter future. The camaraderie and sense of civic duty among them is astounding. They don’t just dream of better prospects, they work hard for them, both for themselves and their nation. Despite contending with military invasions and frequent power outages, the profound effect our Gaza staff members have on people’s lives is undeniable. They have coordinated with hospitals to donate medical supplies, and with universities to offer scholarships. They have distributed food and clothing to families in need. They have created employment opportunities for the unemployed. They have offered specialized training to small business owners. They have distributed books and toys to kindergartens. They have offered counseling to the guardians of traumatized children in Gaza.

Every day, our staff in Gaza improves the lives of people. Every day, they make someone’s life little more bearable, and a little happier. They take the lead on life-saving projects and initiatives. The work that our staff in Gaza does is brave and essential, and we are proud to have them on our team.