“I feel that now I have a value within my family and people surrounding me,” declared Ramez Jarada.  “Now I’m able to provide income for myself and my family.”

Ramez is a young man with Down syndrome in besieged, war-torn Gaza. Despite all the factors working against him, Ramez did not capitulate. He took control of his life and sought support through UPA’s Small Business Development program to start his own business, which took the form of a grocery cart. Ramez now earns a modest, sustainable income to support himself, his mother, and his wife.

In Ramez, we can see that true strength can only be seen in dark times for the same reason the stars can only be seen at night. It takes darkness to shine, and that’s why Gaza is bright with strength, resilience, and determination.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Palestinians, like Ramez. As the year comes to a close, we ask you to think of Palestine and think of the Palestinians.

Whether in 1978 or in 2018, UPA remains a dynamic and trusted partner of the Palestinian people, ready at a moment’s notice to deploy emergency relief services and resources, while also taking a parallel approach of capacity building capacity in an attempt at long-term socio-economic and cultural development of the Palestinian community.

This holiday season, think of those who are casting light into the dark and donate to make this light shine brighter.

Together, we can continue to provide these services to Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, and Lebanon, truly transforming lives and empowering communities.

Thank you.

The UPA Team