It was a steaming hot Monday morning, the streets were covered with trash, and the neighborhoods were comprised of dilapidated and war-torn buildings. This Ramadan, the UPA mental health practitioners in Gaza went door to door hand-delivering food parcels to marginalized families.

They walked down narrow, cramped alleyways and were greeted by children playing in the streets. They then knocked on a wall with a drape that was functioning as a door. That drape belonged to Naem. Naem is a 51-year old living in Gaza with his wife, Hiyam and their four children. He suffers from various mental difficulties.

Hiyam greeted the staff as they entered through the makeshift kitchen and she escorted them to the family’s living room. The living room is outside and covered by various tarps. Hiyam was overwhelmed by the staff’s thoughtfulness and was grateful not only for the food parcel but also for their time.  UPA’s mental health practitioners make sure to visit with each beneficiary to hear his or her story so each beneficiary knows they are not forgotten. Hiyam stressed how difficult it is to care for her husband and children with little to no resources.

Please make a tax-deductible donation to UPA today.

Last year, during the holy month of Ramadan, your gifts supported 400 impoverished families in UPA’s areas of service. UPA’s field staff personally delivered food packages and distributed food vouchers to families who had no other means of putting food on their tables.

With your generous support, we can reach more people existing under the most difficult circumstances.

With gratitude,

Saleem F. Zaru

Executive Director