Today marks the 70^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also known as Human Rights Day. The United Nations created this day in 1948 to “proclaim the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being.”

2018 also marks 70 years after the catastrophe, 50 years after the occupation, 40 years after Camp David, and 25 years after Oslo—all historical events alienating these human rights to which Palestinians are entitled.

This has not been an easy year for Palestinians. They have been repeatedly assaulted, oppressed, shot, beaten, insulted, evicted, and much more.

Despite all this, individuals like Muslam continue to reach into the darkness of the sea seeking life and hope.  Fishermen in Gaza, continue to work against all odds to support themselves and their families. Fishing is a dangerous profession, particularly at night. With poor lighting in the harbors, there is a high risk of colliding with rocks, other boats, getting lost at sea and being shot at by Israeli patrol boats.

“One day I lost my way in the sea while I was fishing at night,” Muslam relayed. “I could not come back to the harbor for many hours and I lost hope of survival.” Luckily, Muslam made it back safely after his fellow fishermen went looking for him.

This summer, UPA installed solar lighting units at the harbor in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip to improve night visibility and safety. This saved the fishermen a considerable amount of time and effort during their nightly fishing excursions. More importantly, this project gave them some peace of mind.

“The project is a lifeline for us” one fisherman vouched, adding that “it saves our lives.”

As this year comes to an end, we ask you to renew your commitment to support the Palestinian people. Like the new lights at the harbor in Gaza,  your generous support can brighten lives, make them a little easier, a little safer, and perhaps a little more hopeful.