Military occupation and an iron fist siege policy wage a ruthless attack against Palestinians in Gaza. In addition to airstrikes, raids, and arrests, a restriction on the movement of people and goods paralyzes all aspects of normal life killing hope for a better future. The scarcity of opportunities and the struggle for survival forces young men and women to pursue work unrelated to their field of study or their interests.

“I first opened a food stand, and little by little, God made me [somewhat] successful. I wanted to develop my [food stand]…but my financial situation – and the financial situation of the country as a whole – is tough…I had to knock on a few doors,” explained Malek.

One of the doors that opened to Malek was UPA’s Small Business Development program. UPA prepares small business owners to find success, respect, and dignity within their communities. Your compassion over the last five years has made it possible to expand the reach of this program from dozens to hundreds of beneficiaries like Malek.

Through your financial support, building on his food stand experience, a great deal of hard work, and relentless perseverance, Malek was able to establish a small restaurant. This helped him increase his income and allowed him to hire a recent graduate who, like himself, struggled to find work in Gaza.

“I thank God I found UPA,” says Malek. “Because of them, I was able to develop my business from a small food stand into a successful restaurant… Running my own business gives me a feeling [of freedom]. No one controls me. Thank God.”

With hope,