Aietidal Abdelrabbu lives in Gaza Camp with her children. Living in the camp is strenuous and exhausting, yet even at the age of 55, she works hard to secure her modest income with her family pitching in however they can. Her only adult son works as a janitor. During olive harvesting season, Aietidal and her younger children relocate to the farms and pick olives for $5 an hour.

Winters in the camp, the poorest of the 10 recognized Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan, are harsh and unforgiving. “The kids would gather around me while cooking to try to warm their hands and bodies,” Aietidal said. But last winter came with a significant challenge; Aietidal did not have the means to buy kerosene to fuel her heater.

Last winter, to help the people of Gaza Camp, UPA distributed kerosene to 120 families. “I really can’t thank you enough,” Aietidal said. “I didn’t know where I would have brought the kerosene otherwise.” With this kerosene, Aietidal was able to keep herself and her children warm last winter.

These are the simple things that make life worth living. The heat of a kerosene heater. The warmth of family. The fire of resilience. The spark of hope. As 2018 comes to a close, we ask you to keep families like Aietidal’s in your hearts.

Today, on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we need your help to expand our impact beyond our 40th year of service.

Will you join us by making your tax-deductible donation to UPA today?

Please give what you can; every bit counts!