As we reflect on UPA’s role during a particularly strenuous year, we are reminded of a continuous tsunami of bad news, especially during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, all on top of the numerous challenges the communities we serve usually face. Yet, despite the tide of despair, sadness, and fear, we remain committed to honoring our responsibility.

UPA’s “Be a Lighthouse of Hope” year-end campaign calls on our donors, friends, and supporters around the world to shine a light for the communities we serve in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan.

Throughout 2020, the dedication and compassion of our donors enabled us to tackle food insecurity, support small businesses, ensure access to clean water for farmers, respond to the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, provide COVID-19 testing kits, continue our mental health services in the Gaza Strip, and support 78 deserving Palestinian students at 14 universities in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Jordan.

“The campaign will help us sustain and expand these and more activities to positively impact the lives of more people in the areas we serve,” said Saleem F. Zaru, Executive Director.

Coinciding with the campaign is UPA’s annual Open House, which will be held virtually on December 5, 2020 at 12:00 PM EST. The event features a live performance by musician Huda Asfour and messages from the UPA family, partners, and donors. Register for the event here. Registration is free, your gift in support of UPA’s work is greatly appreciated.

We are often asked what the best way to help is.  In a year marked by emergencies that drove higher the magnitude of need, “fundraising to support UPA’s work is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help,” said Maysa Amer, Donor Relations Associate.

When you complete your free registration to UPA’s Virtual Open House, you will receive two emails, one confirming your registration and another with the opportunity to create your own fundraising page. We will send you the link to the live event on December 5, 2020.

This year, with the help of some of our close friends, UPA is offering awards in appreciation of top fundraisers’ efforts including signed copies of the latest books by leading authors on Palestine, Palestinian goodies, fashion, home-goods, and more!

The campaign will run until December 31, 2020. Will you join us and be a lighthouse of hope for the communalities we serve?