By While COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on people all around the world, it’s been communities of color that have been devastated the most. A group particularly impacted by the virus has been Palestinian refugees.
There are 5.6 million Palestinian refugees — most of whom are living in overcrowded, dangerous conditions leading to the increased exposure and spread of the coronavirus. Their instability within their places of refuge have made them more susceptible not only to the virus, but to the negative effects the virus can have on one’s social, economical, and mental state.
It’s times like these when giving to others matters most. This is what raise4refugees — a Brooklyn-based youth campaign — aims to do for these Palestinian refugees. Raise4refugees has partnered with Islamic Relief USA in order to fundraise $100,000 for Palestinian refugees who have been heavily impacted by COVID-19.
The campaign is one lead by youth of all religious and ethnic backgrounds. Donations that are made to the campaign are to go to Palestinian refugees in refugees in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The money will be used to provide food and cash assistance, clean water, and medical supplies to sanitize and relieve overpopulated hospitals with COVID-19 patients.
The campaign started on the Islamic Relief USA page states, “It is in times like these that we must demonstrate generosity and help others in their time of need. Any contribution that you give can go a long way in helping save another person’s life.”
The site also breaks down how different donations can help: $10 can provide a hot meal, $50 can provide food packages, $75 can cover hygiene kits, $250 provides medical assistance to those with extreme symptoms, $299 covers a Qurbani, and $1000 helps build sanitation and water sites.
The campaign has raised more than $5,000 and began in the end of July. It runs til August 20, giving the campaign about a month to reach its $100,000 goal.
Aside from direct donations from promoting the cause, the campaign will also be hosting different activities and events to encourage the public to donate. These include interviews with refugees, experts, and activists, documentary screenings, and game-nights.
Those looking to learn more about the cause can do so by following @raise4refugees on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can donate here.