Dear Friend,

It’s a beautiful time of year in Bethlehem. There are lights up everywhere and many festivities, reminding us that there is still so much joy and light in Palestine.

I want to ask you to make a special year-end contribution so that MECA can continue to bring joy and light into the lives of children and refugees in the year ahead.

When you give now through December 31st, your gift will be matched by a very generous MECA supporter.

Give now before the match runs out!

Double Your Donation

A few days ago, I took my kids to a Christmas parade in the center of Bethlehem. It was great to be out in the streets just to celebrate the season. Especially this year, when we had too many occasions to mourn deaths from COVID and Israeli violence; to scream in outrage; and to march in protest of the multiple ways Israeli occupation and apartheid threatens our lives.

And, as you know, our protests here in Palestine were met with tear gas, brutal beatings, live ammunition, increased settler attacks, and arrests of children and adults alike. And on top of these horrors there was the deadly 11-day bombing of Gaza in May.

But I’m so proud of what MECA is able to accomplish in the midst of these horrors and I hope you are too.

Many times during the attack on Gaza I heard my friends and colleagues say, “Last night was the worst night of my life.” The next morning, they went to the shelters bringing food, clean water, hygiene items, and emergency medications.

Again and again, all through the pandemic and its economic devastation, escalating Israeli violence, land confiscation and home demolitions, arrests and imprisonment, you stood with MECA staff and partners to meet urgent needs including children’s needs to have fun.

You put your solidarity into practice by donating to MECA. We can reach even more children and refugees in 2022 with your continued support now.

With much gratitude and best wishes for the New Year from my family in Bethlehem to yours.

Sincerely,
Josie Shields-Stromsness
Program Director

P.S. Your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar, but the $50,000 challenge might run out before midnight on December 31st. So, please, give now to double your impact. Many, many thanks.