Lemon blossoms in my garden in Gaza

The other day the first blossoms appeared on the lemon tree in my garden, and I wrote these words:

Homeland is a lemon flower.
Homeland is the roots.
It is dignity, pride, hope, and working with people and people for freedom, longing and freedom.
May you live long loved ones everywhere…

I am not a poet, but some things give me so much joy. The wonder of nature. The love of my children and grandchildren. The solidarity of people like you all round the world.

When I travel all around the Gaza Strip to visit MECA projects, I imagine Gaza without drones overhead, fences and military posts marring the landscape, gunships in sea, and people imprisoned and impoverished by the Israeli siege.

I imagine a place of beauty and freedom.

This is what you and I are working toward—in Gaza, Palestine, and around the world. Your support of MECA gives children a “taste” of that world and brings us closer every day.

Right now, we have a big challenge! One very generous MECA supporter has promised to match every donation made by midnight December 31. Your donation will go twice as far.

Please don’t miss this chance to double your donation to MECA.

With your solidarity and your support, we can continue to fight poverty and oppression of the occupation, we can continue our struggle for our rights, for peace and justice in Palestine.

With love from Gaza,
Dr. Mona El-Farra
MECA Gaza Projects Director