Saleh was a proud blacksmith, crafting a future for his four children with his own hands. But when the genocide began, an Israeli airstrike reduced his workshop and home to rubble, leaving him displaced and jobless.

Today, Saleh says he is still proud of his work as part of the MECA garbage removal team—taking about 2,200 pounds of garbage a day on his donkey cart away from crowded tent camps.

Today is known as “Giving Tuesday” and MECA has set a goal of raising $20,000 in the next 24 hours for trash removal from supporters like you. Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by a MECA supporter for a total of $40,000.

Double your special Giving Tuesday donation

Your special Giving Tuesday donation, along with the generous donor match will cover one month of:

  • Salaries for 55 garbage removal workers with donkey carts already working
  • Garbage removal for an additional one thousand families who recently fled flooding on the coast
  • Gear and supplies for workers, including boots, gloves, rakes, soap, and laundry detergent
  • Hundreds of garbage cans

The winter rain in Gaza means garbage washes into tents and common areas making conditions even more harsh and unhealthy than they already are. Your Giving Tuesday donation will provide disease prevention and a measure of dignity for people who have lost everything. And your donation will be doubled!

Saleh says being part of MECA’s garbage removal team is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to serve his family and his community. He’s grateful that he protects children from disease and keeps the camps clean.

In Solidarity,

Zeiad Abbas Shamrouch

Executive Director

P.S. MECA must raise $20,000 in the next 24 hours from MECA supporters like you in order to get the same amount from a donor match. Please give now for garbage removal for people who are struggling to survive in Gaza’s crowded tent camps.