You may remember 15 years ago this week, when the 2008-9 Israeli bombing of Gaza began. It was when more people than ever woke up to the realities of life in Gaza. Maybe you were with us when we showed our solidarity in the streets and by sending aid to Gaza. MECA was on the ground then, as we are now, and have been for thirty-five years.
Below is a message from MECA co-founder Barbara Lubin about her visit to Gaza right after the three-week assault in 2008-9.
I don’t have to tell you what we are now witnessing so much worse.
The devastation, the trauma, and needs are so enormous, but MECA’s staff and partners are continuing to deliver food to displaced families every day—despite the scarcity and the danger.
Right now, Ali, a member of MECA’s Gaza staff is in Egypt again getting supplies and a mobile ICU ambulance to bring into Gaza when we can. Meanwhile, our team on the ground are getting produce from farmers, meal packages that have gotten in, and anything else that’s still available inside Gaza. This is the community coming together with respect for everyone’s dignity.
As Palestinians cry out again and again, “Where is the world?” you can show your solidarity by taking actions to stop this genocide and by making the most generous contribution you can now so that children in Gaza will survive this genocide, and one day be free.
Shukran,
Zeiad
A classroom in Jabalia, Gaza, January 2009. Name cards represent students killed by the Israeli attacks.
Dear Friend,
I was in Egypt with our Gaza Projects Director Dr. Mona El-Farra in December 2008 while bombs were dropping on Gaza. We were scrambling to purchase emergency supplies and get them into Gaza. Eventually, we were able to deliver more than six tons of food, medicine, and medical equipment—including an ambulance and wheelchairs—thanks to the generosity of people like you.
When the Israeli army withdrew after three weeks of intense attacks, I was allowed to enter Gaza for four days. To this day, I am haunted by what I saw. I will never forget the children I met who sat where their homes used to be and stared blankly into space or searched through rubble for a cherished toy. Horrific images of white phosphorous burns on tiny bodies, and limbs torn off by DIME weapons will stay with me forever.
As will the faces of schoolchildren sitting next to desks with candles marking the places where their friends sat just weeks or days before.
In those three weeks, nearly four hundred children lost their lives. Thousands more were injured and saw parents, siblings and playmates killed. The children’s homes, schools and neighborhoods were destroyed.
I know that the children of Gaza are still very much on your mind and in your heart.
Your year-end gift now will provide hope—and real, lasting help—to the children of Gaza, their families, and their communities.
With many thanks,
Barbara Lubin,
MECA Co-Founder and Director Emeritus
