MECA has opened our fifth community kitchen in Gaza. This special inclusive kitchen is a partnership with Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children and provides hot meals, community, dignity, and income.

Atfaluna’s Inclusive Community Kitchen employs 17 deaf and hard of hearing people and serves hot meals for more than 1,000 people a day in the Gaza Strip.

Naela is one of the chefs. She is a graduate of Atfaluna’s culinary arts vocational program and ran her own catering business before she had to flee her home during the Israeli attacks.

“It is important to create jobs for people with disabilities during these difficult times,” Naela says. “I am happy that I have a source of income that can help me manage my life in dignity.”

Naela and her colleagues are able to support themselves financially and demonstrate the importance of including people with disabilities in emergency response efforts.