I no longer have my toys or the new clothes I bought for Eid or my schoolbooks and bags, but I am really worried I am going to lose my parents too. It’s too much.—Ruqaya, age 12

Dear Friends,

Ruqaya has already lived through five Israeli bomb attacks in her young life, including the one last month that destroyed her family’s home and all their belongings in a sudden terrifying explosion.

Now, Ruqaya has joined the majority of children in Gaza who are growing up with the devastating psychological impact of Israeli aggression: terror, anger, deep and prolonged sadness.

I’m writing you today to ask you to support the efforts of MECA’s partners in Gaza who are helping children cope with the violence and deprivation caused by the Israeli occupation and siege that marks their young lives.

DONATE NOW

Your special contribution now will make it possible for teachers, social workers, and psychologists, along with specially trained volunteers to provide:

  • Trauma intervention and ongoing group and individual therapy, as well as referrals for children who need additional mental health care
  • Education for parents about how to best support their children’s psychological recovery and overall well-being
  • Arts and creative writing activities that give children opportunities to share their experiences, memories, fears, and dreams
  • Community “open days,” where children can play games, see clown and puppet shows, get their faces painted, and receive special gifts, and food
  • Summer camps focused on mental & physical health

MECA’s partners in Gaza have developed amazing ways to meet the needs of tens of thousands of children who might otherwise be facing a lifetime of depression, anxiety, and rage.

I hope you’ll join me in telling them that together, we will support children to grow up healthy and strong.

In solidarity,
Zeiad Abbas Shamrouch
Executive Director

P.S. If you can make a monthly contribution, you will help make sure that children continue to get the emotional and psychological support they need for as long as they need it.  Many thanks.

You can read more about Ruqaya and her family here.