As an aid worker, I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to help in various humanitarian efforts around the world. From airlifts in Afghanistan to providing aid to the Ukrainian front and building roads in Rwanda, I have seen firsthand the impact that aid can have on communities in need. However, nothing could have prepared me for the challenges I faced when I was tasked with organizing aid to Gaza.
Gaza, a small strip of land on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has been the center of conflict and turmoil for decades. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has left the region in a state of constant crisis, with the people of Gaza bearing the brunt of the violence and devastation. As an aid worker, I knew that my role in organizing aid to Gaza was crucial, but I never could have imagined the harsh truth that I would uncover along the way.
When I first arrived in Gaza, I was struck by the resilience and strength of the people. Despite living in one of the most densely populated and impoverished areas in the world, the people of Gaza were determined to make the best of their situation. I was welcomed with open arms and was immediately immersed in the community, working alongside local organizations to provide much-needed aid to those in need.
But as I delved deeper into the situation in Gaza, I began to realize the harsh reality that the people were facing. The Israeli blockade, which has been in place since 2007, has crippled the economy and severely limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies. The constant threat of violence and the lack of resources have left the people of Gaza in a state of constant fear and uncertainty.
As I worked with local organizations to distribute aid, I saw firsthand the devastating effects of the blockade. Families were struggling to put food on the table, children were malnourished, and medical facilities were severely lacking in essential supplies. The people of Gaza were living in a humanitarian crisis, and it was clear that something needed to be done.
But what truly shocked me was the lack of support from the international community. Despite the ongoing crisis in Gaza, many countries, including the United States, have turned a blind eye to the suffering of the Palestinian people. This became even more apparent when I saw the recent actions of the Biden administration.
In May of this year, as the violence in Gaza escalated, President Biden made a statement in support of Israel’s right to defend itself, completely disregarding the disproportionate use of force against Palestinian civilians. This was a clear indication that the U.S. government was willing to turn a blind eye to the atrocities being committed in Gaza and even support them.
This realization was a harsh truth that I had to come to terms with. As an aid worker, I had always believed that the international community, led by the United States, would stand up for human rights and support those in need. But my experience in Gaza showed me that this was not always the case.
Despite this, I refuse to lose hope. The people of Gaza have shown incredible resilience and determination in the face of such adversity, and it is our duty to stand with them in their struggle for justice and equality. It is time for the international community, including the United States, to take a stand and put an end to the suffering in Gaza.
As I reflect on my time in Gaza, I am reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” It is our responsibility to speak out against the injustices being committed in Gaza and to demand change from our governments.
Organizing aid to Gaza was a challenging and eye-opening experience for me. It showed me the harsh truth that the world is not always as just and fair as we would like to believe. But it also reminded me of the resilience and strength of the human spirit and the power of coming together to support those in need. Let us not turn a blind eye to the suffering in Gaza any longer and work towards a brighter future for all.
