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(Graphic: The World Health Organization data on Gaza paints a clear picture of the dismal health care conditions for Gaza: see this series of graphics from Visualizing Palestine)

Gaza is home to about 2 million people packed into a tiny area of 141 square miles and living under a brutal Israeli blockade for 14 years.

Israel's blockade has deprived them of so much that is essential for life, the UN predicted that Gaza would be "unlivable" by this year, 2020 - and many say that it truly is.



But Gazans have been imprisoned here for many years; very few can get permission to leave. So they have no choice but to live in what most would call "unlivable" conditions.

Gaza has access to 60 respirators, 2,800 hospital beds, and very few COVID-19 tests - for two million people.  The way things stand now, the Ministry of Health in Gaza has said they can care for only 100 critical cases.

Health officials are warning that - under the Israeli blockade - containing and treating the coronavirus in Gaza will be nearly impossible.

There are several ways you can help these vulnerable communities of Palestinians during the COVID-19 crisis:
Yes, there are 5 actions in this alert;
please take EVERY action you can.
You've got this!

CONTACT THE U.S. CONGRESS
Those with a U.S. address

In this message you will urge your legislators to:                                   
RESTORE the humanitarian aid for Palestinians that
the Trump Administration cut, and
CALL for Israel to end the blockade of Gaza.

Last month, 33 Representatives sent a letter to the State Dept. calling for US aid to Palestinians and for Israel's blockade of Gaza to end. And just a few days ago, nine Senators sent the State Dept a letter calling for aid to Palestine. These actions would never have happened just a few years ago! Congress has been hearing the repeated calls for Palestinians' rights that so many us have sent.

When you click the link below, on our action page you'll see which Reps and Senators signed those letters. And, if they are your legislators, you can easily add a quick 'Thank You' note to your message!

» CLICK to CONTACT CONGRESS NOW 
You will review the message first. 

JOIN THE CALL to Release Palestinian Child Prisoners
with Defense for Children International – Palestine
For everyone
Palestinian prisoners are living in dangerously over crowded and unsanitary conditions. Israel holds hundreds of Palestinian minors in their prisons, almost all are there for throwing stones. Join the call to release these children, to remove them from the high risk of the virus reaching them in prison.
» READ & SIGN THE PETITION

CONTACT THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT
For everyone
An Open Letter to Church Leaders from PCAP (Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace),  calls for those leaders to contact the Israeli government on behalf of the people of Gaza. Actually, that's something we ALL can do!
    They should hear from people of faith and people of conscience all over the world who are calling for humane treatment of Palestinians, especially during this crisis.
At our website, UMKR has prepared a message to do this quickly and easily:

» SEND A MESSAGE TO ISRAEL'S PRIME MINISTER
You will see the message on our website.

CONNECT & LEARN about conditions in Palestine & how we can help. 
For everyone
While many of us are staying safe by staying home, many organizations are providing ways we can connect with each other and with Palestinians across the world.
    On our website, UMKR is posting many of these digital events, as well as and campaigns we can support during the time of COVID-19. There are several this week - invite others to join you! Find them at this link:
» FIND & ATTEND AN EVENT ONLINE

SUPPORT HUMANITARIAN AID
For everyone
Help one of the courageous groups on the front lines in Palestine. If you would like to make a donation, we have a few suggestions:

UNRWA is the primary UN agency that provides aid for Palestinian refugees: medical care, food, housing, and schools. At our website, learn more about UNRWA's vital work.
» Donate to UNRWA USA      » Donate to global UNRWA


Medical Aid for Palestinians does excellent medical work in the occupied territories and Lebanon's refugee camps. » Donate online


Middle East Children's Alliance has a special fund for this crisis: 'Emergency Medical Aid for Gaza.' » Donate online



Rebuilding Alliance works with several partners in the occupied territories and has set up 'Palestine's Coronavirus Relief Fund.' » Donate online

One more thing you can do...
For everyone.
SHARING is POWERFUL!
Please amplify this Call to Action:

» SHARE THIS FACEBOOK POST

» SHARE THIS TWEET

UMKR needs your help.
Although General Conference had to be postponed, we still have HUGE plans to reach thousands who will be attending: with headline-making speakers, powerful witness actions, compelling graphic materials, and an interactive display for visitors to learn about Palestinian rights! But these things can't happen unless we have help from all of you who believe in this work.

Please give whatever you are able; it will be gratefully received.

UMKR is an independent grassroots movement, not an official body of the denomination, so we depend on individual donors to keep our justice work going. Your donation is fully tax-deductible.
  

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