Amidst the ongoing sheer devastation in the Gaza Strip, World Refugee Day weighs heavily on our hearts. On June 20th, UNRWA USA supporters and allies gathered virtually to commemorate World Refugee Day and to honor the resilience and strength of refugees around the world. As we heard from our refugee panelists, all of whom grew up receiving direct assistance from UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, we were reminded of how critical it is for us Americans to come together to advocate and stand together as a community in support of refugees. This is especially important in Gaza, where the services of UNRWA are most in need.

In this Voices of UNRWA article, Hani Almadhoun, UNRWA USA Director of Philanthropy, shares a deeply personal reflection on his connection to Gaza.

The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has been described as ‘hell on earth’. At the time of writing this blog post, over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, over 1.9 million displaced, and 136 UNRWA colleagues - who are refugees themselves- have also been killed by Israel’s war on Gaza.

Two of our UNRWA USA staff, Jason Terry, the Director of Strategic Programs, and Laila Mokhiber, the Director of Communications share their Christmas reflections during these tragic times.

This piece of writing might be the only thing that tells the world I was once here. That I existed.

In these heavy days my memories, dreams, and biggest fears are mixed together. The sound of the massive airstrikes are in the background all the time.

Hear from our top fundraisers about what the Gaza 5K means to them and draw from their valuable insights to inspire your fundraising for our next Gaza 5K.

As we prepare for our 2023 Bay Area Gaza 5K on September 30th in San Mateo, California, we’ll continue to highlight and honor the exceptional fundraising champions from the 2023 DC Gaza 5K event in late May. These fundraisers’ commitment and compassion serve as an inspiration to all, encouraging us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need, particularly Palestine refugees.

As we prepare for our 2023 Bay Area Gaza 5K on September 30th in San Mateo, California, we’ll continue to highlight and honor the exceptional fundraising champions from the 2023 DC Gaza 5K event in late May. These fundraisers’ commitment and compassion serve as an inspiration to all, encouraging us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need, particularly Palestine refugees.

Hear from our top fundraisers about what the Gaza 5K means to them and draw from their valuable insights to inspire your fundraising for our next Gaza 5K.

This piece is the fifth and final reflection of our communications team’s recap series highlighting our summer 2022 trip to Palestine. As you’ve now learned through our field visit diary series, from health clinics to schools, UNRWA does a whole lot. And in Gaza, where more than half the population are refugees, UNRWA is seen as a lifeline, a source of stability and hope. But UNRWA can only do as much as your generosity allows.

The devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey on February 6 has left millions of people including Palestine refugees in dire need of assistance. Palestine refugees including children have been killed and over 500 families have lost homes and many more have lost their livelihoods.

Amanya Michael Ebye, the Director of UNRWA Affairs in Syria writes for our ‘Voices of UNRWA’ blog on UNRWA’s role during this tragedy.

UNRWA USA’s Communications team spend their third day in Gaza visiting an IT centre, mental health counselors and meeting with health care professionals in the Strip. This piece is the fourth of the UNRWA USA Communications team’s recap series to highlight their trip to Palestine in the summer of 2022.

Guest blogger George Zaidan sheds light on his memories of celebrating Christmas under occupation. He hopes his story will make you feel compelled to share your blessings with Palestine refugees this holiday season.

Professor George Pearson Smith is a Nobel Prize-winning American biologist, and a Curators' Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. He spoke to us on why he believes Palestine refugees deserve a life of dignity filled with education and empowerment.