How you can play your part to ease suffering in Palestine

Last updated on January 3rd, 2017 at 02:12 pm

If there is one wish I had in the world, it would be that I could help all those that are suffering in this world. My heart has always been too big to cope with when the world is in shambles. I don’t avoid the news or newspapers because I am ignorant or don’t care…I avoid them mostly because it hurts to read about the pain and suffering of others. I am prone to nightmares or dreams that are far too real when I get engrossed with the news. Sometimes I take a step back from the news but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to continue to help out in any way I can. While my pocket book may not be big enough to make a big dent in the problems of the world today there are so many other ways I can help out and you can too. I hope just by sharing this blog post that I can spread the word to help those in need as much as we can. As a human race we should support each other as best we can.

Reading articles or watching news reports about Palestine may make you feel despondent. Generations of people have been affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and unfortunately it looks like the next generation will be too. Although what’s happening there is complex and difficult to fix, you needn’t feel completely helpless. There are actions you can take to help ease the suffering of the people. Here are some ideas:

Donate

Many charity organizations welcome monetary donations for Palestine. For example, muslim aid by Human Appeal goes towards rebuilding mosques, orphan welfare and other humanitarian projects. Some organizations also accept food, clothing, bedding, school books and more.

Fundraise

You can raise money in all sorts of ways. For example, you could make crafts and sell them at a local market or take part in a run or do a bungee jump or skydive with sponsorship. You could also hold a coffee morning or bake sale. Fundraising doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it gives you the chance to get creative and have fun, all in the name of a good cause.

Sponsor a child

Some charities give you the opportunity to sponsor a child in Palestine. The money you donate usually goes towards food, education and healthcare to help them to work their way out of poverty.

Get informed

To fully appreciate what’s happening in Palestine today, it’s a good idea to read up on the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Separate fact from fiction by using reliable resources to do your own research and find out about the plight of the people living there now.

Tell your friends and family

Talk to your loved ones about what’s happening in Palestine. It’s easy for people to become unfazed by atrocities on the evening news. Afterall, awful events seem to be taking place around the world all the time. But by engaging people in conversation, you may create interest, provoke empathy and inspire them to take action.

Engage in social media

Social media is a great way to reach out to the world. Use Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other platforms to raise awareness, express indignation and correct fallacies that are circulating. Add trending hashtags such as #FreePalestine to join in the wider online conversation on the issue.

Lobby your government

If you’re eligible to vote in General Elections, you can write to your MP to request a meeting with them to inform them of the situation in Palestine and persuade them to take political action.

Take part in peaceful protest

You can also take part in peaceful demonstrations to put pressure on the government to help the people of Palestine. These types of protests take place all over the country. For more information, you might want to sign up to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

These are just a few suggestions that you can make a tiny difference and that tiny difference goes onto become a big difference. It doesn’t have to be money straight from your pocket book. It could be time, effort and a big heart like mine. We shouldn’t just care and worried about those around us but what about those that are less fortunate in a far away place? I know it’s easy to be, out of sight, out of mind, but they need your help. 

*collaboration & photo shutterstock