Eid Mubarak!
It worked- again! Our second pallet of Luci solar-powered lanterns arrived in Gaza on Sunday, June 26th! Though we already knew that donations of aid could be directly received by Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations, it was still such exciting and encouraging news to hear that the shipment had cleared the blockade and arrived successfully. This pallet was received by the Al Basma Club for the Disabled (ABCD), a Palestinian Non-Governmental Organization based in Gaza City. ABCD was established in early 2005 as a response to the physical and social needs of the disabled, especially youth and children.
Al Basma's team brought 300 Luci lights to 90 families whose homes were entirely demolished - they are staying in temporary homes called caravans. We had asked ABCD to distribute there because when the social workers from Gaza Community Mental Health Programme brought Donna, Rebuilding Alliance's Executive Director there in April, we could only deliver solar lights to the five families in the care of the social workers. Now Al Basma's team brought light to the other families too.
During the holy month of Ramadan, the gift of light is especially meaningful. Parents give their children a fanoos, or lantern, as a reminder to be a light in the darkness. With as little as four hours of electricity a day, this little Luci light can be a big help during this special month, when families come together to celebrate. Al Basma Club also delivered solar powered Luci Lights to their 300 members who include deaf and physically disabled people as well as the able-bodied in Beit Layha in the north of Gaza. Their team then distributed to the most needy children in the Jabalya refugee camp and they gave 250 lights to the children at the Al Amal Orphans Center in Gaza. Al Basma also shared the shipment with the Women's Project Center in Rafah, who is distributing them during the Eid celebration.
A big thank you to everyone who donated to send this second pallet of solar lights! We just placed the order this past week to send the third pallet of solar Luci Lights. Thank you for your continued support and caring — thank you for being a light in the darkness, a light of the world!
You can help us get Luci lights to all the 400,000 children in Gaza by donating, by telling everyone that you know, and even by throwing a Solar Light Donation Dinner to help raise money from your community. If you would like to do one of these dinners Rebuilding Alliance will help you all the way. We will send you the lights you need and a packet on how to throw one of these wonderful dinners. Just contact us at contact@rebuildingalliance.org with SOLAR DINNER in the subject line, or call us at (650) 651-7165.
“It’s not [just] about a light recharged by solar energy. It’s about hope, a small gift that brings a smile and reminds us there is a life to live and wishes for better future. 10 years of electricity shortages have dumbed our souls to only retreat and give up. Your help, your light inspires us to know that Goodness still is alive in this world, still alive in your heart beat, giving us warmth to continue and believe in the chance for peace and a better life.”
— Ameer in Gaza City, who tested a Luci Light with his family (in photo above)
“We have plenty of children who are engaged in our play therapy and counseling programs. We can just give them the solar lights at the end of their debriefings. These usually take place just before the start of final exams. This is my thought for now, and I know the teams here will come up with more ideas for sure.” — Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei, Executive Director of GCMHP
There are so many more children in need. Today, if you can, please send a gift of light to Gaza's children in the name of someone you love. Please click here to Give a Little Light, with Love to Gaza’s Children.
P.S. If you would like to send a check, please make it out to Rebuilding Alliance and mail it to:
Rebuilding Alliance
1818 Gilbreth Road, Suite 243
Burlingame CA 94010
Are you sure?
