Updates from our partners in the Middle East
Two of our partners are being impacted by the ongoing violence and unrest in Lebanon and Palestine (West Bank). More people are being injured, killed and displaced and hope for peace is diminishing. Our partners, Father Andeweg Institute for the Deaf (FAID) and East Jerusalem YMCA (EJ-YMCA) sent updates at different times when their situations were at their height or escalating. Their words may give you some insight. Please remember our brothers and sisters in prayer.
Father Andeweg Institute for the Deaf (FAID) Update Excerpt
Received 2nd October
“Most of our students’ families who live at the southern suburb of Beirut had to flee their homes. I, myself, had to leave my home with my old mom and my nephew who is 6 years old. He [feels] lost, doesn’t understand what is going on and why he is not at school. I feel the horror and his fear when he hears the jet fighters over our heads and when he hears the sonic [booms]. At the moment where we are not far from the southern suburb of Beirut but still a bit safer than where we live. I can imagine our deaf students who cannot hear and don’t understand what is going on, but they can feel the fear and see the horror [in] their parent’s eyes. Unfortunately, the southern suburb of Beirut is being targeted every night with air strikes.”
Read the full account from Gladys, Director of FAID, about her personal situation and the reality for the students as they flee the violence.
Palestinians walk amid widespread destruction in Jenin as Israeli forces continue their military operation in the northern West Bank, September 2, 2024. (Wahaj Bani Moufleh/Activestills)
East Jerusalem YMCA Situational Update
Received 9th September 2024 – before Israeli forces withdrawal from the north
“Since 28 August 2024, Israeli forces launched extensive militarized operations across Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas in the northern West Bank. These operations, involved airstrikes, ground raids, and heavy artillery, and shooting by snipers have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, widespread displacement, and extensive destruction of infrastructure. The humanitarian situation is dire, with severe protection risks, including extrajudicial killings and other unlawful killings, displacement, arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment and torture, physical and emotional distress, and heightened risks of Child Protection issues and gender-based violence raised by protection partners on the ground.
These operations have involved air and ground forces, causing heavy exchanges of fire and significant destruction, especially in Jenin Refugee Camp, Nour Shams refugee Camp, the Eastern neighbourhood of Jenin, the old city of Jenin and Tulkarem city.
Since 28 August, 36 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas governorates, including 8 children (7 boys and 1 girl). More than 800 families have been forced to leave their homes as a result of IDF orders and the increased threat of violence, with an additional 1000 families lacking access to adequate basic needs. The destruction of infrastructure, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarm, has severely disrupted essential services, leading to acute shortages of water, food, and medical supplies. These conditions, exacerbated by misinformation and fear, has further increased vulnerability.”
You can read the full account including the EJ-YMCA Rehabilitation Programme Response and success stories from the field.