Letter from the field – Yasser Toshtash in Gaza
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February 2009 I am writing from Gaza, where I am working to establish and implement Austcare’s emergency response activities, following three-weeks of heavy conflict in January. The bombing of Gaza has worsened an already dire humanitarian problem. Over 1,300 people have been killed during the conflict, including women and children, with thousands of homes destroyed as well as water and sanitation facilities, hospitals, health clinics and power plants. An ongoing 18-month blockade of Gaza has limited the movement of people, but also basic necessities such as food, water and fuel. Water scarcity, in particular, is a serious problem. Rainfall this year has been very low, adding to the existing problem of limited natural sources of clean water. The northern and southern ends of Gaza are mainly used for agriculture, but more than 60% of this sector was destroyed in the recent fighting. The whole community is now in a state of sadness. I see hidden tears in people’s eyes – especially those of women and children. But I am motivated to work especially hard to rebuild Gaza and to return the smile on children’s faces. I look forward to the day when I can see children going back to school, playing and laughing. Austcare and ActionAid, in collaboration with local partners and UN agencies, are already working to provide non-food relief items such as plastic sheeting for temporary shelter, hygiene kits and candles. Gazans know that there are people like you outside who are supporting organisations like Austcare to work on a daily basis to return the area to security and safety, building a peaceful place for children to grow up in to take away the hatred that has built up during the fighting. I have lived in Gaza all my life. In fact, like so many Gazans, I was born in a refugee camp. My family brought me up on the values of helping people, respecting them and to most of all give to the needy. I feel that Palestinians are generous people searching for a stable political situation by building their homeland in peace and by claiming their universal human rights. Now, we must all work hand-in-hand to build a peaceful and safe environment for the generations of tomorrow. Through planting the understanding of peace, love and forgiveness in our children, they can build a brighter future. Yours sincerely, Yasser Juma Toshtash
Austcare can only provide emergency relief in places like Gaza through the generous support of people like you. You can make a secure donation to Austcare through our donations page. |
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