Islamic Relief volunteers and the Muslim community in the West Midlands have teamed up to organise a fundraising dinner in Birmingham this Sunday (December 2) to help provide medical supplies to hospitals in Gaza, where this month’s conflict has caused a medical emergency.
A child looks for his belongings inside his devastated home
Over 1,200 Palestinians were injured in the eight-day bombardment before a ceasefire was declared on November 21, and several hospitals have been damaged. The money raised at this weekend’s dinners will support the work of Islamic Relief, which has already rushed £1 million worth of medical supplies to Gaza’s hospitals and has developed a five-point plan to help the people of Gaza rebuild.
The charity aims to raise up to £10 million globally for its work in Gaza – half for medical supplies and the rest for repairs to bomb-damaged schools and hospitals, improved waste and water treatment systems, support for farmers and fishing communities, and counselling and support for traumatised children.
For a summary of Islamic Relief’s work in the crisis so far, and the damage caused by the recent bombardment, see the new report Eight Days in Gaza here (pdf)
“It would be easy to be disheartened by how much damage has been done in just eight days but we are encouraged by the bravery and dedication of our staff in Gaza and the generous response of our supporters in the West Midlands and around the world,” says Islamic Relief UK’s Head of Programmes, Samina Haq, who lives in Birmingham and used to run the charity’s programme in Gaza.
“I hope our Birmingham dinner will raise many thousands of pounds for vulnerable families in Gaza who have suffered so much. We believe it is vital to maintain the ceasefire so that the injured can be treated safely and effectively, infrastructure can be rebuilt and constructive talks can take place to address problems such as chronic shortages of fuel and medical supplies and movement restrictions that contribute to high levels of poverty and unemployment.”
The Birmingham event, a three-course dinner followed by a charity auction, will take place at 6.15pm on Sunday December 2 at Digbeth Hall, 111-115 New Canal Street, Digbeth B5 5QX. Tickets are £10 and are available from 07565-194726.
