Gaza lies in ruins and
tragically, the civilian population has borne the brunt of the escalating
violence. After weeks of militry onslaught, over 2100 people have been killed, while thousands have been wounded and
displaced as homes have been destroyed and life-supporting infrastructure, such
as powerlines and water pipes, have been shattered. Even before the latest
military operation, the situation in Gaza was dire due to overcrowding and
insufficient resources - food, water, building materials and electricity-
perpetuated by ongoing restrictions which prevent the free import and export of
goods. Again, the predominant victims have been the ordinary people of Gaza.
Gaza is a small enclave on the eastern Mediterranean and is
one of the most densely populated places on the globe. Just 41 km long and 6
to 12 km wide, this narrow strip of land is home to 1.8 million people over half
of whom are UN registered refugees who either fled or were driven from their
homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
The conflict in the Middle East is one of the most divisive
issues or our time. However, a common desire for justice, for all people, as
well as compassion for the people of Gaza, in this time of unimaginable trauma,
is something that can unite us and crosses cultural and political divides.
It is our aim to demonstrate our solidarity with the people
of Gaza through helping them to rebuild their homes in such a way that their
resilience to the siege-like conditions and deteriorating environment there is
increased. This is a particular contribution that sustainable communities
around the world can make, that has the potential to make a real difference to
peoples’ quality of life. There are established sustainable building
techniques that will be particularly relevant to dealing with current
conditions in Gaza.
We therefore propose to assemble a delegation of skilled
ecobuilders and visit the Gaza Strip as soon as may be in order to construct at
least one building (and hopefully more). The outputs of this project will
be 3-fold:
1. The building itself which will at least make a
small but direct impact on the housing crisis that now exists; but furthermore
will serve as a template and demonstration for other projects like it.
2. The knowledge and skills transfer to participating
Gazan architects and builders.
3. The lasting links that will be established between
sustainable communities around the world and Gazans that will provide the
foundation for future cooperation and exchange in direct solidarity and ongoing
support.
If, like us, you wish to make a genuine and lasting
contribution to the people of Gaza, please support us in delivering this
project through fundraising initiatives, awareness raising campaigns, or
through contributing skilled volunteers to join the team. It is early
days yet, but with commitment and hard work, we can make this project happen.
Contact GREAN Palestine to get involved
(greanpalestine@outlook.com). Thank you in advance for your
efforts.
***IF FOR ANY REASON THIS PROJECT CANNOT TAKE PLACE WE INTEND TO DONATE FUNDS TO HUMANITARIAN AID EFFORTS IN GAZA, WITH RECIPIENTS BEING SELECTED IN COOPERATION WITH OUR LOCAL PARTNERS***
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GREAN Palestine stands for "GrassRoots Environmental Action Network Palestine". It is a loose and diverse coalition of organisers, activists, farmers, development professionals, international volunteers, permaculture students, entrepreneurs and visionaries sharing skills, knowledge and ideas to build change from the ground up in Palestine.
The network was *officially* started in 2012, mainly to provide an umbrella funding mechanism to receive grants for several small projects in support of Palestinian farmers (building rainwater harvesting infrastructure, planting trees, donating simple tools etc.), but in reality, it had existed for much longer as a result of interactions between activists offering support for each others projects (a synergy of beneficial relationships).
GREAN Palestine is entirely volunteer run and has 0 overheads. It is highly flexible, and is used as it is needed by members who want to make projects happen. Most recently, we used our network and funding mechanisms to help launch ReSign (Recycling Design) - a project by one of our members to creatively upcycle "rubbish" in the Bethlehem area and create a small business selling products and offering training courses - find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/Resign.pal
Now we are bringing together a team of development professionals, eco-builders, activists and volunteers to help rebuild Gaza sustainably. We are working with our network to design a project that will be relevant and meaningful to people in Gaza, a small but significant contribution to alleviate the suffering there, a seed of hope for the future, and the beginning of stronger and more direct connections between communities around the world who support justice for Palestinians and people on the ground in Gaza.
And here's the buzz - you can be involved too! Please join us, contribute if you can, fundraise, reach out to your community, follow our work and get connected!
"Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the
only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)
Find us on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GREANPalestine