We Can Help Keep Hope Alive

I have been supporting Palestinian refugees in the West Bank through the organization 1for3 for ten years now. 1for3 is a US-registered non-profit that supports the local initiatives of Palestinians on 3 fronts in 5 refugee camps: 1) providing lifesaving sources of potable water; 2) supporting community healthcare; and 3) expanding primary school education for children.

In the past, my focus has been on 1for3's support for clean water: building rooftop and underground water storage; training individual water testers; and developing hydroponic agriculture on the camp rooftops. That great work continues but this year our fundraising focus is to strengthen 1for3's incredible health program called Health 4 Palestine (or 'H4P').

The Need Is Greater Than Ever

Working with doctors from Harvard, Boston Children's and Cornell, H4P has developed a strong community healthcare teaching program that trains young Palestinian refugees to serve as community health workers. Health 4 Palestine now treats over 700 patients in the 5 camps in the West Bank in which 1for3 initiatives are operating. With the expected termination of UNRWA's headquarters in Jerusalem and severe funding cuts that affect all of its programs, the need for support to the health care sector is greater than ever.

With your help we can establish trauma and pediatric care programs throughout refugee camps in the West Bank. This initiative builds on the work and dedication of some truly remarkable young men and women who now serve as community health workers in the UN-run camps.

Your Donation Will Support a Great Program That Has Real Impact

With all of the bad news coming from Palestine, the day-to-day motivation and professionalism of young Palestinians to contribute to the health and well-being of their communities is inspiring. Our partnership can give them the resources and support to continue.

We can't do much about the oppressive political environment with which Palestinian refugees must cope, but we can help them thrive until a just political solution is possible. Your funding can directly support families with children facing developmental delays, provide care for individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes, and ensure prenatal care for women in the camps.

I believe the best way to use our charitable donations is direct people-to-people support, and that's what this health initiative of 1for3 is doing.

Here is a graphic on the goals I am helping to achieve.

Here is a great graphic that gives some details about Health 4 Palestine.

This is a picture of some of the amazing community health workers who will be supported by your donation. They are, here, in the UN-run Aida refugee camp. With them is Henry Louis, MD, a Boston-based doctor who directs the H4P's international work & other doctors on a medical delegation.