Help Syrian Refugees Heal in Gaza

Dear Donors,

Thank you for supporting Rebuilding Alliance’s project ‘Help Syrian Refugees Heal in Gaza.’ 

Life in a new place is already difficult, and it becomes even harder when you arrive as a refugee with no resources and sometimes no belongings. Opportunities for employment are often limited. Syrian refugees in Gaza were an overlooked population, and your generosity helped bring relief to their lives.

Our inspiration for this project was a young disabled boy named Owis. Through his case, we came to learn about the plight of Syrian refugees in Gaza. You will be pleased to know that Owis received physical therapy and medicine.

With your support, we made a difference in the lives of 32 Syrian refugee families. We worked with our community-based organization (CBO) partner, the Youth Vision Society (YVS), located in Gaza City, to successfully implement this project.

Thirty-two college-educated Syrian refugees graduated from job training with relevant skills in July 2019. 

• All graduates received training for 5 hours per day for 6 days. It included job interview role-playing, time management and communication skills, and resumé writing. 
• They also did paid internships for various host organizations. 
• All the graduates stated that it was the best opportunity they had ever had since they came to Gaza.

• The graduates often impressed the organizations with their commitment. Reem Jaber, manager of Nawa Organization for Arts and Culture, was at first hesitant to accept them because of their lack of practical experience, but in the end, she realized she was wrong. She said she would accept all thirty-two graduates if she had to do it all over again! 

The graduates shared their experiences with us.

• Ismael, a 25yearold man interested in Information Technology (IT), shared:

“Since we arrived in Gaza, everyone treated us as if we were homeless. We received relief such as food, clothes, and other essentials—all good and lifesaving measures. But we also needed to be treated as part of this community and included in development projects. We felt left out and like a burden.

Rebuilding Alliance gave us that opportunity, and we felt so fortunate to be involved in this project. We hope all actors in the field of community development will adopt the same approach and methodology.”

• Taghreed, a 35yearold woman interested in Financial Management, said:

“Since we came to Gaza, we felt neglected—until we received a phone call from the Youth Vision Society informing us that we were potential beneficiaries of a capacitybuilding and job creation project in partnership with Rebuilding Alliance. We were so happy to have this opportunity.”

• Amera, a 33yearold woman interested in Business Administration, shared her thoughts:

“I have been living in Gaza since 2012. I graduated from university in 2006. My children and I suffered greatly due to our lack of access to basic services. Through this opportunity, our situation has improved. I can now afford essential items such as clothing and school supplies for my children. On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Rebuilding Alliance and all the donors for providing me with this opportunity.”

Apart from job training, these thirty-two families also received medical care, school supplies, and other basic needs. Thank you so much for your generosity. 

We sincerely apologize for not reporting to you in a timely manner. We recognize the importance of keeping you informed and regret any inconvenience our delay may have caused. Your trust and support mean a great deal to us, and we remain deeply committed to transparency and accountability. 

Thank you again for caring about Syrian refugees in Gaza. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this project please reach out to contact@rebuildingalliance.org.

From,

The Gratitude Team 

Rebuilding Alliance