09021
January 12, 2009
PDA launches humanitarian aid appeal for Middle East
Prayers, donations sought to help relieve suffering
LOUISVILLE ― With Israeli and Hamas forces plunging deeper into violent conflict and the death toll in Gaza steadily mounting, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has launched an appeal to help provide humanitarian relief supplies to the stricken area.
PDA is supporting relief efforts as a member of the Geneva-based Action by Churches Together (ACT) International alliance. ACT efforts include those of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)’s Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), International Orthodox Christian Charities and other long-time PC(USA) partners. These are initial efforts and will be expanded later as the situation further unfolds.
The PDA-supported efforts have included provision of food — including high-energy biscuits for children — medicine and blankets, as well as the deployment of trauma counselors.
An email outlining the appeal was sent to all PC(USA) pastors, middle governing body offices and members of the General Assembly Council on Jan. 9.
“The situation in Gaza remains difficult and dangerous,” PDA said in announcing the appeal. “The conflict has already caused the loss of hundreds of lives, a rapidly mounting toll of injured civilians and the systematic destruction of basic means of subsistence.”
A special link has been placed on the PC(USA) home page, which contains constantly updated information on the crisis and PDA’s response. That site already contains a bulletin insert that can be downloaded for use by congregations.
Information about the appeal is being sent by fax today (Jan. 12) and a special appeal post card will be mailed Tuesday (Jan. 13).
According to the Associated Press, more than 900 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict that began Dec. 27 with Israeli air strikes on Hamas buildings, suspected rocket launch sites and supply tunnels in Gaza in response to repeated rocket attacks on southern Israel from Gaza.
Thirteen Israelis, including 10 soldiers, have died.
A report from the Jerusalem UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs  (OCHA) provides details of the effect the crisis has had on civilians in the region.
ACT reports that there is a need for supplementary feeding for 80,000 preschool children, but only one in four children has received such supplements during the war. The need for emergency psychosocial care within the war-torn area is overwhelming, ACT reports. “The best therapy for children is to resume normal life,” says ACT’s representative in Israel and Palestine, Liv Steinmoeggen.
Emergency supplies including medicine and blankets are also needed at the Anglican Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, said Steinmoeggen. The hospital has been damaged during the recent military attacks, with patients now hospitalized in a facility where windows have been blown out and as a result are exposed to cold weather.
Providing aid to the most vulnerable is among the highest priorities for ACT, This includes infants and small children, together with their mothers.
The United Nations is responsible for organizing the transport of aid shipments into Gaza, including aid supplied by ACT. ACT will operate together with U.N. agencies and distribute through Palestinian community representatives.
“You can help the church in this response through your prayers,” PDA’s announcement said. “Please pray for all those whose lives have been and continue to be affected; pray for those working to deliver humanitarian assistance.”
A special account ― DR000081 – Middle East ― has been established to receive financial contributions to the humanitarian relief effort. The appeal’s goal is $1 million.
Individuals may give through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site, by calling Presbytel at 800-872-3283 or by sending their check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the special designated giving account DR000081 – Middle East.
Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.
Mindy Marchal, communications associate for Compassion, Peace and Justice, contributed to this story. | 
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