As-Salaam-Alaikum Dear Sisters and Brothers!
Over the past six months, I have dedicated hundreds of hours to researching what it takes to have an effective program supporting the orphans and children of Gaza during, and eventually after this genocide. I always want to be sure that whatever I ask you to donate to is not only effective, but sustainable. And I want you to be highly informed throughout the work we do together.
➡️ IN A HURRY? See this link:
https://LaunchGood.com/OrphansWithShaun
Let me be very clear… we all know that because of the destruction and blockade, nearly everything in Gaza is extremely difficult, but what we need to also remember is that it’s going to be difficult for a very long time. Even if the genocide ended today, the challenges of rebuilding of Gaza will be immense. The sooner we plan for this complexity and difficulty, the better, but we simply must not let the complicated nature of this work deter us from getting it done.
As it stands, getting a single bottle of clean water into Gaza has been made into a miracle. Prices are astronomical. Supply chains are nearly non-existent. And virtually every single move inside of Gaza is dangerous. When we ask any sisters and brothers in Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid for a project like this, we do so knowing that they are putting their lives on the line. Gaza is not only the single most dangerous place on earth, it is currently one of the single most dangerous places in the modern history of the earth. And it is the single deadliest place for children in our lifetime.
Gaza now has at least 20,000 newly created orphaned children THAT HAVE BEEN COUNTED. The number is likely much much higher. Thousands of them are displaced without any guardians 100,000 more children are either critically injured, sick or severely malnourished.
But, Allah commands us to care for orphaned boys and girls. In fact, we are blessed both now, and in Jannah, when we do so. It’s not a burden, it’s a blessing! Our prophet, Muhammaad, peace be upon him, was an orphan. And I don’t know if we ever would have been able to embrace Islam had so many people not showed up to support him throughout his childhood.
So, let me get very specific with you here.
I am asking you to make at least a 5 year commitment to each child that you sponsor. We thought of asking for even more, but these children need to know that from now until 2029 you are going to be there for them. This will change their entire lives. This will ease the unspeakable burden on their minds. And it will help you be a part of a sustainable long-term system of support.
100% of your donation goes directly to HCI, which stands for Human Concern International - one of the oldest and most respected Muslim charities in North America. I trust this charity. I have processed nearly $4 million in direct aid for Gaza through them. The Executive Director of HCI is a brilliant, compassionate, devout Muslim woman named Mahmuda, that I have met in person on multiple occasions and trust. I would not do any of this work without being able to say this to you.
Traditionally, HCI orphan sponsorship in Gaza was $70 per child per month, but it simply does not cover the costs in Gaza anymore. The cost of supporting an orphan in Gaza has surged due to the limited supply of aid and essential goods. While we estimate that the true cost could run into several hundred dollars, we are currently capping it at $99 to ensure we can still provide the most critical assistance to orphans.
One of the highlights of HCI’s sponsorship programs around the world is that you get to learn the name, face, and story of the child you are sponsoring. WE WILL BE DOING THAT IN GAZA, but it’s simply too difficult and dangerous right now to manage. Every person in Gaza, including our own dedicated staff, is facing overwhelming challenges. Orphaned children are being displaced without warning, making it nearly impossible to track them.
