"In just one year, the U.S. has spent at least $22.76 billion on military aid to Israel and related U.S. operations in the region (through September 30)." Honestly, it seems ridiculous to set a fundraising goal in light of our military spending towards the onslaught on Gaza. But let's start somewhere because there are children that can benefit from the donations we can cobble together.

Children are suffering all over the world for various reasons. I am specifically moved by the devestation in Palestine since our country is underwriting the horrors that play out daily. Gaza is one of the only places in the world that has to use the acronym WCNSF or "wounded child, no surviving family". Sit with this unbearably heavy reality for a moment. Of a child laying in a loud, crowded hospital with no family member beside them. This child is likely missing a hand or foot or worse, an arm or a leg. When this child needs to go to the bathroom, they have no parent to ask for help. When this child is thirsty, there is no loved one to help them reach for a cup of water — if there even is a cup of water. When this child cries, they cry alone. There is no one to hug and console them.

As a collective humanity, we understand the shared purpose of protecting children. It doesn't take religion, education or culture to reinforce this most basic instinct. That's why I find the consistent attacks on children to be deeply painful and utterly baffling. How does this keep happening? How does anyone justify it? As a person of faith, I believe it's necessary to recognize scriptures that have called on communities to protect orphans for thousands of years... 

A man is obliged to watch out for orphans and widows, for their soul is very lowly, and their spirit humble even though they be wealthy in money, even though they be the widow and orphans of a king, we are charged concerning them, for it is said: "Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child" Exodus 22:22

When you reap harvest in your field and overlook a sheaf in the field, do not turn back to get it; it shall go to the stranger, the fatherless and the widow... Deut 24:19

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it." Surah Al-Baqarah Ayat 215

As a friend or relative, will you join me in refuting violence against children? This fundraiser will provide children with food, clothing, medicine and other basic necessities. 

Following the 2014 war on Gaza, hundreds of children were orphaned and in need of basic humanitarian help - food, medicine, and clothing - to help survive. PCRF currently helps 290 orphans in Gaza through sponsors to provide them these basic necessities.