Looking for Trouble

WPSR delivering medicine to Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, by Gerri Haynes

Many people in the US contributed money for the purchase of medicines badly needed for patients of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme. This morning we delivered those medicines to GCMHP’s pharmacy – such a joy to be able to fill some of the pharmacy’s empty shelves. Thank you to all who made this possible!!

Laura Hart and I had wonderful opportunities to learn about Gaza from families served by GCMHP and by a great women’s group, AISHA. In central Gaza, we visited three families who are experiencing severe mental health challenges – depression, fear, anger – much of it closely related to the siege and to the constant threat of being attacked by Israel. In one humble home, we were treated to hot bread, pulled directly from the Tabool oven. The mother of the family (pictured here) arises at 3 AM each day to prepare food for her family, clean the home, and get her children ready for school.

This afternoon, in visits to war-affected families, we heard tragic stories of the death or injury of family members. One very worried mother asked for the prayers of anyone we speak to – her son lost his eyes in a recent Israeli attack and is now in Egypt awaiting surgery. She is desperately worried about him.

Late this afternoon, we met with Scott Anderson of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Scott has served for six years in Gaza and acknowledged that lack of funding to the UN has resulted in the suspension of school feedings and the elimination of financial aid to families. (A woman told me last year that their monthly allotment of $100 from UNRWA was the family’s only income.) UNRWA provides food assistance to 860,000 people in Gaza. This agency works on many projects to aid Gazans – they provide schools for a majority of Gaza’s children, medical clinics and micro financing for encouraging entrepreneurs and the empowerment of women.

Earlier today, I asked Ismael Zamilpa, pediatric urologist, to write about his experience so far. He wrote:

“This is my third trip to Gaza. We have had the opportunity to continue our relationship with local surgeons and to see complex cases. We are trying to share our experience and opinions with them.

“The hospitality of the Palestinian people continues to be evident. They make us feel so welcome and are appreciative of our services. I hope the American public will get the chance to witness this instead of the frequent negativity reported on the news.”