14 August 2012
Amman, Jordan
The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, in co-operation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has generously contributed towards a “Feed the Fasting” Ramadan project in the Gaza Strip.
The initiative will enable UNRWA in Gaza to provide hot, protein-rich Iftar dinners (the traditional meal with which Muslims break the daily fast during Ramadan) for 28,386 poor persons during the Holy Month, targeting those who would otherwise be unable to access such meals during Ramadan.
Due to hikes in food prices, shrinking incomes and high unemployment, access to food has become a serious concern for a growing section of the population of the Gaza Strip. Sixty-eight per cent of the refugee population is receiving food from UNRWA, while 62 per cent of the total Gaza population is dependent on international agencies for at least some of its food.
The hot meals will be distributed to the most vulnerable by 19 community-based organisations, using a coupon system to ensure the whole family benefits, and not just those who are able to travel to the organisation.
Peter Ford, representative of UNRWA's Commissioner-General, said: “The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation has shown itself once again to be a true supporter of the Palestine refugees in Gaza, coming forward to assist them during this special month. UNRWA and Palestine refugees are very grateful to the Foundation, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership for the benefit of refugees in the region.”
The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation is one of UNRWA’s most consistent donors in the Gulf. In addition to regular food support for the neediest refugees in the West Bank and Gaza, the Foundation was also the first to adopt a school under the Agency’s “Adopt-a-School Initiative”. In 2010, the Foundation adopted Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Elementary Boys & Co-ed School in Gaza, and has recently renewed its sponsorship for the scholastic year 2012/2013.
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Background information
UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight.
UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Ford
Representative of the UNRWA Commissioner-General
Mobile: +962 (0) 77 676 0062
Office: +962 (0) 65 80 8521
p.ford@unrwa.org
Adnan Abu Hasna
Communications Division
UNRWA Media Adviser
Mobile: +970 8 288 7531
Office: +970 59 942 8061
a.abu-hasna@unrwa.org
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