It might be one of the world’s poorest areas, besieged by its neighbour Israel, but Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip have been donating what little they have to help those struck by the earthquake in Haiti.

Among the donations collected by a Red Cross representative: toys, toiletries and sweets – small luxuries that Gazans know only too well can brighten spirits in the face of devastation. Some also gave money.

Dr Jamal Khudari, from the Palestinian Committee against the Siege said: “It’s a symbolic donation for the people of Haiti, for the children of Haiti, to tell them that we feel the suffering.”

There are ruins in the Gaza Strip reminiscent of the scenes in Haiti. These were not caused by a natural disaster, but by bombs and shells in Israel’s deadly assault on Gaza, which drew to a close a year ago. Israel blamed attacks by militants for sparking the offensive.

The reason for the destruction might be different, but Palestinians say they understand Haiti’s pain.

Copyright © 2010 euronews

http://www.euronews.net/2010/01/18/earthquake-in-haiti-palestinians-in-gaza-donate-to-haiti/

How unfortunate for us all that it takes such a tragedy and enormous suffering for others to feel compassion and want to help...considering the compassion channel is available during the better times also.

As long as it takes a disaster of epic proportions to bring us together, we will continue to have them.

I found an excellent series from sky news, this gives an insight about what goes on in Gaza. The guy is really good and fair on reporting, he gets to meet extremists as well as ordinary people who just want to live, from both sides.

If you want to know more about this entire conflict, I couldn't find a better documentary than this.


Ross Kemp: Middle East Gaza 1/5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWeiAmr_atA

2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUzO56Ny0ZQ


3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmxAaFR-AX0

4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCXVzHn-LCA

5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ97NUvH3WY

It's so sad how it takes this to really make our heads turn towards Haiti. A country that has been in need of help for many years. I'm really crushed over this horrible situation and wish I could do more.

It's amazing to me how the Palenstinians can donate what they have ( which isn't a lot ) when they have been thru so many terrible things themselves.
Yet I hear around here, people non stop complaining that the US sent 100 million in aid to Haiti.
How greedy do we need to be? I have lost friends over this debate. I think it's just horrible and selfish to not attempt to help them.
If the Palenstinians can help, so can the US.
We may be going thru a rough time in this country right now but it doesn't compare to the devestation in Haiti. Not even close.
My heart goes out to those people. All of them. I wish I could do more myself to help.

Meanwhile the large banks, like JP Morgan goes away happy with their record profit in the 4th quarter, 3.3 billion dollars.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-jpmorgan16-2010jan16,0,7741255.story

thanks for posting this. I'm tired of the GOP labeling us as terrorists. When we need food and water, Israel blocks and stops food cargo, confiscates it and then only dispenses 10 percent of it and releases press releases that they give it to us.
The fact that we're able to sacrifice for the sake of others is leaps and bounds and resonates the teachings of the real Islam. I haven't seen a dime from Israel yet.

and it is sooo wrong on sooo many levels...