Gaza Fair Traders Update

by Zarah Patriana

Published February 25, 2009 @ 02:39PM PT

Last month, I wrote about some Fair Trade projects in Gaza that were affected by the conflict that was going on. Jerusalem based Fair Trade organization,  Sunbula sent out an update about two groups that they work with, Atfaluna Crafts and UNRWA Sulafa Embroidery Project, and how their projects had been halted. Now, Sunbula has sent out another update on the two groups.

Israel's war on Gaza has left the already-impoverished Strip in the massive devastation and unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Many of their members -- women from the refugee camps (Sulafa) and people with hearing disability (Atfaluna) -- had their homes damaged or completely destroyed.  Many of them also mourn the loss of their friends, family members and neighbors.

Sunbula's staff has been in contact with the two organizations over the phone.  Atfaluna reports that their building has been damaged by the air strikes nearby, with all their window glasses blown out.  Although many of their supporters have offered help to repair the damage (estimated at $20,000), glasses are not available in Gaza due to the tight Israeli restrictions t! o let the relief and recovery materials in.  "We are putting plastic sheets over the windows for now," said Mohamed El-Sharif, Atfaluna's director.

The staff at UNRWA Sulafa Embroidery Project reported that the damages on their building was fortunately minimal, with only a few broken windows.  However, some of their members reside in the communities that came under the most intense attacks, and are struggling to recover from some serious physical injuries.

It's hard to hear that these organizations that have been working hard in order to better their own situation have been held back and are trying to start from scratch all over again. When asked what could be done to help, the groups asked that instead of solely aid, we continue to help through trade. They asked for continued support of their handicrafts.

Sunbula, with the help of international aid agencies and diplomats that have begun entering the Strip, has managed to keep the products from Atfaluna and Sulafa available at our Craft Shop in Jerusalem and Online Craft Market.   Your purchase of their products -- a testament to their resilience and articity in the face of tremendous odds -- will benefit directly families in Gaza.

Check out the crafts and show your support to keep these groups self-sustaining.