Many people in the West Bank have lost their businesses and jobs, leaving families in dire need of basic household supplies. Their inability to celebrate Ramadan with traditional food, desserts, and clothing has exacerbated this hardship. In response to this need, YES alumni in the West Bank organized a fundraiser and food drive to assist families in need.

The campaign was launched on the first day of Ramadan, with dozens of YES alumni spreading the word through their social media platforms and reaching out to local businesses for donations. Over the course of two weeks, the alumni collected approximately 1,000 ILS (~ $273), as well as various food items, household supplies, shoes, and clothing.

The alumni collaborated with Sawa'id Al Khair (Hands of Goodness), a local organization dedicated to aiding those in need in Hebron. Together, they identified five families facing significant hardship to support through the campaign.

On March 25th, Nidal Odeh '18, Beesan Arda '19, and Akram Sawalha '23 coordinated the donation transport from the northern areas of the West Bank to their fellow YES alumni in Hebron. On March 26, Ahmed Rayyan '19 and Saif Azzam '19 delivered the aid to the families' home.

By coming together and supporting their community during such challenging times, these YES alumni demonstrated the power of collective action and compassion in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Ahmed Rayyan ‘19, expressed, "This felt very rewarding, knowing that together we made a tangible difference in the lives of families in need during such a crucial time."

Nidal Odeh (YES 2017-2018, West Bank, placed by YFU in Charleston, WV)

Beesan Arda (YES 2018-2019, West Bank, placed by Aspect in Richmond, MI)

Akram Sawalha (YES 2022-2023, West Bank, placed by IRIS In Hampton, IA)

Ahmed Rayyan (YES 2018-2019, West Bank, placed by AFS-USA in Lyons, CO)

Saif Azzam (YES 2018-2019, West Bank, placed by ACES in Lennox, SD)