The Quad Cities Coalition for Palestine is partnering with local and national groups to hold a fundraiser for the Palestinians in Gaza this Friday, November 8th.
The Muslim Community of the Quad Cities is hosting the fundraiser at its Mosque, 2115 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf, Iowa, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Taelor is a member of the QC Coalition for Palestine, whose last name is being withheld for safety concerns. She says Michigan-based non-profit Rahma Worldwide, founded in 2014, is joining the coalition event because of its work in Gaza.
"They've worked across the globe for helping different communities in times of crisis," says Taelor. "But we've chosen to work with Rahma Worldwide because of their extensive network, including staff that they have based in Gaza. And their proven ability to rapidly mobilize funds and resources. And actually, many within our own group have partnered or volunteered with Rahma Worldwide during previous humanitarian crises and have firsthand knowledge of the organization's dedication, expertise, and their efficiency. So we're very confident in their ability to provide aid at this time very quickly."
Taelor says the group has delivered over 1,800 trucks filled with humanitarian aid, including food, clean water, medicine and medical professionals.
However, The Associated Press is reporting that Israel's legislature, the Knesset, passed bills last week banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Gaza, claiming without evidence that the United Nations organization is working with Hamas.
In an update posted this week, UNRWA says only 971 humanitarian trucks made it into Gaza from Oct. 1st through the 27th, averaging 36 per day. The low levels of humanitarian aid may force the U.S. to deny future military aid to Israel.
Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Loyd Austin sent Israel a letter saying the nation needs to allow at least 350 trucks of aid into Gaza each day or risk qualifying for future military aid. According to the Associated Press, Israel has 30 days to comply from the Oct. 15th letter.
Back in the Quad Cities, Taelor says anyone can attend the Friday, November 8th fundraiser.
"We're a very diverse group of over 700 members. And our mission really is to educate and to encourage people to show solidarity for Palestinian liberation. This fundraiser, and all of our events and fundraisers are really done with the aim of bringing the community together in this time of crisis," says Taelor.
Taelor says those interested in joining the group can contact them on their Facebook page.
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