Young Palestinians form group to support donation campaigns

Dubai: Some young Palestinians have formed a group to lend a hand to donation campaigns in the UAE which are raising funds for Palestinians in Gaza.

They also aim to spread awareness about the plight of those in the region.

The group consisting of approximately 15 people, met during the first demonstration in solidarity with Gaza held at the Palestinian Consulate in Dubai on December 28.

Mohannad Omar, a 23-year-old student from the American University of Sharjah, said: "It is a spontaneous initiative and is not part of any organisation.

"We met during the first demonstration and each one of us was convinced that the people of Gaza need every little support, whether morally or materially."

Online tools

The group, composed mainly of students, does not have a name and members intend to keep it that way to emphasise its spontaneous origin.

They use Facebook, the online social network, which they say is an effective way to communicate with large numbers of people to inform them about their activities.

Members say one of their main tasks is to provide help for present fundraising campaigns in the UAE by collecting and transporting donations.

"Currently, we are collecting and transporting donated food, blankets and medicine to Aramex and the Majid Al Futtaim Group in the UAE which are conducting 11-day donation campaigns," said Mohammad Khalid, a 21-year-old student from Sharjah University.

He said they are trying to contact other organisations to offer their help.

The group also organises regular candlelight vigils in the parking lot of Jumeirah Beach Residence to express their solidarity with Gaza and condemn the Israeli aggression.

"We want people in Dubai, especially non-Arabs, to know the tale of a people who lived under occupation for more than 60 years but are refusing to accept it," said Eyad Al Nadi, one of the organisers.

Products needed: 'Deliver hope' mission

Aramex in cooperation with the Majid Al Futtaim Group in the UAE is organising a collection campaign "Deliver Hope to People in Gaza" for aid supplies to the conflict zone.

Donations will be accepted until January 11.

Needed materials: First-aid kits, medical emergency supplies, chronic illness medication, personal hygiene products, non-perishable foods, new clothes, tents and blankets.

Please ensure the validity date is at least 6 months for food and at least 1 year for medicines.

Collection bins are located at the following locations:

Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, Sharjah City Centre and Ajman City Centre.

Candlelight vigil

A candlelight vigil in solidarity with the people of Gaza will be held tomorrow simultaneously in five Arab countries including the UAE.

Iyad Al Nadi, one of the organisers, said that "a group of Arab of students across the Arab world have come together to organise a candlelight in support of Gaza."

The rally will be held at 8pm tomorrow in Beirut, Damascus, Amman, Manama and Dubai.

In the UAE, the vigil will be held in Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.