Many of us over the past couple of months have given money and goods to the fundraising events and the charities that are helping to support Palestine and rebuild Gaza. It is hard for many of us who want to do more, but have to work within the limits of our own funds.
But there is another, crucial way to lend support. In addition to aid, Palestinians also need jobs. We can also help by supporting the Palestinian businesses. Books, clothes, purses, olive oil, calendars, key chains and many other items are available online in price ranges from $1.50 to more than $200.
Many of the items that we shop for–for ourselves, for others, for our homes or for gifts can be purchased through these sites. Ownership and use of these items take on more significance when we are able to reflect that the money from our purchases did not just disappear into anonymous corporate coffers, but went toward rebuilding the shattered dignity of other Muslims.
Try some of the sites listed below. Find new ones, pass them on, but most importantly, use them and purchase Palestinian goods. Thanks to the blog Raising Yousuf and Nor-A Mother from Gaza for the following information:
Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children (Gaza Strip); a stunning array of hand-crafted items made by deaf men and women; proceeds go to support the Gaza Strip’s first and only school for deaf children and to continue the vocational training provided for the deaf there. The building was damaged in the recent Israeli bombing but they are up and running nevertheless.
Holy Land Olive Oil
Palestine Online Store
Sunbula Products (at Fair Trade Online Store)
Twinning with Palestine is a UK site that discusses the hows and whys of twinning with Palestine as a sister city. The site also lists a number of online sites for shopping for Palestinian products such as Camden-Abu Dis Friendship Association (based in the UK), Zaytoun (olive oil) and Hadeel.
