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Palestine food distribution campaign

We are all aware of the humanitarian crisis that the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza have been experiencing for decades. This crisis has been exacerbated as a result of recent election outcomes. It appears that these steadily declining living conditions are unlikely to be resolved any time soon.

There is a severe shortage of all essential economic resources; the government is currently unable to cover its own employees' salaries, while the restrictions on the movement of individuals and goods are literally squeezing the lifeline of the people in the West Bank and Gaza. Not surprisingly, the economy's private sector has been severely impacted and there is speculation that it may be on the verge of collapsing.

According to the World Bank's report on the Palestinian Fiscal Crisis issued May, 2006: "The Palestinian economy will experience a dramatic decline over the next eight months. By the end of 2006, the average personal income will have decreased by 30%, unemployment will have increased from the pre-election figure of 23% to a projected 40%, and the poverty level is expected to climb from 44% to 67%." To put it simply, the quality of life for the average Palestinian family is terrible. Children there have less food, patients have less medicine, families have less income and the outlook is no better.

LIFE, through its office in Nazareth, is distributing food packages to 4,000 families in the West Bank and will be distributing the same packages to 2,000 families in Gaza. The food distribution will be executed throughout 2006 over the course of four consecutive months, including the month of Ramadan.

One package will be enough to feed a family of 6 in the West Bank, or a family of 7 in Gaza, for one month. The cost per package per month is $100.

Here's how you can help:

- $500: Will feed 5 families for 1 month of distribution.

- $400: Will feed 1 family for all 4 months of distribution.

- $200: Will feed 1 family for 2 months of distribution.

Your immediate donation will make this humanitarian project possible.