UNRWA in Syria launches emergency appeal for Gaza – Press release

PRESS RELEASE

7 January 2009

UNRWA in Syria launches emergency appeal in support of the people in Gaza

Today UNRWA launched a special emergency appeal for donations in support of the civilian population affected by the on-going military action in Gaza.

Conservative estimates suggest that UNRWA needs to raise an additional US$35 million (1,692,925,000 Syrian Pounds) in order to meet the immediate needs of the Palestine refugee population in Gaza in the areas of food, and emergency cash and relief assistance.

This appeal is targeting the Palestinian community in Syria, and other individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the country who are deeply saddened by the events in Gaza and the suffering being inflicted upon the civilian population.

UNRWA is urging all those who are willing and able to make a cash donation at any one of the 170 donation boxes located in all major UNRWA installations in Dera'a, Damascus, Homs, Hama, Aleppo and Lattakia, including schools and health centres.

Donations can be made via the Commercial Bank of Syria, Branch 4

Account Name: UNRWA Support for Gaza

Account No: 123409-004

Talking to the media, Panos Moumtzis, Director of UNRWA Affairs explained that this initiative is a symbolic gesture of support and solidarity across the region for the victims in Gaza. "The funds we raise will help mitigate the difficult economic situation that the Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from as a result of the prolonged blockade, absence of basic needs and now military escalation,". He also reiterated the UNRWA Commissioner-General’s call for the Israeli government to heed calls for the cessation of the bombardment of Gaza

Some 4.6 million Palestine refugees in UNRWA’s five fields of operations – Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem – are eligible for Agency services, including education, healthcare, social services, shelter, micro-credit loans and emergency aid. UNRWA employs nearly 30,000 staff, the vast majority of whom are Palestine refugees. UNRWA’s operations are financed almost entirely by voluntary contributions from donors.

For information only                Not an official record

For further information please contact:

Hala Mukhles

Office: 6133035 ext 314

Mobile: 093-416591