Gaza’s borders have been closed to humanitarian aid since March 2. Peace SOS has provided food and three water trucks to the needy population with the help of a Palestinian family. We received videos of these so we can share them with others. On each occasion about 500 people were fed and a truck contains about 3,500 thousand litres of water. As I mentioned earlier, this is not a structural solution and is just a bright spot in the darkness. Hunger will not be truly overcome until the borders are opened and large-scale aid can enter.
Not being present myself in Gaza, and having occasional concerns, I worried whether our donations would be put to good use. This is unnecessary, because the local family has also spoken at times in my presence to a journalist who has worked in Gaza for a long time. She concluded that it is a trustworthy family. Anyway, when such concerns come to me, I share them with the family and the Peace SOS treasurer. So I asked the husband of the family how the money would be spent and if it was really being spent well. In a detailed email to me, and which I forwarded to the treasurer, he justified the spending. Through a social medium, he notified me via direct message:
“My friend Mai.. I have to tell you something
I have lived my whole life not wishing harm to anyone. I want everyone to live well. In the past, we owned a sewing factory and we dealt with the Israelis. We had close relationships with them, as they were friends of my father’s because they worked together.
I do not consider the Israeli as my enemy. I believe that everyone has the right to live. I do not wish anyone death or exclusion. I make humanity a priority in my life.
My father used to exchange greetings with the Jews on their holidays and he used to share in their joys and sorrows, and so did I. This is not only for the Israelis, but for the whole world.
My father’s friends would check on us, whether they lived in Israel or abroad. […] So don’t worry about the money you send, it won’t go to kill or hurt anyone. You sent the money to serve and help people, and we use it for that.
I have lived my whole life without belonging to any political or military organization. I am a free person and I support my ideas and humanitarian principles. My goal is to serve people, whether in Gaza or anywhere else.”
I was very touched by the words of the husband of the family. He is a teacher, and many of the children he taught were killed during the war in Gaza. He and his wife also lost several family members and had to flee several times themselves. They also fled with their two small children to humanitarian zones that were still being bombed. And now they are being starved. Yet he writes that he does not see Israelis as enemies and does not wish anyone dead.
There are also other inspiring Israelis and Palestinians who have lost a family member and nevertheless remain committed to reconciliation. Like The Parents Circle Families Forum. I have a lot of respect for them. They show that, above all, we should continue to see each other as human beings. And this opinion piece is also a call for that.
It was recently announced that the UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates that the entire population of Gaza is at critical risk of famine. It really is high time to open the borders so that the major humanitarian relief organizations can provide large-scale aid to the people of Gaza. The Dutch government and other Western countries should urge Israel to do this immediately. There should also be a cease-fire soon and, of course, no weapons should be delivered. Also, all hostages should be released. Let us cherish each other and life.
For: A World In Which All Children Can Play.
Author: May-May Meijer, chair Peace SOS
Photo: Child receiving food during the third Peace SOS funded small scale food distribution in Gaza on May 10th, 2025. Thanks to our local team in Gaza.
Note: This article was published in Dutch under the title ‘De familie uit Gaza: ik beschouw de Israëli niet als mijn vijand’ on the Joop BNNVARA website on May 12th, 2025.