While Grab is out there soliciting donations to its drivers because the multinational giant valued at $40 billion can’t afford to pay their drivers a living wage, others have been actively donating to humanitarian efforts around the world.
Take the crisis in Palestine that is once again coming under the spotlight. More than four tonnes of relief supplies, worth a total of S$85,000, have been collected by local organisation Humanity Matters as aid to Gaza.
4 Tonnes of Supplies Sent to Gaza
The profusion of aid consists of healthcare, hygiene, and comfort products, including surgical respirators, high-risk gowns, and surgical gloves in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Toys and fleece blankets are also part of the diverse range of aid items.
The items were packed by ten volunteers from the humanitarian interfaith organisation while observing safe distancing measures, donning N95 masks and working in groups of two.
The relief supplies will be sent to Gaza via Cairo in Egypt, and will “support vulnerable individuals and healthcare workers” in the beleaguered city, according to Humanity Matters.
Specifically, it “strives to support healthcare units—especially the front-line healthcare workers at hospitals, medical centres and ambulances—as they tend to the many in need”.
In this effort, the organisation was supported by a medley of local organisations representing different faiths and cultures, including the Taoist Mission Singapore, the Association of Muslim Lawyers, the Young Sikh Association (YSA), and the International Multi Cultural Organisation.
The secretary general of the International Multi Cultural Organisation, Mr Dennis Khoo, remarked, “I cannot imagine how it must be coping with a pandemic and conflict. Sunday’s relief packing provided us an opportunity to work alongside other faith communities to serve the larger community in need—especially in times of crisis, it is important to have avenues for us to come together and be united as one humanity.”
The cargo will be transported to Cairo, Egypt by air and handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent Society, who will ferry the cargo across the border to the Gaza Strip.
What’s Happening in Gaza?
Violence re-erupted in the region earlier in May, with fiery bombardments on both sides.
Military action started on 10 May with rocket launched by Hamas against southern Israeli cities, triggering a spate of interception missile launches whose footage quickly went viral. Israel retaliated with airstrikes, killing hundreds and demolishing 94 buildings including schools, hospitals, and press offices.
The roots of the clash could be traced to Palestinian protests against the anticipated eviction of six Palestinian families from rightful Palestinian territory under international law, and the violent response by Israeli police and security forces.
A truce has been brokered by Egypt and has been in force since 21 May, though similar ceasefires have been implemented and violated in the past.
Feature Image: Abed Rahim Khatib / Shutterstock.com
