Pray with us for the Middle East — for Syrians displaced by civil war, refugee host communities throughout the region, and maternal and child health in Afghanistan.
Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza
Why World Vision is in Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, sponsors may experience delays in communication from their sponsored child. We are actively working to keep you updated as the situation changes.
In 2019, a medical supply shortage in Gaza caused a record number of people to apply to pass through Erez—the primary crossing point into Israel—for healthcare. Half of these applicants were under 18 or over 60, and only 58% were approved.
The Palestinian Authority set the minimum age for marriage at 18 for both boys and girls, a major victory in the prevention of child marriage. But domestic violence, abuse, and gender inequality continues to plague area children and families. World Vision JWG has been in a period of prayer, planning, and anticipation as it transitions leadership, and 2019 was a year of developing and implementing new strategies.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, World Vision is working to bring Celebrating Families into an Islamic context. This approach applies Biblical principles to create loving, nurturing households for children to grow and thrive in. Staff and sponsored children ran a marathon in the West Bank to highlight a lack of travel freedoms, and hosted a soccer tournament to give girls the same opportunity boys have to play and compete.
Progress in Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- Leadership training empowered students to advocate for their rights and voice their concerns in the community.
- To keep children safe at home, mothers and fathers learned new parenting skills and the importance of positive discipline.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Mothers were given the support they need to care for their children and help keep them healthy. Community health workers made home visits in several communities to teach mothers ways to support their child's development and health.
- Children are empowered to care for their health after learning about the importance of hygiene, nutrition, and exercise habits.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Teachers and students are better prepared for emergencies after participating in disaster training.
Prayer Requests from Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza
World Vision's staff in Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
For the staff, leadership, and communities implementing new programs this year, and for the well-being of the children they serve.
For our continued work to adapt Celebrating Families for Muslim communities.
News from Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza
From the Field
Google map perspective: A refugee’s journey walking from Syria to Serbia
Thousands of families are fleeing war and violence in Syria in hope of finding peace. Check out this interactive Google map of the refugee journey.
Voices
Syrian refugee children write a letter to the world
Children living in Lebanon as refugees from the war in Syria want people to hear them speak about their dreams and struggles. Hear from Syria’s children.
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