Trócaire helping those in Gaza

A Cork businessman is asking the public to embrace the Christmas spirit and spare a thought for the men and women of Gaza who are living traumatic lives trapped by forces beyond their control.

That was the call from Izzeddeen Alkarajeh as he helped to launch Trócaire’s Christmas appeal.

Izzeddeen, a Palestinian who owns Izz Café, said the gifts will help to support those who are most vulnerable: “I am delighted to be involved in launching Trócaire's Christmas campaign for Gaza this year.

“The work they do makes such a huge difference to my people who endure untold suffering and injustice each day. Anything I can do to help raise awareness in Cork of the situation in Gaza, I will do it.”

One of this year’s Trócaire gifts is of a Mental Health Lifeline to give access to vital mental health care to women and children of Gaza who are living in constant fear.

They face food and water shortages, power outages and the highest rates of unemployment in the world with no escape.

Other gifts include a range of sustainable and ethical gifts.

Trócaire said in 2021 the Gaza Strip saw crisis after crisis due to the longstanding blockade, recurrent hostilities, and the impact of Covid-19 on one of the most densely populated places in the world. The situation remains dire, and it is women and girls who continue to bear the brunt of these hostilities facing violence, discrimination, poverty, and trauma – every single day, said the charity.

Janet Twomey, from Trócaire’s office in Cook Street thanked the team at Izz Café for their support and said: “Christmas donations received this year will be used to provide food, clean water and sanitation, agricultural assistance, healthcare, and psychosocial supports to people living in some of the world's most marginalised communities.”

The gifts can be purchased at trocaire.org/gifts, calling 021-4275622 or emailing corkcentre@trocaire.org.

Visit Trócaire’s office on 9 Cook Street Monday-Friday from 9.30am-5.15pm and on Saturdays 10am-4pm.