Economic Growth United States Project #41359

Buy Palestinian - Trade Shows that Create Jobs

Summary

Sending fresh herbs from Gaza to NYC has the potential to lift the ongoing blockade. For the past 12 years, Israel's blockade of Gaza has frozen exports at 17% of 2005 levels, closing factories and wiping-out jobs. Recently, West Bank Palestinian products were successfully shipped to U.S. buyers. Rebuilding Alliance wants to organize 'Buy Palestinian Trade Shows' timed when the herbs arrive to sign more buyers and create more jobs. We need your help.

$70,000
total goal

$69,900
remaining

1
donor

0
monthly donors

3
years

Challenge

Although Israel recently allowed more exports out of Gaza, we do not yet see enough export trucks leaving Gaza. This is due to two main reasons. First, there are not enough buyers. Second, shipments are stopped whenever the border closes. In June 2019, only 65 trucks crossed out, stifling any hope of jobs. We can't wait for a peace agreement to help people. Children are hungry. Something must be done now to ease the 70% unemployment and put people back to work. One way is to increase exports.

Solution

Fresh herbs may be exactly what's needed to open the blockade. Growers are ready with drip irrigated, USAID-funded greenhouses. Planting, harvesting, wrapping, shipping will put 100 women to work. In March, Rebuilding Alliance's trade expert met with 54 Members of Congress. Our proposal gained traction: a buyer was found in NY and also Congress may be ready to help keep the borders open. Next step: invite U.S. buyers to specialty trade shows in Patterson NJ, Chicago/Detroit, SF/LA, & Houston.

Long-Term Impact

Exports generate jobs, providing a way out of dire poverty. As buyers sign with private Palestinian companies, greenhouses, textile & furniture factories can go into production, hiring workers. We want to hold 'Buy Palestinian Trade Shows' this fall and winter, to see shipment and delivery to the U.S. and Europe in the spring of 2020. Your donation will help hire a talented team to organize and promote Buy Palestinian trade shows, ship products, and invite 'buyers in the trade' to place orders.