Justice and Human Rights United States Project #12995

U.S. Movement to Safeguard Palestinian Schools

by Rebuilding Alliance

Summary

From our start, Rebuilding Alliance promised to keep a Palestinian kindergarten standing, and we have. What we learned helped extend our promise to safeguard ALL Palestinian schools. Since 2022, we have briefed over 200 Congressional offices, led 9 Congressional delegations to visit at-risk schools, elevated urgent cases with US officials, and brought Palestinian students to D.C. to speak with policymakers. We ask your help to continue reaching constituents, urging policymakers to intervene.

$320,000
total goal

$80,799
remaining

1,418
donors

11
monthly donors

9
fundraisers

13
years

Challenge

There are 84 demolition orders against Palestinian schools in the West Bank & East Jerusalem. Children & schools are attacked by settlers, and a child and parent at Al Mughayyir School were killed in April. In Umm al Kheir, settlers installed razor wire blocking the road to school, & Al Maleh school was demolished by settlers. Meanwhile, in Gaza 97% of all schools were damaged or destroyed during the war, and mass displacement and ongoing violence means access to education remains a challenge.

Solution

Every child has the right to an education. To help assure this, RA mobilizes Contact Congress Campaigns, talks with villages and lawyers to develop effective advocacy strategies, briefs House and Senate Offices, and asks for intervention. RA helps constituents ask their members of Congress to take action. We also engage with the State Dept. and US Embassy for urgent intervention, organize Congressional delegations to visit schools, and press for diplomatic interventions to keep schools standing.

Long-Term Impact

Education is a fundamental right for all children. Schools can be a safe haven for children in Gaza and the West Bank. Safeguarding schools assures children's education while helping communities remain on their land and in their homes with safety and dignity. Sustained US engagement has increased diplomatic and Congressional attention on threatened schools and created opportunities for intervention. With your help, RA is building lasting support for Palestinian schools and communities.