"Seeing her smile again gives us hope" - Protecting dignity and human rights in the occupied West Bank
Too many people have no idea what is happening in the West Bank.
You can help change that.
The occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is facing its most violent chapter in decades — home demolitions, mass detentions, Israeli military raids, settler violence, and nearly 30,000 Palestinians displaced since 2013. The largest displacement since 1968.
When the United States government cut all funding to UNRWA in 2024, it didn’t just affect Gaza; it impacted all five UNRWA fields of operation, including the West Bank. Through it all, UNRWA is still there.
A Rehabilitation center destroyed. A lifeline rebuilt.
After the Al-Jaleel Society for Community Care and Rehabilitation was destroyed, thousands of Palestinian refugees in Jenin and across the northern West Bank lost more than just a building; they lost access to essential medical rehabilitation services that kept their families healthy.
UNRWA has a Crisis Intervention Unit that protects these refugees’ right to medical services, safe shelter, and dignity in the aftermath of devastating displacement and trauma. In the last year, with support from UNRWA USA donors, the UNRWA Crisis Intervention Unit successfully re-opened the Al-Jaleel Society for Community Care and Rehabilitation to serve 3,100 people with disabilities.
One of the first children to return was Amal, a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy.
She hadn’t had therapy in months. And when the center reopened, she was able to resume, and within weeks her mobility began to improve again. Her mother told us, "Seeing her smile again gives us hope." That one sentence says everything you need to know about what these UNRWA services mean.
The restored center represents more than just rebuilt infrastructure; it symbolizes renewed possibilities for children like Amal and their families, who depend on these vital services.
“This place restored my dignity.”
Then there’s Mohamed, a father of four from Jenin. An Israeli military strike targeted his home. He lost both of his legs on his own doorstep. Imagine the trauma of a double amputation.
At Al-Jaleel, Mohammad received prosthetics, therapy, and psychological support. The kind of care he absolutely would not have accessed without UNRWA USA’s support.
Despite losing his legs, Mohammed never lost hope.
Today, he’s back out in his community with a small mobile cart, striving to provide for his family and achieve minimum stability. He dreams of opening a modest grocery store one day. A steady income.
“All I want is to give my family a sense of safety, especially after the injury. My kids need stability, and I have to be strong for them,” he says with determination.
He told us:
“Without [you], we would have been left alone in the dark. This place restored my dignity, and I’m grateful to every person who contributed - even with just a kind word.”
When people talk about “dignity,” this is what it actually means.
The largest displacement since 1967
In the largest displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since 1967, almost 30,000 people have been forced from their homes. People are being uprooted with little warning. Families are sleeping in relatives’ homes, unfinished buildings, and even cars.
UNRWA serves as a critical protector of Palestine refugees’ right to safe and dignified housing, and as trauma support for families in the aftermath of violent displacement.
With the support of UNRWA USA donors, the UNRWA Crisis Intervention unit has responded to the displacements of over 9,000 Palestine refugees
When an Israeli forces operation tore through Kalandia refugee camp, Hanan Taher survived a night of terror that would leave a lasting mark. Living alone in a modest home, she was jolted awake by the sound of explosions. First, her own front door was blown open, then another blast struck a nearby house. In a state of shock, Hanan fled to her neighbour’s home, where she stayed until 3:30 am, too afraid to move. For Hanan, it wasn't just the physical destruction that shook her; it was the profound sense of isolation.
At dawn, an UNRWA emergency response team arrived to assess the damage. Hanan received immediate support: financial assistance to repair her door, a food parcel, and access to psychological support. For Hanan, that UNRWA visit meant one thing: she wasn’t alone.
UNRWA’s work for Palestine refugees from Gaza to the West Bank only continues because Americans like you choose to care
Your solidarity rebuilt Al-Jaleel.
Your solidarity helped Amal walk again.
Your solidarity gave Mohammad back his independence.
Your solidarity helped Hanan feel safe enough to breathe.
The US government is no longer funding UNRWA’s work. But you are, and it’s making all the difference for Palestine refugees from Gaza to the West Bank.
Stand with Palestine refugees in the occupied West Bank today
If you are able, make a gift to UNRWA USA. And if you can’t give today, share these stories.