Christian and Muslim Communities work together to bring aid to Gaza

Many South Africans have been shocked and horrified by the conflict and crisis in Gaza. Scores of those who are affected in Gaza are civilians and are not directly involved in perpetuating the violence.

Emergency humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza has been considered in a meeting facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the South African Government. The meeting agreed that a coordinated response on behalf of ALL people of South Africa was desirable and necessary.

The Gift of the Givers Foundation, together with the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), has been tasked with preparing an emergency flight of humanitarian aid.

Key items to be dispatched as part of the relief operations include medical equipment, medical supplies, medicines, bottled water, food, baby milk, high energy and protein supplements, mattresses and blankets. These items would be purchased in South Africa from financial contributions made to the various groups involved in the appeal.

It has been agreed that Project Caritas, the official fund raising campaign of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) for humanitarian disaster relief would co-ordinate the Emergency Appeal on behalf of the South African Council of Churches.

Donations to the Project Caritas Appeal for Gaza can be made to:

Name:	Project Caritas
Acc No:	1604750693
Swift code:	NEDSZAJJ
Bank Code:	160445
Bank:	Nedbank. Cnr. Andries and Pretorius. Pretoria.

Donations should be marked "Gaza".

The Joint Gaza Emergency Response Team is also considering the option of taking specialized medical teams to assist the overstrained medical personnel in Gaza.

The Flight is scheduled to depart by the end of January.

Intense negotiations are underway with various Governments. All indications are that safe passage will be granted to the South African aid package which is a collective contribution from all the people of South Africa.

For more information, contact: Mr Eddie Makue, SACC General Secretary (082 853 8781) or Fr. Vincent Brennan SMA, SACBC Secretary General (012 323 6458).