Notations From the Grid (W-End Edition): How Ordinary Faces Are Making a Difference....

We here at the Daily Outsider are a supporter of One Voice and hereby present this and commend them for all they do for Peace in the Middle East:

This year, major Christian, Jewish and Muslim holidays all fall in April. But of course, the ways in which we’re celebrating Easter, Passover and Ramadan this month are unlike other years. As COVID-19 ravages communities around the world, friends and families are being kept apart in what would typically be meaningful gatherings. Despite the strangeness of the circumstances, I hope that you have or will be able to spend time with your loved ones, virtually or at home. Of course, not everyone is so fortunate. Access to smartphones, wifi and stable electricity are all luxuries, and for many, concerns over health and economic stability are all-consuming. For Palestinians in Gaza, Ramadan this year, which begins tonight, will be extremely difficult — even more so than usual. In recent years, my colleague Ezz Masri, who moved to Chicago from Beit Lahia in Gaza in 2015, has worked with US-based OneVoice student activists to raise money to provide much-needed food for families in need ahead of Ramadan. This year, we want to open up the opportunity to all of our supporters. From now until the end of Ramadan, we’ll be raising money to transfer directly to our Palestinian partner Zimam, who will then use every cent to help families celebrate the holiday in dignity and health. I know these are difficult times financially for us all, but every dollar will go a long way to helping Gaza’s most vulnerable — so please, donate what you can. As a thank you, we’ll be sending a free copy of our cookbook OneVoice: Lots of Flavor to anyone who donates $50 or more. Filled with recipes from our activists and staff in Israel, Palestine, the United States and the United Kingdom, it’s a great way to try out some new dishes while we’re all already at home! With thanks and wishes for a speedy return to a healthier world, Mara Lee Global Executive Director