In 1984, a group of doctors and humanitarians, horrified by the massacre of Palestinian civilians they had witnessed in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon, grouped together to form Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). For them, medical relief wasn’t just about saving lives, but was a tangible act of solidarity with a people who had suffered so much for so long.

Forty years later, amid the heartbreaking scenes we are witnessing in Gaza, the future for Palestinians appears bleaker and more uncertain than ever before. Families have been torn apart, homes destroyed, and countless lives shattered. The healthcare system is on its knees. Two million people are now hungry.

It is impossible for us to imagine what MAP’s team in Gaza are going through right now. Somehow, despite living through bombardment, displacement and loss, they are still working to provide vital medial aid to the people around them. Inspired by the values of its founders and the incredible fortitude of the communities it serves, MAP continues to carry out its vital mission every day.

I have never been more proud to be associated with MAP than I am right now. Our teams in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon – themselves Palestinians living the daily reality of occupation, exile and injustice – embody the values of dignity, integrity and solidarity that we all aspire to. They were the first to respond when the bombs started falling and will continue their work until all Palestinians can attain their rights to health and dignity. Our team in London have also shown their solidarity with their colleagues in Palestine and Lebanon, working tirelessly over the past few months to raise crucial funds, lobby policymakers for an urgent ceasefire, and ensure that we are equipped to respond to this ongoing emergency and future emergencies.

I hope that you, too, are proud of the part you have played in enabling the work of these remarkable teams over the past few months, and for many years before this latest crisis. Time and again, MAP’s supporters have shown up for the Palestinian people, expressing your solidarity through donations, fundraising events, and campaigning.

As we step into the new year, let us carry the lessons of the past year with us. Let us remember the power of compassion in the face of adversity. The challenges ahead may seem daunting, but I know that we will overcome them together.

Thank you to everyone who has supported MAP this year. I wish you all a brighter, and peaceful, new year.

Trish Morris
MAP President

Please consider giving a donation today to help deliver vital healthcare services to Palestinians in need.