In a powerful display of youth leadership in strengthening local resilience, a group of young volunteers in Tulkarm Refugee Camp launched a community initiative to support displaced children from Nur Shams and Tulkarm camps and assist their families. This initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Palestinian Foundation for Dialogue and Development – Dou', comes in response to the escalating Israeli attacks on refugee camps in the West Bank, which have resulted in forced displacement and dire humanitarian conditions.
A Youth-Led Initiative for Resilience
The initiative reached 63 displaced children, with the active participation of young volunteers who organized recreational and educational activities, alongside providing humanitarian aid tailored to the children’s essential needs. The goal was to alleviate the psychological impact of displacement and help them adapt to their new reality.
Youth Leading Community Efforts
The organizers emphasized that the primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the resilience of the local community in the face of ongoing Israeli aggression, by creating a safe space and a source of hope for displaced children, helping them overcome psychological trauma and rebuild their social connections. One of the organizers stated:
"We want to send a clear message: our community stands united, and our youth are at the forefront of supporting the most vulnerable. We will not leave our children and their families to face the consequences of displacement alone—strengthening community resilience is our collective responsibility."
Community Solidarity in Times of Crisis
The beneficiary families expressed their appreciation for this initiative, considering it a vital effort to reinforce the community’s ability to withstand ongoing challenges, while also easing the suffering of displaced children and giving them an opportunity to regain a sense of normalcy amid harsh conditions.
Youth as a Pillar of Community Protection
For its part, Dou' affirmed that this initiative aligns with its strategy to enhance youth participation in peace and community security, empowering them to lead efforts in strengthening Palestinian community resilience, particularly in the refugee camps most affected by Israeli attacks.
This initiative reflects the deep sense of social responsibility embraced by Palestinian youth, who are not only providing humanitarian aid but also actively working to reinforce their community’s resilience, proving that Palestinians’ determination to resist displacement and occupation is stronger than any imposed challenges.