Historically, we’ve chosen silence on #GivingTuesday. In our view, the crises requiring immediate humanitarian support deserve our attention and investment on this day. *This year is different.* The divides between “us” and “them” are widening. The violence is intensifying. The inertia to eliminate, rather than love, our enemies is growing. From within a world on fire, Global Immersion is forging the conflict-competent faith leaders and teams and forming the communities of Everyday Peacemakers who are mending divides, disarming violence, and transforming enemies into friends. From within a world on fire, Global Immersion is forging the conflict-competent faith leaders and teams and forming the communities of Everyday Peacemakers who are mending divides, disarming violence, and transforming enemies into friends. So while billions are being invested in violent solutions to violent conflicts that require billions more in humanitarian aid, will you join us in changing this story? Will you invest in peace by supporting the work of Global Immersion? https://lnkd.in/gPNB9NEN

In this post Raisa, a teacher at an ORT school in Ukraine, explains how teams of educators are continuing to do everything possible to support their students two years into the war. With the assistance of World ORT and our global fundraising partners, ORT Ukraine has provided essential aid including emergency financial assistance, psychological support, emergency response training, food, equipment and supplies. As the humanitarian catastrophe and infrastructure damage persist, ongoing support for ORT Ukraine is crucial. https://lnkd.in/ets5ztT9

**Understanding the Gaza-Israel Conflict and Its Impact on Rafah** This article sheds light on the severe human suffering experienced in Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip, due to the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict. The conflict's historical context, the strategic significance of Rafah, and the devastating effects of military operations on its residents are discussed. It emphasizes the urgent need for global awareness, humanitarian aid, and efforts towards achieving peace. The article calls for international support and advocacy to address the root causes of the conflict, provide essential services, and promote mental health recovery for the affected population. And also “In a land where echoes of conflict persist, may the voices of peace and humanity rise above, for every life lost is a testament to the urgent need for understanding and reconciliation.”

How can we keep talking and reminding about the war and its impact on the lives of millions two years after the escalation of the war? Organizations attempt to draw attention to the situation of Ukrainians by showcasing large numbers, sharing individual stories, using infographics to illustrate the scale of destruction or needs, employing first-person narratives, engaging celebrities, hosting events, sharing culinary recipes, and organizing musical concerts. Yet, even these efforts fail to fully capture the stories we hear. In our International Rescue Committee report, "Ukraine, 10 Years On: Normal Life Remains Out of Reach for Millions", we tried various methods: incorporating some large-scale statistics and personal narratives. We delved into indicators used by Eurostat to measure the "quality of life" and examined the lives of Ukrainians in both their country and Europe after a decade of conflict, looking at what constitutes a "good life": if they meet their basic needs such as shelter, food, how is the family life, security, and access to education. The conclusion is clear - a "normal" life has been out of reach for Ukrainians for many years. However, what is most touching in this report are the responses to the final question, where we ask respondents what they want the world to know about the war in Ukraine. Often, the answer is, that they want the world to know. Full report:

Effective risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management (RCCE-IM) are indispensable in navigating humanitarian emergencies and the war in #Ukraine has made it increasingly evident. Follow the link to learn more about the RCCE-IM lessons identified from the war in Ukraine ▶️🔗 https://bit.ly/3wzZ4LP

Ceasefire is not the end point. It’s wonderful to see people from across the climate space (which should have a LOT to say about the ecocide happening in Palestine) speak out. But as in other sectors, the version of the story we see is “ceasefire now.” That’s something, but it misses the bigger point. Here’s a clearly very well-intentioned post, which illustrates the issue. There’s talk of “peace” or addressing the “conflict between Israel and Palestine.” This is symptomatic of the decades-long whitewashing of occupation. A ceasefire is a temporary measure; liberation from Israeli occupation must be permanent. Calls for “peace” are more palatable for many people in the west to hear but they simply don’t recognise the reality of what this is: an ongoing occupation. The violence has escalated since October, but it certainly did not begin then. The last seven months are the most destructive expression of what has been going on since 1948. I really appreciate that this poster has named WHO did what (for example “Israeli forces invaded Rafah”) but too much of this story - not just this post, but what others are saying across so many sectors - is presenting Israel’s violence in passive terms (“children have been orphaned” for example). Factually, hostages remain on both sides. But we need to understand WHY. The circumstances for this are radically different on each side. Israeli hostages would be free if Israel would agree to withdraw its illegal occupation and cease violence. Palestinians remain hostages in their own land. Countless children imprisoned for the smallest crimes. For resistance. For trying to exist in an Apartheid state. For throwing stones in response to unimaginable violence. These are not the same. I am here for any effort at peace, but we must be truthful. We can’t “both sides” an occupation. We can’t “the last seven months” something that began last century.

The number of children killed in recent months is higher than the number of children killed in four years in conflicts around the world. Humanitarian aid has become a weapon and an element of war for many parties to the conflict. The situation highlights the urgent need for a global reevaluation and transformation of our priorities and systems to not only address immediate humanitarian crises but also to fundamentally rethink our approach to peace, security, and aid in conflict zones, as well as to revise our thinking that we are developed populations compared to ancestral tribes. To channel my thoughts, I made a movie: https://lnkd.in/dw8czVaz

The number of children killed in recent months is higher than the number of children killed in four years in conflicts around the world. Humanitarian aid has become a weapon and an element of war for many parties to the conflict. The situation highlights the urgent need for a global reevaluation and transformation of our priorities and systems to not only address immediate humanitarian crises but also to fundamentally rethink our approach to peace, security, and aid in conflict zones, as well as to revise our thinking that we are developed populations compared to ancestral tribes. To channel my thoughts, I made a movie: https://lnkd.in/d3X9XTJS

Peace is fundamental for the well-being and progress of individuals and societies. It fosters a stable environment where people can pursue their goals, improve their quality of life, and build harmonious relationships. In the absence of conflict, communities can focus on development, education, and economic growth, which in turn reduces poverty and increases prosperity. Furthermore, peace encourages tolerance and understanding among diverse groups, promoting social cohesion and reducing the likelihood of violence and discrimination. It also ensures that resources typically spent on conflict can be redirected towards healthcare, infrastructure, and other vital services. On a global scale, peace contributes to international stability and cooperation, enabling countries to work together to address common challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic crises. Ultimately, peace is a cornerstone for sustainable development, human rights, and the overall flourishing of humanity. May Allah bring peace to the warring tribes and the conflict in Somalia 🇸🇴