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As you well know, the ongoing violence in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere have produced a refugee crisis of historic proportions. On the Greek island of Lesvos, roughly one thousand men, women and children continue to arrive daily, having fled their homes and risked their lives in hope of a better future.
Despite the best efforts of major humanitarian NGOs, the crisis is simply too overwhelming for them to manage alone. Even an influx of volunteers from around the world has proved to be insufficient.
The most dangerous area of shore on Lesvos, the extremely rocky northeastern coast, is particularly undersupported. As a result, some refugees, already exhausted, have been forced to walk up to 15 kilometers to reach the nearest Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) facility.
Beginning this weekend, I will join CK Team, a small group of volunteers working in coordination with Médecins Sans Frontières (AKA Doctors Without Borders) to provide vital support in this region. I'll be there for approximately two weeks, helping out however I can. This may include anything from clearing debris from the beach to enable safer landings, to physical rescue and boat evacuation.
Read more about CK Team here:
http://www.refugeeslesvos.com/
I'm going, quite simply, because it's needed, and because the flexibility of my current work situation allows me to do so. However, that flexibility does not extend to finances, so I'm seeking your help to make this possible.
Every dollar helps, and your donation will be spent exclusively on transportation, housing, and supplies that will be either consumed or left behind for use by other volunteers, or by refugees themselves.
It's been over a decade since I spent a summer volunteering with another refugee population, in the occupied West Bank, and I've learned a lot since then. Beyond a far more nuanced understanding of privilege, positionality, and the politics of solidarity, one other thing I've managed to pick up is the ability to stretch a dollar. I intend to put the funds to maximum use, for the benefit of fellow humans in need.
I'm delighted to be traveling with friend, fellow activist, and all-around awesome person Mandy Bartram, who's created her own GoFundMe campaign as well:
https://www.gofundme.com/quqr4u6s
Just a few generations ago, my own family were refugees. Due to precisely the same types of restrictions that exist now, some of my relatives who attempted to flee were turned away and ultimately murdered. I can't change that, but at least I can help some of those whose bravery in the face of similar circumstances continues to inspire.
I'll be grateful for any and all support you can provide.
In solidarity,
Abe
P.S.
If someone shared this with you, but you have no idea who I am and want to know more before contributing, please use the Contact link to send me a message.
Despite the best efforts of major humanitarian NGOs, the crisis is simply too overwhelming for them to manage alone. Even an influx of volunteers from around the world has proved to be insufficient.
The most dangerous area of shore on Lesvos, the extremely rocky northeastern coast, is particularly undersupported. As a result, some refugees, already exhausted, have been forced to walk up to 15 kilometers to reach the nearest Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) facility.
Beginning this weekend, I will join CK Team, a small group of volunteers working in coordination with Médecins Sans Frontières (AKA Doctors Without Borders) to provide vital support in this region. I'll be there for approximately two weeks, helping out however I can. This may include anything from clearing debris from the beach to enable safer landings, to physical rescue and boat evacuation.
Read more about CK Team here:
http://www.refugeeslesvos.com/
I'm going, quite simply, because it's needed, and because the flexibility of my current work situation allows me to do so. However, that flexibility does not extend to finances, so I'm seeking your help to make this possible.
Every dollar helps, and your donation will be spent exclusively on transportation, housing, and supplies that will be either consumed or left behind for use by other volunteers, or by refugees themselves.
It's been over a decade since I spent a summer volunteering with another refugee population, in the occupied West Bank, and I've learned a lot since then. Beyond a far more nuanced understanding of privilege, positionality, and the politics of solidarity, one other thing I've managed to pick up is the ability to stretch a dollar. I intend to put the funds to maximum use, for the benefit of fellow humans in need.
I'm delighted to be traveling with friend, fellow activist, and all-around awesome person Mandy Bartram, who's created her own GoFundMe campaign as well:
https://www.gofundme.com/quqr4u6s
Just a few generations ago, my own family were refugees. Due to precisely the same types of restrictions that exist now, some of my relatives who attempted to flee were turned away and ultimately murdered. I can't change that, but at least I can help some of those whose bravery in the face of similar circumstances continues to inspire.
I'll be grateful for any and all support you can provide.
In solidarity,
Abe
P.S.
If someone shared this with you, but you have no idea who I am and want to know more before contributing, please use the Contact link to send me a message.