Writers Unite for Gaza’s Children: #BooksforGaza Campaign is Super Trending
February 10, 2024In the wake of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a remarkable global initiative has emerged to support the children affected by the conflict. Dubbed #BooksforGaza, this heartfelt campaign sees renowned writers from around the world banding together to provide aid to the young victims of the war-torn region.
Writers Unite for Gaza’s Children: #BooksforGaza Campaign
Since the onset of the conflict in October, the toll has been staggering, with thousands of lives lost and tens of thousands wounded. Among the most heartbreaking statistics are the over 11,500 children who have tragically perished. As the conflict persists, the situation only grows more dire, with reports indicating that more than 10 children lose limbs daily, and over 1,000 have undergone amputations, exacerbated by critical shortages of medical supplies.
In response to this urgent need, #BooksforGaza has emerged as a beacon of hope. Spearheaded by writers Sonia Faleiro, Fatima Bhutto, and literary agent Julia Churchill, this coalition aims to raise funds for the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund. This fund is dedicated to providing crucial medical support to injured children in Gaza, facilitating treatment in Lebanon, and easing the strain on Gaza’s overwhelmed medical infrastructure.
The heart of the campaign lies in its online auction, where limited, signed copies of books generously donated by authors worldwide are up for grabs. From literary heavyweights like Sally Rooney and Mohsin Hamid to beloved children’s authors such as Nikesh Shukla and Katherine Rundell, the lineup is as diverse as it is impressive.
Each auctioned book, starting at £35, serves as a lifeline for these children, with all proceeds directed towards reconstructive surgery and ongoing medical care. As the campaign approaches its climax on Feb. 12, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with donations surpassing £38,300, nearing 85% of the target.
In the words of Fatima Bhutto, “Come buy a book, and show the children of Gaza that the world has not turned a blind eye to their suffering and never will.”