Crisis in the Middle East

Y-USA and the global YMCA Movement continue to stay connected with YMCAs in the Middle East through the ongoing tragic events that are causing overwhelming harm and displacement to youth, families and communities. Since October 2023, YMCA of the USA and World YMCA leaders remain in regular contact with our friends and colleagues at the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY), the East Jerusalem YMCA (EJY) and YMCA Lebanon.

YMCA of the USA’s World Service Campaign and local YMCAs in the U.S. have been close partners with all of these YMCAs for decades, partnering to promote understanding, cooperation and peace, empower young people, and provide needed social services and vocational training. Contributions to assist YMCAs in the region since October 2023 have exceeded $260,000 and are growing.

October 28, 2024: Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY) Update

*Jerusalem International YMCA Unity and healing through sports*

Founded in 1878, the mission of the JIY is to foster and develop mutual respect and peaceful interaction between all Jerusalem communities. Through the conflict, they are holding steadfast to their mission by creating spaces of peace, understanding and hope, and working to rebuild bridges of trust between communities. The JIY remains focused on a path of perseverance, humanity, and the pursuit of peace among all people.

In their efforts to continue providing sanctuary through increased adversity, the JIY is adapting and transforming challenges into opportunities for healing and unity through:

Ongoing commitment to safety and education through the JIY preschool
Renovations to the YMCA hotel to prepare for the day peace returns
Providing free access for displaced families to support their health and well-being
Bridging Jewish, Arab, and African communities through the Junior NBA Sports program, with 15 teams for boys and 15 teams for girls
Organizing and hosting an inclusive summer camp program that welcomed Jewish, Arab, international and refugee children to learn, play and create new friendships
Hosting and organizing various art, sports and cultural events and programs to foster unity with youth and families

The situation throughout the region remains difficult. Our YMCA colleagues in the region continue to navigate the extreme challenges and respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The specific needs of the young people and communities directly affected by this conflict are varied and significant. The YMCAs in the region are responding with courage and perseverance to the growing needs in their communities.

September 29, 2024: YMCA Lebanon Update

Lebanon is home to almost six million people. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south and Cyprus to the west, across the Mediterranean Sea. YMCA Lebanon, founded in 1919, has developed a vast and respected grassroots presence across the country. Their focus today is on providing medical assistance, youth development, environmental programs, education, civic engagement, agricultural infrastructure, income generation training, peacebuilding, and humanitarian assistance.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Lebanon is experiencing a rapid escalation of internally displaced people estimated at 120,000 since September 23, 2024, and the numbers are growing. In addition, thousands have been wounded.

YMCA Lebanon Response

We are in contact with our partner, YMCA Lebanon, and their work in several areas:

YMCA Medical Assistance Program: Addresses the overwhelming needs of war affected, internally displaced and underprivileged groups suffering from chronic diseases (reaching over 170,000 patients)
Internally Displaced Families: YMCA Lebanon provides food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies and more.
Vocational Training – computer education hubs
Youth Development Programs

As we learn more about their increasing humanitarian response efforts, we will share details as soon as details become available. Thank you for holding all affected by these crises in your hearts and for your financial support, using the online giving link below or by check.

How to Help

The situation throughout the region remains uncertain. Our colleagues in the region are courageously managing the challenges and responding to the ongoing humanitarian crises. The specific needs of the young people and communities directly affected by this conflict are varied and significant. We know the YMCAs are responding with courage and resilience to respond to the growing needs of their communities.

Please consider an online charitable contribution (below) to support the critical work of these YMCAs at this challenging time. Please include a note that your gift is for the YMCA Middle East Appeal, the Jerusalem International YMCA, the East Jerusalem YMCA, and/or YMCA Lebanon in the Comments/Special Instructions section.

Checks may be made payable to YMCA World Service and mailed to:
YMCA of the USA -World Service, P.O. Box 7411037 Chicago, IL 60674-11037

Humanitarian Needs and Safe Spaces

Your contributions to this work ensure that the salaries, operations, programs and services of the Jerusalem International YMCA, East Jerusalem YMCA and YMCA Lebanon remain strong..

Current response efforts throughout the region include:

YMCA Lebanon continues to provide essential items to vulnerable groups in 25 shelters and settlements
YMCA Lebanon distributes medication for chronic illnesses to 14,962 internally displaced people
YMCA Lebanon Youth Leaders work in 14 locations, assisting 1,431 displaced women, children, and individuals by connecting them to essential services, providing meals, water, hygiene kits and diapers, and organizing children’s activities.
East Jerusalem YMCA (EJY) broadening global Y to Y partnerships to build bridges of trust and global understanding
EJY continuing recreational and vocational training for youth, women’s development programs, psycho-social counseling, and rehabilitation services for disabled people
EJY Ramallah Community Center providing safe spaces for youth, family for health and wellness activities to support physical and mental well-being
Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY) provides free access for displaced families to the Sports Center for physical and mental well-being
JIY bridges diverse communities through the Junior NBA program, and ongoing sports and cultural programs
JIY promoted unity and healing through their inclusive summer camp programs, welcoming Jewish, Arab, international, and vulnerable communities

From the East Jerusalem YMCA

Update: October 30, 2023

Updates from the East Jerusalem YMCA:

574 workers have received psychological first aid and psychosocial sessions.
The YMCA Vocational Training Center in Jericho has reopened to serve the students.
Some YMCA staff in Jerusalem and the West Bank are working remotely to ensure safety.
The YMCA in Beit Sahour offers reduced hours and services.
The YMCA in Ramallah continues all services.
The YMCA in East Jerusalem in currently closed.
Some support services to remote villages are suspended due to the crisis.

From the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY)

Update: October 25, 2023

The Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY) has:

Re-opened its preschool and sports center to serve youth and families of all faiths, including free access to the sports center for individuals and families displaced from the south of Israel.
Providing food and basic hygienic supplies to Bedouin communities and neighborhoods in the south and communities in East Jerusalem impacted by the crisis.

These initiatives underscore the YMCA's dedication to promoting peace, compassion, and solidarity during times of adversity. They also align with the organization's mission of serving the broader community and fostering unity among diverse populations.