Dunsany woman's weekly fast in support of Gaza children
A Dunsany woman has been fasting one day a week to raise funds for Médecins Sans Frontières and the charity's work in Gaza.
Pam Lifely is one of 16 people taking part in a 'rolling fast' at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry for the past eight weeks and the group intends to continue their action indefinitely. Each participant fasts for 24 hours once a week.
"I'm fasting for the 44,000 or more newly orphaned children in Gaza where there are no systems in place to care for them. We are also calling on others to join us in our fast - you don't have to be a healthcare worker," says Pam, a family support practitioner with Tusla.
The group has already raised €14,000 for Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) and intends to continue to keep fundraising for as long as necessary.
"Not everyone can fast but everyone can do something to support the Palestinian people," Pam points out.
She is urging people to boycott Teva Pharmceuticals, the largest financial contributor to the Israelis."You can also download the 'No Thanks' app which shows other products to boycott to put pressure on Israel," she says.
"It is important to talk about what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank. Email and petition your TDs about supporting the Occupied Territories Bill and ask them to stop allowing arms transit through our country to Israel. Every single action no matter how small helps."
Pam is planning to organise a sea swim to help with the fund raising effort and details will be posted on Instagram shortly.
"People can email me at p.lifely@gmail.com if they want advice on how to set up a fundraiser."
The healthcare staff in Newry decided to take action to protest the catastrophic man made situation spreading through Gaza.
As ever increasing images of emaciated babies and children horrified people around the world, midwives and other healthcare workers began a rolling 24 hour fast during the week beginning 28th July.
"I saw where these people were taking part in this fundraiser and I decided to join them. Over a million people are being driven from their homes, elderly people and young children are being targetted. "Some days the fasting can be hard and then I think how terrible it is for the people of the Gaza, the children who have no guarantee of getting food, and the situation is only going to get worse.
"We are asking people to support our fast and to help us send life saving aid to Gaza."
Médecins Sans Frontières is the world's leading medical humanitarian aid organisation.
They provide emergency assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics and natural or man-made disasters, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
The money raised by the fast will go directly to the MSF Gaza Regional Emergency Fund. Donations can be made at
https://www.justgiving.com/page/pamela-lifely-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL