CRS Partners in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza

The work of Catholic Relief Services is accomplished in partnership with an extensive network of church and local organizations led by the people we serve. By working with partners, we can bring about real changes to systems that contribute to poverty, hunger, injustice and conflict.

World Food Program

The World Food Program, a United Nations humanitarian agency, fights hunger by supplying food to the most vulnerable. CRS is one of the implementing partners of World Food Program's Food for Work and Food for Training programs, which feed thousands of Palestinians each month.

Ibdaa Cultural Center

The Ibdaa ("to create something out of nothing") Cultural Center, located in the Dheisheh Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, was founded to provide an environment for Palestinian children and young people to develop their creativity and leadership skills through social, cultural and educational activities. Ibdaa promotes exchanges between the camp's youth and the international community through visits abroad and participation in international conferences, and by receiving visiting groups that come to Dheisheh.

Gazan Partners

Following the January 2009 conflict in Gaza, CRS partnered with several Gazan nonprofits to provide food, hygiene supplies, blankets and more to families affected by the violence. With some of these partners, CRS also organizes Gazan youth to carry out small-scale home repairs, community cleanups and improvement of communal buildings in the most-affected neighborhoods. These emergency response partners include:

Community Training Center and Crisis Management

CRS partners with Community Training Center and Crisis Management to respond to the psychological and social needs of Gazans, especially children traumatized by violence. The center provides parents with information about trauma's effects on their children and how to deal with those effects. Through entertainment and educational programs at kindergartens and schools, the center supports the healthy psychological and behavioral development of children.

National Association of Democracy and Law

The National Association of Democracy and Law was established in Rafah, Gaza, in 2003 with the assistance of Palestinian youth and the community. The association aims to protect and create awareness of human rights, reinforce democractic principles, support Palestinian efforts at self-determination, and improve the role of women in Palestinian society.

Life and Hope Association

The Life and Hope Association in Gaza focuses on social equality and justice. It works to increase cultural and sporting activities for Palestinian youth, increase awareness of the problem of drugs and ways to prevent drug use, encourage solidarity, and provide aid to needy families.

B'Tselem

B'Tselem ("in [His] image") is an Israeli human rights organization that aims to ensure that Israel's government protects the human rights of residents in the Palestinian Territories and complies with its obligations under international law. In its efforts to change Israeli policy in the Palestinian Territories, B'Tselem regularly provides Knesset (Israeli parliament) members and the media with video footage of human rights violations in the territories, and injustices caused by Israeli authorities.