Safe Return: youth led effort to support displaced returners
The Social Developmental Forum (SDF), led by its genuine youth network, implemented a week-long intervention, “Safe Return,” to support displaced families returning from the South of the Gaza Strip to their homes in the north.
SDF’s staff members and youth network were distributed into three geographical segments; Al Newari hill in Al-Nusairat camp, the 17th crossroad to welcome returners, and near the entrance of Salah Aldin Street where returners cross the so-called “Netzarim” checkpoints.
We awaken the chimes of hope
Young leaders of the “Safe Return” aimed to spread a message of hope among returners who had been devastated by the war. Being with returners and among them to ensure them a safe and convenient return to their homes and beloved ones.
Over 300 young leaders participated in the initiative across the north and middle areas of the Gaza Strip. Our team aimed to support returners starting from the first allocated point of return to the destination of arrival to supply them with food and water needs that mitigate their burden along the way.
Over 50,000 brochures were distributed to the returners, which included guidance and tips that facilitate a smooth return and being safe from explosive ordnance.
Also, over 50,000 liters of water were distributed through tanks and filled bottles, which were located along the way of return, assembly points, and arrival destination in the north.
Proactive young leaders
Young volunteers came together today to support IDPs along their way back to their homes. They have been a key player of mitigating the burden of displaced people all over the war.
Youth Program Manager at SDF, Hadil Abu Zaid
Walaa Karaja, program director at SDF, stated that these relief services aimed to support displaced returners and ensure them a safe return. He asserted that SDF is dedicated to supporting displaced communities with their needs of food and water, but also to raise their awareness on safety precautions.
SDF’s field coordinator in north Gaza, Yasmeen Muhana, led the young volunteers network that welcomed the returners at the 17th crossroad. She said: “Young leaders were excited to welcome displaced returners and to help them after walking long distances on foot. They spared no effort to ensure that all logistics are in-house upon their arrival.”
The great march of return
SDF’s operations team has been following returners’ assembly around Al Nuwairi Hill, as they aimed to be on the frontlines once they are allowed to return. This created a significant humanitarian need for food items, which SDF urgently responded to, providing hundreds of food parcels and water tanks.
Despite the despair of the long way, it was a long-awaited journey to end the suffering of displacement SDF and partner organization intensified their relief efforts through the national relief response program “Together For Palestine T4P,” which aimed to mitigate the burden of displaced by providing food parcel and hygiene kits to displaced families.
SDF launched its national relief response program for the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, “Together For Palestine (T4P),” in October 2023 to enhance the resilience of the displaced community amid the Israeli genocidal war. Hundreds of relief interventions took place throughout the Gaza Strip, targeting thousands of IDPs.