For immediate release
Palestine Australia Relief and Action Foundation (PARA) is pleased to learn of the Federal Government’s decision to fund some of our vital work in support of Palestinians who have been forced to flee the catastrophic situation in Gaza.
The Hon Minister Giles, the Hon Minister Clare, and the Hon Minister Burke, announced that $2.6 million will be provided to a number of Palestinian led organisations including PARA to fund critical culturally appropriate support for newly arrived Palestinian refugees. The funding comes after over seven months of ongoing dialogue and funding applications. Throughout this time, PARA has relied on the good will and support of the donor community to fund support for those fleeing the war on Gaza. Many basic needs that have gone unmet will now be possible with this support from the Federal Government.
In thanking the government, Rasha Abbas, Founder and Executive Director of PARA commented, “This grant is a positive start in addressing the urgent and critical needs of Palestinian refugees, and sends a message to our Palestinian, Arab, Christian, and Muslim communities that the Federal Government is now listening to their concerns.”
PARA is grateful for the many communities and organisations supporting Palestinian survivors. We understand how difficult it has become to continue to rely on the generosity of an exhausted, overstretched and traumatised Palestinian community and their friends.
Palestinian Australians are an integral part of the Australian fabric. Their outstanding and ongoing contributions in all fields of life, as doctors, artists, academics, entrepreneurs and community builders have often gone unrecognised. In the current media and political landscape, Australians of Palestinian origin have struggled to have their voices heard and their needs recognised through regular channels of communication and influence.
“This grant recognises in a small way our voices and serves as a great step in enabling PARA to provide the services and support needed for integrating Palestinian refugees into local communities and fulfilling their aspirations of becoming productive contributors to Australia, like those who have come before them.” said Reem Borrows, PARA Board member.
We understand it may take some time for this funding to come through, and in the meantime, we will continue to rely on our community to maintain our critical services. It is our hope that this funding signals the beginning of a positive long-term engagement between our Government and our diverse Palestinian Australian community.
For more information or to arrange interviews with Palestinian refugees, please contact:
Media Enquiries media@para.org.au
