French fashion designer and human rights activist, Joëlle El Hajjam, embodies a unique model of individual solidarity with the Palestinian people, having dedicated her life for over a decade and a half to defending human rights. El Hajjam, who is over sixty years old, is keen to transform simple street events in France into effective tools for collecting direct donations for the Gaza Strip, in light of the deteriorating humanitarian conditions there.
The French activist adopts an innovative method to attract donors, by organizing display tables in public squares featuring various collectibles and items. El Hajjam emphasizes that this process is not under the traditional commercial selling concept, but rather a symbolic means to encourage passersby to contribute financially, stressing that all proceeds are allocated to support the basic needs of Palestinians.
Field reports indicate that this initiative receives a wide response from the French community, with daily donations averaging around 800 euros, equivalent to approximately 864 dollars. This figure reflects the increasing public awareness of the Palestinian cause, especially since El Hajjam continues her weekly and regular activity to ensure the flow of financial and in-kind aid through her private association.
El Hajjam does not limit herself to collecting money; she also uses her tables as platforms for political and humanitarian awareness about what is happening in the occupied territories. The activist believes that direct communication with the French public breaks the barrier of media misinformation, as she dedicates a long time to answering passersby's questions and explaining the details of the daily suffering experienced by the residents of the Gaza Strip as a result of the siege and aggression.
Sources following her activity explained that religious occasions, such as the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, witness a peak in donation turnout, as the initiative managed to collect huge sums of money during these times. These resources contribute to providing Iftar meals and clothing for needy families, which enhances the resilience of citizens in facing harsh conditions.
Regarding the mechanism for delivering aid, El Hajjam confirms that donations are transferred directly and documented into the Strip to purchase necessary supplies such as food, clothing, and medicine. She believes that the continuous documentation of distribution operations contributes to building a bridge of trust with French donors, who see the tangible impact of their contributions on the ground.
The French activist concludes her speech by emphasizing her ethical commitment to continuing this path, considering herself a voice for those whose voices have been silenced amid international silence. Through her individual effort, she aims to ensure that every child and family in Gaza receives the minimum requirements for a dignified life, transforming cross-border civil work into a message of hope and unwavering humanitarian solidarity.
We are the voice of the voiceless, and what I seek is to secure food and water and bring joy to the hearts of those besieged in Gaza.
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Joëlle El Hajjam.. A French fashion designer dedicates her life to Gaza relief from the streets of Paris