Falasteen Freed: Organizational Overview
Introduction
Falasteen Freed is a grassroots humanitarian organization dedicated to providing direct aid and advocacy for displaced Palestinian families, particularly those affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Founded in response to the increasing humanitarian needs, Falasteen Freed operates with transparency and efficiency to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Our mission is rooted in the principles of dignity, compassion, and community resilience, offering direct financial assistance, psychological support, and long-term reconstruction efforts to help rebuild lives and communities.
Mission & Vision
Mission: Falasteen Freed is committed to facilitating immediate survival resources, including food, shelter, and medical assistance, to displaced families in Gaza. The organization also provides mental health support, education initiatives for orphaned children, and reconstruction efforts to restore homes and livelihoods.
Vision: Our long-term goal is to build a sustainable support network that ensures Palestinian families can thrive despite ongoing conflict and displacement. By fostering community-led initiatives, we aim to provide employment opportunities and lasting solutions to the humanitarian crisis.
History & Founding
Falasteen Freed was founded in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, when hundreds of thousands of families were left homeless and without access to essential resources. Recognizing the dire need for direct aid, Aaron Smith, a U.S.-based volunteer charity organizer, launched grassroots fundraising efforts to provide urgent financial assistance to affected families. Since its inception, the organization has successfully delivered tens of thousands of dollars in direct aid to dozens of families, providing them with food, shelter, and medical care.
Leadership & Team
Falasteen Freed was created and is led by Aaron Smith, a dedicated volunteer charity organizer who has worked tirelessly to provide aid through personal fundraising efforts. The organization also includes board members Michael Lackey and Daynise Hartley, who contribute to governance and strategy, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mission, and also includes Refaat Al-Arja and Fedaa Saqaa as our brave field opperatives on the ground. Additionally, Falasteen Freed collaborates with a team of on-the-ground volunteers in Gaza, who assist with fund distribution, logistical support, and aid facilitation.
Programs & Activities
Emergency Financial Assistance:
- Direct crowdfunding initiatives to provide urgent survival funds to families in Gaza.
- Ensuring that 100% of available funds go directly to recipients despite transfer limitations and restrictions.
Mental Health Support:
- Establishing emotional and psychological support programs for displaced families.
- Providing ongoing encouragement and virtual counseling for those suffering from trauma.
Orphan Assistance & Education:
- Partnering with caregivers to ensure orphaned children receive necessary resources.
- Developing educational programs to support children who have lost their parents due to conflict.
Reconstruction & Housing Support:
- Addressing the massive destruction of homes in Gaza through networking with local contractors.
- Establishing rebuilding initiatives that create employment opportunities while restoring housing and infrastructure.
Impact & Achievements
- over $30,000+ raised through grassroots efforts, directly benefiting displaced families.
- dozens of family campaigns successfully launched and managed, providing crucial survival aid.
- Transparent financial tracking system developed to ensure accountability and responsible fund distribution.
- Strong community engagement with Palestinian families, providing them with a trusted fundraising advocate.
Honesty & Integrity
One of the most valued aspects of Falasteen Freed is its unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity. In a region where many families have been deceived by fraudulent aid schemes, Falasteen Freed stands as a beacon of truth and trustworthiness. Families know that every dollar donated is managed with full transparency and ethical responsibility. This trust has been hard-earned and remains the foundation of our relationships with the families we serve. Through open financial records, regular updates, and direct engagement, we ensure that both donors and recipients feel secure in the impact of their contributions.
Transparency & Accountability
Falasteen Freed maintains meticulous financial records through an organized tracking system that logs all incoming donations, transfer fees, and final disbursements to families. While operating without a 501(c)(3) status (currently pending approval), the organization ensures full transparency by providing donors with financial reports upon request.
Future Goals
- Scale fundraising efforts to assist more families in need.
- Formalize mental health and orphan assistance programs.
- Launch pilot reconstruction projects in Gaza to aid in rebuilding homes and communities.
Conclusion
Falasteen Freed is more than just a humanitarian initiative—it is a lifeline for Palestinian families in crisis. Through direct aid, emotional support, and reconstruction efforts, we aim to restore hope and stability to those who need it most. With continued donor support and strategic partnerships, we envision a future where every Palestinian family has the resources to survive and rebuild their lives.
For more information, contact: Aaron Smith
Founder, Falasteen Freed
[email protected]
https://falasteenfreed.org/