The wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and many other places are draining resources of not only the countries but also internationally. Although gaining knowledge on these world topics is important, many find themselves feeling stuck when it comes to taking tangible steps toward helping these countries. This piece explores ways individual citizens, like you, can help with these massive conflicts. With the Gaza Conflict fast approaching its four-month mark and the Ukrainian Conflict arriving at its two-year mark, the long-lasting tensions of international political relationships and affairs are clouding the humanitarian crises that are wreaking havoc on several countries. 

The Gaza Conflict is a product of the long-growing tensions between the Israeli and Palestinian Governments as well as the involvement of the recognized terrorist organization Hamas. The United States believes the Gaza Strip is a territory of Palestine and should remain as such. Additionally, the United States condemns the “displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.” With the death toll of the conflict surpassing 25,000 individuals in Gaza, much attention has been drawn to the issue. Listed are a few ways you, as a private citizen, can help foster peace that assists the Palestinian citizens of Gaza.  

How to help with the Gaza Conflict as per the American Friends Service Committee, NPR, The Daily Orange, and the School of : 

1. Educate yourself about the conflict.

• Staying up to date with the latest developments in current affairs is imperative to knowing where to put your money. To do this, you can subscribe to relatively nonpartisan newspapers and sources such as BBC, The New York Times, and The Guardian. 

• You can listen to a podcast on your way to school, doing homework, or during your free time. Listening to reliable podcasts can provide you with great perspective on issues from individuals and experts alike. A few great podcasts include The Daily produced by The New York Times, and The World by PRX. 

• Another way students can keep up with the ever changing status of global conflicts is by following news sources and journalists on social media platforms such as X, formally known as Twitter. Additionally, downloading news apps can be helpful for making sure you get exposure to current facts. 

2. Share your thoughts.

• Make sure to write to your senators and elected representatives and let them know how you feel about the conflict. Once they know how their constituents feel about certain issues, these representatives have the power to make change.

• You can also share your thoughts with the public through protests and essays. You can send a letter to the editor of newspapers to make sure your views on the topic are heard and accurately represented. 

3. Join or donate to organizations that offer humanitarian aid.

• Donating to recognized charities and organizations that offer humanitarian aid to conflicts such as the Gaza Conflict is imperative to ensuring the safety of civilians caught in the war. Some organizations include the International Rescue Committee, ActionAid, and Save the Children. 

• Joining an organization by simply making care packages once a week can make a huge difference. UOSSM is a great organization where you can send gifts, care packages, and medical supplies to get help to those affected by the Gaza conflict.  

The war in Ukraine is a conflict new to no one. Approaching its second year, many have started to forget there is even a war going on. News sources lack the urgency to deliver updates on the war to the public. However, the war in Ukraine is still a prominent humanitarian crisis with over 10,000 people killed, according to a United Nations report written in November of 2023. With no end in sight for the Russo-Ukrainian War, it is imperative that the Ukrainian citizens be supported. Very similar to the issue in Gaza, the war in Ukraine is, at its roots, a humanitarian crisis. 

How to help with the Ukraine Conflict as per SupportUkraineNow and the Virginia Department of Social Services: 

1. Donate to humanitarian organizations. 

• The best organizations to donate to assist in humanitarian aid to those caught in Ukraine include the American Red Cross, CARE USA, and Doctors Without Borders.  

2. Share your thoughts. 

• Show your support for Ukraine and help persuade others to join the cause by posting on social media and using the hashtag #WeStandWithUkraine.

• Meeting your representatives or sending them a message is important to making an impact on the resources the United States sends to Ukraine, whether you believe more or fewer resources should be sent.

3. Join programs and organizations.

• You can join kitchens making food for Ukrainians through the World Central Kitchen and aid packages for soldiers and doctors on the front lines through Sunflower of Peace - Help Ukraine. 

• Many programs in Virginia have been created to accommodate the displacement of Ukrainians due to the war. Such programs include the federal Uniting for Ukraine initiative. If you are unable to directly help with the program, you can spread the word to others who may be able to. 

Above all, war has one victim that shares the brunt of its violence: children. By November 2023, 560 children had died in the Russia-Ukraine War and 8,000 children in the Gaza Conflict by the end of 2023. All around the world, children’s lives are being altered by the surrounding death. They suffer from a lack of education, food, and joy. For these children to be able to succeed, or even survive, in this world, they need the help of organizations such as UNICEF, which are dedicated to enriching their lives. To help children caught in the crossfire of greed, make sure to follow through with donations to organizations directed towards children such as UNICEF and War Child.

However, remember to check the merit of the organizations you are donating to. It is important that your money and resources go to organizations that will use it to benefit those in need. You can use Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and Charity Watch to check that you're donating to the right places. You have the power to help a cause that will change the world. To save innocent civilian lives, make sure to pledge your time and effort to those who need it. 

Information retrieved from the U.S. Department of State, Al Jazeera, Reuters, NPR.org, the United Nations, the American Friends Service Committee, the European Commission, Charity Watch, UOSSM, and Homeland Security.