The People of Love project, organized during Ramadan 2017, was initiated as a humanitarian response to the growing needs of families living in seven villages in the Hebron area of Palestine. These communities have been under the pressure of the Israeli occupation, facing restricted freedom of movement, economic hardship, and a general lack of basic human rights. The project sought to provide immediate relief by distributing 102 food boxes to vulnerable families, ensuring they could observe Ramadan with dignity and security during this critical time.

The villages targeted in the Hebron area are heavily affected by the ongoing Israeli occupation, which imposes severe limitations on residents' daily lives. Families in these regions face significant obstacles, including restricted access to their agricultural lands, frequent disruptions to their livelihoods, and an unstable income, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons. These factors lead to an increased sense of insecurity and difficulty in sustaining basic living standards. The situation becomes even more pressing during the holy month of Ramadan, when the cultural expectation of sharing meals and observing religious traditions exacerbates the challenges these families face.

In response to these difficulties, the People of Love project focused on providing tangible and immediate relief through the distribution of food boxes. These boxes were filled with essential food items such as rice, flour, olive oil, vegetarian oil, dates, jam, sugar, and other staples that would allow the families to prepare traditional meals and observe Ramadan with dignity. This involvement was timed specifically to coincide with the beginning of Ramadan, ensuring that families could participate in the culturally significant practice of Iftar (the breaking of the fast) without the added stress of food insecurity. The initiative helped to relieve the burden of finding adequate food supplies, a challenge heightened by the economic and political instability in the region.

The People of Love project’s activities were central to its success, and they were meticulously planned to ensure efficient delivery and maximum impact:

1. Coordination with Local Partners: The project worked closely with the Center for Freedom and Justice, which had established connections within the target communities. This partnership ensured that the food distribution could be carried out smoothly and that the resources would reach the families most in need.
2. Identification of Beneficiaries: Local community leaders and representatives were consulted to identify the families that were most affected by the occupation and who had the greatest need for assistance. This was critical in ensuring that the limited resources were distributed fairly and effectively.
3. Logistics and Distribution: The distribution took place over two days, On the first day Friday the 2nd and the second day Saturday the 3rd of June a total 102 food boxes were distributed by Center for Freedom and Justice to families in 7 different villages in Hebron area, south of West Bank, Palestine. The boxes were distrubuted in the beginning of Ramadan, when the tradition of sharing meals with family and friends is strong and important in the islamic culture. On the 2nd of June a total 63 families in Beit Ummar, Al Jaba and Jaba got food boxes. The main income for the inhabitants here are based on agriculture, but they are surrounded by several Israeli settlements. The settlements are a constant threat to the inhabitants physical safety, freedom of movement and livelihoods. The farmers are pressured to stay away from their land due to attacks and harassment. This problem increases during planting and harvesting seasons. On the 3rd of June food boxes were distributed to 39 families in Tawana, Mofaára, Kalt el dabe and Sussiya, in the South Hebron Hills area. An area where the lack of water, electricity is a huge challenge for the inhabitants and were the infrastructure and possibilities to develop are almost absent due to the Israeli occupation. By living in Area C, under full Israeli control, all people suffer from lack of public services and infrastructure. Transportation routes had to be planned around movement restrictions imposed by the occupation forces. Volunteers and organizers worked diligently to deliver the food boxes directly to each family's doorstep, ensuring that they received the aid without any complications or delays.
4. Community Engagement: To create a sense of ownership and involvement within the community, local volunteers were engaged in the packing and distribution process. This not only helped to expedite the process but also strengthened communal ties and reinforced the spirit of solidarity that is essential during Ramadan.
5. Monitoring and Reporting: After the distribution, follow-up activities were conducted to ensure that the aid reached its intended recipients and that any challenges encountered during the distribution were documented. This step was important for improving future initiatives and ensuring accountability.

The project successfully distributed food to 102 families across seven villages, offering vital support during a time of heightened need. This achievement provided immediate relief, allowing families to focus on the spiritual and communal aspects of Ramadan without the anxiety of food insecurity. By delivering essential supplies, the project helped maintain the dignity of the recipients and alleviated some of the stress caused by their difficult living conditions.

The social impact of the People of Love project was profound. By addressing food insecurity during Ramadan, the initiative reinforced the importance of community solidarity, particularly in times of hardship. The distribution of food boxes ensured that families could partake in the important tradition of Iftar and strengthened the bonds within the community. The project served as a reminder of the power of collective action and empathy in facing adversity, fostering a sense of unity and resilience among the families.

Economically, the project played a crucial role in providing essential resources to families who had limited or no access to income during the occupation. The food boxes contained vital items that would have otherwise required substantial financial investment, which many families could not afford due to restrictions on their livelihoods. By reducing the burden of purchasing food supplies, the project allowed families to allocate their limited resources to other critical needs, thus enhancing their overall economic stability during Ramadan.

The People of Love project demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted relief efforts in addressing urgent needs within vulnerable communities. By focusing on the distribution of essential food supplies during Ramadan, the initiative alleviated immediate hunger, reinforced community bonds and provided a sense of security and support to families living under occupation. The project’s success is a testament to the importance of timely, culturally sensitive interventions that address both the material and emotional needs of those in crisis.