This fundraiser is in memory of Awdah Hathaleen, the 31 year old community organizer and English teacher from the Palestinian village of Umm al-Khair who was killed by a settler in July 2025. In honor of Awdah’s commitment to education and steadfastness, this fundraiser is an opportunity to support the children of his village directly. 

Children in Umm al-Khair are only sporadically in school because of the regular violence of settlers. In the past few months, these conditions have intensified as settlers from the illegal settlement of Carmel continue to engulf the village with new outposts, destroying Palestinian farmland and infrastructure, which includes cutting off the village’s access to water and electricity. This violence directly flouts a recent Israeli court decision and is often carried out with support of the Israeli Military. 

In light of this violence, it is urgent that children be able to continue their education. Your donation supports language and music classes, as well as field trips for the children of Umm al-Khair. Awdah was a school teacher who emphasized the importance of early education. Hanady Hathaleen, Awdah’s widow, will continue this legacy by teaching the language classes. Awdah was the sole financial provider for his family; thus these classes will also provide much needed income for his family.

In addition to providing important educational opportunities, these experiences will bring structure, hope, and joy to children’s lives at a time marked by disruption and loss.