The Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-governmental organization established in 1991, by, according to its website, "concerned people in the U.S. to address the medical and humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian youths in the Middle East." The main objective of the PCRF is to locate in the United States and Europe free medical care for children who cannot be adequately treated in the Middle East.

The PCRF was founded by Steve Sosebee, who served as the organization's President for 30 years.

Humanitarian activities

The Palestine Children's Relief Fund sends medical equipment, supplies, and American medical personnel to the region to treat difficult cases and train Palestinian surgeons. Several injured or sick children are being treated in the U.S. for free. The PCRF relies on volunteers throughout the U.S. who act as host families and donors. The organization also helps suffering children from other Middle Eastern nations, based on medical need. The PCRF has built two pediatric cancer departments in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

History

1991: Establishment

The Palestine Children's Relief Fund was established in 1991. Steve Sosebee, president of the PCRF, said at the time that if the PCRF received the donation, the money would be used to fund its relief services.

2009–2020: Pediatric cancer units

In 2009, al Masry died of cancer, and Sosebee moved to Palestine with his daughters.

2021–present: Ongoing work

During the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, online streamers and other online content creators on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube held fundraisers in support of the PCRF, most notably Vaush, who raised $292,284.71. On 17 May 2021, Israeli airstrikes damaged PCRF offices in Gaza City. In November 2023, the al-Rantisi hospital in Gaza City, which is run by the PCRF, was struck by an Israeli airstrike, killing eight people and damaging the building.

On November 16, 2023, PCRF awarded America Near East Refugee Aid, in partnership with World Central Kitchen, a $1.5 million grant to provide hot meals for distribution to displaced individuals during the Gaza war.

Founder Steve Sosebee departed the organization on December 31, 2023, after serving 30 years, to pursue other humanitarian efforts in Palestine. The organization has received support and endorsements from U.S. senator Paul Sarbanes, former U.S. congressman Albert Wynn, and actor and humanitarian Richard Gere.

In October 2006, former U.S. president Jimmy Carter issued a video endorsement of the organization.

See also

  • Islamic Medical Association of North America

Footnotes

References

  • PCRF's Financial Value Report
  • SF Chronicle piece on the impact sanctions have for U.S. physicians who provide medical treatment through PCRF
  • Charity Navigator page for Palestine Children's Relief Fund