Operation Olive Branch: Supporting Palestinian Families in Need

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This isn't about politics, this is simply being shared because it's about humanity. Simple as that.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is presented solely from a humanitarian perspective and is not intended to delve into political discourse. It is shared with the primary focus on highlighting issues concerning humanity and extending support to those in need. Our aim is to amplify voices and provide assistance where possible, irrespective of political affiliations.

In the realm of global solidarity initiatives, Operation Olive Branch (OOB) emerges as a volunteer-driven grassroots movement, dedicated to amplifying the voices and addressing the pressing needs of Palestinian families. With a diverse coalition of advocates at its helm, including Palestinian activists, individuals with familial ties to the Holocaust, and a range of supporters in between, OOB operates with a collective commitment to solidarity and mutual aid.

Understanding Operation Olive Branch (OOB)

What is Operation Olive Branch (OOB)?

Operation Olive Branch (OOB) is a volunteer-driven grassroots movement aimed at uplifting Palestinian voices and addressing their urgent needs. It functions as a collective endeavor, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to amplify the voices of Palestinians and provide support where it's needed most. The initiative's primary goal is to connect with Palestinian communities and raise awareness of their mutual aid requests, which encompass various critical needs such as medical assistance, food, and shelter. OOB operates on a global scale, with a core council comprising a wide spectrum of advocates, including Palestinian activists and individuals with personal connections to historical injustices like the Holocaust. This diverse leadership ensures a multifaceted approach to solidarity and advocacy. Through collaboration and community engagement, OOB endeavors to foster meaningful connections and provide tangible support to Palestinian families facing adversity.

How did OOB start?

Operation Olive Branch (OOB) originated from a spontaneous conversation within the comments section of a social media post, reflecting the organic nature of modern grassroots movements. Faced with the pervasive question of "what more can I do to help," individuals seized the opportunity to extend support to Palestinians seeking to amplify their voices online. As this support grew, with many contributing by generating content to increase visibility for newly established Palestinian accounts, the necessity for collaboration became evident. The idea of creating a centralized spreadsheet to consolidate mutual aid campaigns gained traction, reminiscent of the widely shared "Maui Rise" sheet, initially devised following the Lahaina fires. This pivotal moment marked the inception of OOB, highlighting the power of collective action and the transformative potential of online solidarity.

Supporting Gazan Families

How does OOB support Gazan families?

Operation Olive Branch (OOB) supports Gazan families through a multifaceted approach aimed at amplifying their voices and providing direct assistance. Firstly, OOB has meticulously compiled information from over 800 families into a comprehensive spreadsheet, facilitating accessibility and exposure to potential donors and advocates. These campaigns, initiated and managed by the families themselves, cover a wide range of needs, including medical expenses, food provisions, essential supplies, evacuation costs, and home reconstruction.

Additionally, OOB operates a robust presence on social media platforms, cultivating a dedicated community of advocates committed to sharing their resources and privileges. Through activities such as creating videos and hosting livestreams, these advocates leverage their platforms to raise funds for Gazan families in need. OOB actively supports these endeavors by providing physical, digital, and human resources, thereby bolstering the efforts of the online advocacy community. This collaborative approach underscores OOB's commitment to empowering Gazan families and fostering solidarity on a global scale.

Why is direct aid so important when there are lots of aid organizations fundraising to support Gaza?

Direct aid holds immense significance amidst the plethora of fundraising efforts for Gaza conducted by large aid organizations. Concerns regarding the accessibility and availability of aid to Gazans prompt a call for support to local aid organizations, or those with established on-the-ground connections. Notably, organizations like the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Connecting Gaza, GXZA Health, Gaza Kinder Relief, the Gaza Sunbirds, and Sulala Animal Rescue exemplify the impactful work being done at the grassroots level. Dr. Rajaa Hasen Okasha, operating a free pediatric medical tent despite personal displacement, highlights the resilience and dedication within local communities.

Moreover, direct aid enables individuals to contribute directly to Palestinian families, bypassing potential barriers and ensuring that support reaches its intended recipients promptly. Whether through financial donations or assistance in establishing a social media presence for advocacy purposes, every effort plays a vital role in uplifting and amplifying Palestinian voices. Through Operation Olive Branch (OOB), individuals find a platform for personal connection with these families, fostering genuine relationships and transformative experiences within the social media community. This direct engagement not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term empowerment and solidarity, embodying the ethos of OOB's mission.

Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone.

The Role of the Community

Who is running OOB?

Operation Olive Branch (OOB) operates as a community-driven collective, where every participant embodies the spirit of OOB, both online and in physical spaces, whether in public-facing roles or behind the scenes. At its core, OOB is steered by a diverse core council comprising Palestinian activists, descendants of Holocaust survivors, and a spectrum of allies. In addition to its core council, OOB consists of over 50 dedicated "accomplices" who actively contribute to OOB's mission. These accomplices are deeply committed to OOB's purpose, offering their skills and expertise as part of project teams and collective initiatives.

The term "accomplice" holds particular significance within social justice scholarship, signifying a level of engagement that transcends mere allyship. Unlike allies who may remain passive or withdraw when faced with challenges, accomplices are characterized by their willingness to take tangible action, even at personal risk or sacrifice. They prioritize amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, demonstrating a commitment to advocacy without expecting recognition or personal gain. Through their collective efforts, OOB's core council and accomplices work collaboratively to advance the initiative's objectives, embodying the principles of solidarity, activism, and transformative social change.

How can I join your team as an accomplice?

To become an accomplice and join the team at Operation Olive Branch (OOB), individuals are invited to complete a designated form. This form serves as a means of expressing interest and commitment to OOB's mission and purpose. By filling out the form, prospective accomplices signal their willingness to contribute their skills, expertise, and dedication to the collective efforts of OOB.

Through their involvement as accomplices, individuals have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded advocates, contribute to meaningful projects, and make a tangible difference in the lives of Palestinian families. Whether through advocacy, fundraising, or other forms of support, accomplices play a vital role in advancing OOB's goals of solidarity, justice, and empowerment. Overall, joining as an accomplice is a step towards deeper engagement and action, reflecting a shared commitment to social justice and collective activism within the OOB community.

TIP: If the form is showing as currently closed, go follow @erinhattamer on Tiktok who is helping to do basically the same thing for #Passthehat.

Call for Perinatal Professionals and Birth Workers

In response to the pressing need for perinatal care among families listed on the Operation Olive Branch (OOB) spreadsheet, a call has been issued for perinatal professionals and birth workers. This growing need underscores the importance of addressing maternal and infant health concerns within vulnerable communities.

OOB aims to bridge the gap by facilitating connections between individuals in need and a dedicated team of birth workers. This team will be managed by respected leaders in the global humanitarian birth worker sphere, including organizations such as Safe Birth Palestine, Birth Workers for Humanity, Birth Workers for Human Rights, and other relevant collectives. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these established entities, OOB seeks to provide comprehensive perinatal care to families facing urgent health challenges.

It is emphasized that all applicant information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared within the OOB core team and with individual leaders from the specified birth worker collectives. This commitment to privacy ensures the security and trust of both applicants and participating professionals, fostering a safe and supportive environment for accessing essential perinatal care services. Sign up for this here.

Long-Term Vision

What is the end goal for OOB? (i.e., when will the work be done?)

The ultimate objective of Operation Olive Branch (OOB) is to disband once Palestinians achieve comprehensive freedom, safety, and well-being. This entails securing their right of return to their homeland and witnessing the reconstruction of their homes and communities in Palestine. OOB's founding mission revolves around promoting humanitarian standards of safety and wellness through the facilitation of families' direct mutual aid requests. The initiative remains committed to this mission until the conditions of freedom, safety, and well-being are fully realized, signaling the culmination of its efforts. Until that time, OOB persists in its advocacy and support, striving to address the immediate needs of Palestinian families and contribute to the broader goal of justice and liberation.

Applying to Be on the Spreadsheet

How do I get my family on the sheet?

To include your family on the Operation Olive Branch (OOB) spreadsheet, individuals are required to complete a designated form. This form serves as the official means of submitting information and detailing the specific needs of the family in question. By filling out the form, individuals provide essential details that enable OOB to accurately assess and address the needs of the family. Additionally, the form ensures that all necessary information, such as donation links and social media handles, is provided for verification and transparency purposes. Once the form is submitted and reviewed, the family may be included on the OOB spreadsheet, thereby gaining visibility and access to potential donors and advocates. This process ensures that OOB operates with integrity and efficiency in its efforts to support Palestinian families in need.

Can I refer a family I have no relation to?

Initially, Operation Olive Branch (OOB) welcomed community referrals for families in need, regardless of personal relations. However, due to the overwhelming volume of referrals, this approach became impractical to manage effectively. As a result, OOB has implemented a new policy requiring that referrals come directly from a family member or a trusted family representative. This ensures a more manageable process and enhances the authenticity and credibility of the referrals. By having a direct connection to the family or a trusted intermediary, OOB can verify the legitimacy of the referral and maintain the integrity of its support efforts. This change aims to streamline the referral process while ensuring that OOB can effectively prioritize and assist families in genuine need.

What is required for an application to be approved?

For an application to be approved by Operation Olive Branch (OOB), several criteria must be met:

Referral Source: New referrals must originate from a family member or a trusted close family friend. This ensures the authenticity and reliability of the referral.
Fundraiser Link: Donation links provided in the application must direct to an official fundraising platform such as GoFundMe. OOB does not accept personal payment accounts like PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, or Venmo.
Social Media Presence: Social media handles for the family or a designated family representative must be provided. If the family does not have social media, the representative's account can suffice. The account should be set to "public" or temporarily switched to public during the application process. Active posting is encouraged to maximize visibility and engagement.
Visibility of Fundraiser Link: The provided social media account should prominently display the fundraiser link, leading to the same campaign as supplied in the application.
Verification Process: If the social media account is private or lacks sufficient activity, expect a friend request from the OOB Verification team. Verification may involve providing evidence that the family corresponds to the fundraiser. As a last resort, applicants may receive a WhatsApp call from an Arabic-speaking team member. Providing a WhatsApp number in the application is advised as a precautionary measure.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures transparency, authenticity, and effectiveness in OOB's support efforts for Palestinian families.

Why are you so strict now?

The recent stringency in protocols within Operation Olive Branch (OOB) arises from unfortunate incidents of fraudulent activity. Regrettably, some families have reported instances where imposters used their images and videos to solicit donations falsely. This deceitful behavior not only undermines the trust and credibility of the initiative but also jeopardizes the safety and success of genuine fundraising campaigns.

In response to these challenges, OOB has heightened its verification measures to safeguard against fraudulent actors infiltrating the list of supported families. By enforcing stricter guidelines, the aim is to protect the integrity of the platform and ensure that donations are directed to those genuinely in need.

The importance of maintaining transparency and authenticity in operations is recognized. By verifying the legitimacy of each applicant, OOB endeavors to uphold the trust of donors and advocates. This rigorous verification process not only guards against potential fraud but also enhances confidence among supporters, fostering a secure and supportive environment for all involved.

Cooperation in providing accurate information and assisting in the verification process is greatly appreciated. Together, efforts can be made to defend against fraudulent activities and uphold the mission of OOB to provide genuine assistance to Palestinian families in need.

Report suspected fraud / scam / impersonation

In the event of suspected fraud, scam, or impersonation within the Operation Olive Branch (OOB) community, individuals are encouraged to report such incidents promptly. While it is acknowledged that complete eradication of fraud may be unattainable in a grassroots initiative of this scale, safeguarding the attention and resources allocated to families in genuine need remains a top priority.

To report suspected instances of fraud or impersonation, individuals are requested to provide as much detail as possible regarding the incident. This may include pertinent information such as the nature of the suspected fraud, relevant usernames or account details, and any supporting evidence or documentation available. Upon receipt of the report, a member of OOB's cybersecurity team will conduct a thorough review to assess the validity of the claim.

It is important to note that not all solicitations for help or donations on social media platforms constitute fraudulent activity. OOB recognizes the importance of amplifying legitimate requests for assistance and encourages community members to exercise discretion in distinguishing between genuine appeals and potential scams. Therefore, individuals are advised to refrain from reporting legitimate requests as "spam," as this may inadvertently hinder the ability of families in need to access support.

By fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability, OOB endeavors to uphold the integrity of its mission and ensure that resources are directed towards those who require assistance most urgently. Your cooperation in reporting suspected instances of fraud is invaluable in maintaining the trust and efficacy of the OOB community. Report suspected scam here.

Conclusion

Operation Olive Branch embodies the spirit of collective action and solidarity in addressing the urgent needs of Palestinian families. Through direct support, advocacy, and community engagement, OOB stands as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities, striving for justice, equity, and lasting change.

Find full details and information about Operation Olive Branch here and find more useful information in the OOB linktree here. Be sure to follow them on their social media accounts listed here.

FAQs

How can I contribute to Operation Olive Branch?

Individuals can contribute by becoming accomplices, volunteering their skills, amplifying Palestinian voices on social media, or donating directly to families in need.

Is my donation safe with Operation Olive Branch?

Yes, OOB implements stringent verification measures to ensure the authenticity of fundraising campaigns and prevent fraudulent activity.

Can I volunteer with OOB if I'm not Palestinian?

Absolutely, OOB welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds who are committed to supporting Palestinian families and advancing social justice.

How can I stay updated on OOB's work and initiatives?

Interested individuals can follow Operation Olive Branch on social media platforms and subscribe to their newsletter for regular updates on activities and opportunities to get involved.

What long-term impact does OOB aim to achieve?

OOB's ultimate goal is to contribute to the liberation and well-being of Palestinians, ensuring their safety, freedom, and ability to rebuild their communities in Palestine.