1 week Ago By Chris Doucette
Article content At Hands for Charity (HFC), we are a lifeline for the world’s most vulnerable, delivering clean water, food, education, shelter and healthcare across 12 countries, including Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan, and Yemen. Recommended Videos Rooted in integrity and compassion, we have responded to major crises in recent years – from earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco to floods in Libya and the ongoing devastation in Gaza – ensuring Canadian-funded aid reaches those who need it most. A recent article published by the Toronto Sun was titled: “Ottawa turns a blind eye to questionable pro-Palestinian charities.
” Here, we address these allegations directly. The article suggested that HFC has ties to Interpal – an organization that the United States has designated as a funder or supporter of terrorism – which HFC denies. This claim relies on a document from Al Hayah, predating HFC’s partnership, which merely included Interpal’s logo as part of a broader NGO network in Gaza, not as a financial partner.
Neither we nor our partners now have a relationship with Interpal. The column stated that our partner Al Hayah stated it “supports families who are the torches of the whole nation with their steadfastness [against Israel]” HFC denies this allegation. This is a mistranslated quote.
This translation shifts the focus from impartial humanitarian aid and resilience to suggesting Al Hayah – and by extension, HFC – supports hostility toward Israel. HFC also denies the accusation linking HFC’s support for Al-Shifaa and Al Wafa hospitals in Gaza to terrorism. These hospitals are critical lifelines, providing essential medical care to thousands of civilians during a dire humanitarian crisis.
Respected organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the World Health Organization have repeatedly affirmed their vital role in saving lives. Linking HFC’s healthcare support to terrorism undermines the very essence of humanitarian aid. Wherever we deliver aid, including Gaza, we partner with trusted local organizations who understand their communities, thoroughly vetting them to ensure accountability.
Our anti-terrorism policy complies fully with CRA requirements. Humanitarian work in conflict zones like Gaza is already fraught with challenges, from political complexities to ensuring aid reaches those in need. Inaccurate accusations only hinder this vital work, risking aid being cut off from those who rely on it.
Since October 7, Gaza has faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Over 1.9 million people – 90% of the population – have been displaced, with 43,000 killed amid widespread destruction.
More than half of Gaza’s hospitals are non-operational, and severe shortages of essentials have left 90% of residents in hunger. Winter has worsened conditions, increasing the risks of disease and displacement. Humanity is being erased in Gaza.
The Canadian government must step up to support Palestinians. The Canada Revenue Agency must collaborate with charities responding to this dire crisis. Journalists and media have a duty to uphold ethical standards and report responsibly.
At Hands for Charity, we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to those who need it most. – Ahmed Hussein is the CEO of Hands for Charity.
