Supermodel sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid are donating $1 million to aid relief efforts for Palestinians impacted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The funds, according to a representative for Bella, will be equally distributed among four humanitarian organizations, each focused on supporting children and families affected by the crisis.
As daughters of Palestinian property developer Mohamed Anwar Hadid, Bella and Gigi have been outspoken advocates for the Palestinian cause. Bella, in particular, has used her platform to highlight the devastation in Gaza, expressing sorrow in an Instagram post about the “loss of the Palestinian people” and frustration with the global lack of empathy for those suffering in the region.
The sisters’ donation comes in the wake of Bella’s public appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, where she wore a red and white dress made from traditional Palestinian fabric. She described it as a tribute to the resilience and artistry of Palestinian culture, particularly through its historical embroidery.
Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and 252 taken hostage, Gigi shared a heartfelt message on social media. She expressed sorrow for the innocent lives lost on both sides of the conflict, emphasizing her empathy for Palestinians living under occupation and clarifying that her hopes for peace do not involve harm to Jewish people.
The organizations receiving support from the Hadid sisters—Heal Palestine, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, World Central Kitchen, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency—provide vital humanitarian aid, including food, medical services, psychological support, and assistance to displaced families. Their work continues amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which has claimed the lives of more than 36,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
As the conflict rages on, with international leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden urging for an end to hostilities, the Hadid sisters’ significant contribution aims to bring relief and hope to those caught in the devastation.
source: bbc.com