Closer to Gaza was a benefit art auction organized to raise crucial financial aid for the urgent medical crisis in Gaza, caused by the ongoing Israeli siege and the military operation Protective Edge. The auction gathered 188 artworks from prominent international artists such as Ai Weiwei, Yael Bartana, Jimmie Durham, Mona Hatoum, Omer Fast, Wilhelm Sasnal, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye.
Hosted online by Paddle8.com from September 10-21, 2014, and accompanied by an exhibition of the donated works during Berlin Art Week at Kühlhaus Berlin (September 17-21, 2014), the event attracted over 600 visitors. The auction raised over 100,000 Euros, with all proceeds being donated to the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (P.M.R.S) and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (P.H.R-I). The funds will support these organizations in continuing their critical medical work in Gaza, particularly in the areas of healthcare provision, trauma care, and strengthening the region’s medical infrastructure.