Because of the current
horrible situation in Bethlehem, Beit-Jala and Beit-Sahur we are
appealing to all our members and friends to help in this time of
desperate need.
Click for Details on Bethlehem
Appeal
CHARITABLE WORK:
Since its foundation, the Association
has sent over $550,000 to help needy, elderly and sick people in
Bethlehem, Beit-Jala and Beit Sahur. In 2003 we sent $20,000 at
Easter and $40,000 at Christmas, not including the scholarship program
which is discussed elsewhere.
This is done by sending contributions to well established and recognized charities and clinics. We
have always insisted on and received receipts and accounts of how the
money was spent. Given the dire economic situation in Bethlehem
and the urgency to deal with present catastrophe, we need to send
much more! For the past several years we sent contributions
to The Anthonian Society, The Arab Women Unions in Bethlehem and Beit
Sahur, Child Care & Al-Ihsan Societies in Beit Jala, Hamelat et Teeb,
The National Society for the Visually Handicapped, and several
others. Here is an example letter of thanks:
Below is a list of the
charities we have helped in the Bethlehem area and the work they do. If you
wish to contribute directly to any of these we be glad to direct your
contribution as you indicate.
The Antonian
Charitable Society of Bethlehem - Established in 1913 by a group
of young Arab Christians to serve the needs of the poor and destitute in
the region. Their work comprises: A nursing home for elderly women, a
free clinic to treat poor and elderly families, a nursery for preschool
children from poor families to allow their mothers to work, low income
housing for 55 families, a second low income housing project to help
young Palestinian Christians stay in their homeland (young people in
Bethlehem cannot afford to rent the very limted and expensive housing
available in the area).
The Arab Women's
Union of Bethlehem - Founded
in 1947 on the announcement of the Partition of Palestine.
Organizes several self help projects for women. The embroidery and
sewing center trains and employs over 130 women continuously. Many
graduates later work at home or in factories to help support their
families. Operates a fine arts and crafts school to teach and train
young people drawing, engraving, wood carving and stone sculpture in a
three year program; graduates find work in local crafts and mother of
pearl factories or set up their own small businesses. Runs a
special school and workshop for retarded children to teach them self
reliance. Operates a produce preservation and canning shop to teach
local farmers and families to make jams and to preserve local fruits and
vegetables. The embroidery center makes and sells many table cloths,
cushion covers, runners, small articles done in the typical Palestinian
colorful cross stitch embroidery designs. Organizes meetings and
discussion groups to deal with many community and family affairs. Runs a
day care center and helps needy individuals. Maintains a
traditional Bethlehem house filled with antiques, artefacts, and
costumes for visitors to appreciate Bethlehem history. Holds
charity parties to distribute food, clothes and toys to poor
children at Christmas and mother's day.
Women's Childcare
Society of Beit Jala - Founded in 1944
to provide medical care for mothers and children. It now runs a nursery
for the children of working mothers, and rents out crucially needed low
cost apartments. It also runs an embroidery center and sewing
workshop to provide work for women. Typing and computer courses.
The Arab Women's
Union of Beit Sahur - Runs a
Kindergarten in the Beit Sahour area. Wants to install central
heating to cut electric bills.
Bissat E'Rahme -
Orthodox Charitable Society of Bethlehem -
Small donations to many needy families in immediate distress.
St. Afraim's
Syrian Orthodox Benevolent Society -
Direct assistance to needy families.
Milk Grotto
Charitable Society -
Direct assistance to needy individuals and families.
Hamilat et-Teeb - Direct assistance to
needy families.
Sisters of St.
Joseph - Main
Christian school for girls in Bethlehem. Many of our members
graduated there. The economic situation in Bethlehem has deteriorated to
the point that many parents cannot pay the modest tuition fees. To
balance their budget the school has to drastically reduce the
maintenance of their buildings and facilities. Some have not been
painted for 15 or 20 years. Donations can pay the tuition fees of needy
students.
Rosary Sisters
- To
help needy students at this girls school in the heart of Bethlehem. Some
of our members also graduated from this school.
The Arab Orthodox
Benevolent Society of Beit Jala - Established in 1907 to support the poor and
incapacitated people of Beit Jala. Offers scholarships to high school
and university students. Material and financial help to prisoners'
families, invalids, and old people. Helps people with medical
costs. Sponsors scout troupes for boys and girls. Short term courses in
English, computer skills, and needle crafts.
Friends of the
Sick Clinic -Medical outpatient
sevices for the poor.
The National
Society For The Visually Handicapped - Academic and physical education of the blind and
National Library for the blind in Beit-Jala.
The
Rehabilitation Center for the Handicapped, Beit-Jala -Training and workshop for the physically
handicapped to train them to take care of themselves and become
independent and self sufficient.
Guidance and
Training Center - Founded in 1994 to offer psychological counseling and
guidance to all age groups through contacts in hospitals, refugee camps,
local households, and community organizations. A six-month
clinical training course is offered in conuseling and psychotherapeutic
skills. Community awareness of mental health issues is promoted
through lectures and workshops. Research into depression,
post-traumatic stress syndrome and developmental delay provides valuable
insights into Palestinian life under oppression, unrest, and economic
distress. There is a special education therapist for children with
special needs.
Islamic
Charitable Society - Financial help to needy families, child care and primary
education.
Rawdat El-Zuhur
(Garden of Flowers)- Established in 1952 as a home for girls, it is now an
elementary and kindergarten coeducational school in East Jerusalem for
250 needy children. English starts in first grade and music,
sports and art are all encouraged.
Distribution of Funds
and Thanks from Bethlehem:
Because of the
widespread need for our aid in Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahur, we
have been obliged to distribute the limited funds we have among ten or
twelve organizations each year. This is done by the Board of
Directors who individually fill in allocation sheets which are averaged to
determine our contribution to each charity.
We have received countless
letters of thanks from all organizations that received help from us. We
will periodically print a few as they come in. Below is a sampling of the
acknowledgements we received:
