History
The American Friends was founded in 1989 by Bishop Peter Lee of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and Bishop Samir Kafity of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Their partnership invited Christians from the USA and around the world, to "Remember the Forgotten Faithful of the Holy Land", the Arab Christians who have preserved the Christian presence in the Holy Land for centuries.
The two Bishops raised $2 million for repairing and enlarging two hospitals and six schools in this diocese that includes the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. In 1996 Bishop Kafity retired and Bishop Claude E. Payne of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas became President of the American Friends, replacing Bishop Lee. At this time, The Rev. Nicholas T. Porter, who served as Chaplain to Bishop Kafity, forged an informal partnership between AmeriCares (the world-wide charity) and A.N.E.R.A (American Near East Refugee Aid). A meeting was held in New Canaan, CT and $10,000 was immediately raised for the cost of the ocean freight to ship $500,000 of free/donated medical supplies from AmeriCares to the Holy Land. A.N.E.R.A. facilitated the clearance of the supplies through Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
Since then, over $20 million of medical and school supplies, cash grants to projects, clothing and baby items has been donated freely and sent (many times at no freight cost) via this partnership to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Over $2 million has been given in cash grants. A new $50,000 elevator and a new $50,000 ambulance has been donated to the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. In 2002 and 2003 the American Friends became a major partner with the Jerusalem 2000 Campaign of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Under the leadership of Phoebe Griswold, wife of the former Presiding Bishop, a total of $3,415,800 was raised to construct new schools, hospital emergency rooms and churches. $30,000 was donated by the American Friends.
The Rev. Charles Cloughen served as Chairman of the Jerusalem 2000 Diocesan Representatives Committee. His efforts were so productive that when Bishop Payne retired in 2003, Cloughen became President of the American Friends. He also established a nationwide network of clergy and lay Missioners and grew overall membership to over 5000.
Dennis Hensley, a corporate attorney at Sidley Austin in New York brought business discipline and systems to the organization as Board President from 2007 to 2009. His combination of professionalism and commitment to AFEDJ’s mission provided balance and an excellent platform for a working relationship with the Right Reverend Suheil Dawani, installed as Bishop in Jerusalem in 2007. In mid-2008, the Board of Trustees moved beyond their volunteer history and brought on an Executive Director. This allowed AFEDJ to dramatically increase its reach and build awareness of the needs of Christians in the Holy Land.
In 2009, Phoebe Griswold became President of the Board, bringing her unique blend of activism and compassion to this important work. Our partnership with the Diocese and with Bishop Suheil continues to be strengthened as we reach more and more committed, generous, compassionate supporters in this country.
25 Old King's Highway No., Suite 13 Darien, CT 06820
Website by; WebsforGood.com
