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January 15, 2009
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Vol 2, Issue 2
AFEDJ PO Box 2040 Orange CA
92859
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Some Background
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Gaza's 1.5 million people includes 1
million living in refugee camps. 750,000 are under 14
years of age. This in an area approximately twice the size of Washington
D.C., or about 4 miles across and 18 miles long.
While it is located on the Mediterranean, there is no
natural fresh water source.
There are 11 hospitals serving this densely packed population,
many of which provide a narrow range of services.
Ahli Hospital is one of the best equipped with
comprehensive emergency and surgical services. It has operated in
Gaza for almost 100 years and, as described by The Rev. Canon Habiby,
it serves as a medical "safe haven" for many who otherwise
may have lost their lives.
During the current crisis,
they have suspended charging for their services.
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Dear
Friends of AFEDJ
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This
is the perimeter wall of Ahli Hospital. Still doctors, nurses,
aids, staff and volunteers continue to provide care despite shortages
of equipment, food and sleep. They report that 20 to 40 patients
arrive each day, one fourth of them children. Many need
surgery. Ambulances are in short supply, but still the
patients come.
Shipments
of desperately needed fuel and medical supplies have been delayed by
the bombing of the UNRWA facility that stores and distributes
aid. But as of this evening, the UN has decided not to suspend
operations so they can continue to address the urgent need.
Your
support will provide the most needed items which include everything
from blankets and food to the plates and screws needed for
surgery, scrubbing soap for surgeons, even plastic cups for urine
specimens.
Bishop
Suheil Dawani praised the hospital staff, calling their service
"heroic servanthood." Suhaila Tarazi, Director of Ahli
Hospital, told Charles Cloughen by phone a few days ago that God's hand
is above the hospital.
We are
God's hands in the world. Please help us help them.
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Activities to support AFEDJ
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Suhaila Tarazi, Director of
Ahli Hospital in happier times
This Saturday, January 17, "Vermonters for a Just
Peace in Palestine" www.vtjp.org will hold a demonstration in
Burlington and take up a collection for apolitical medical
assistance. We're proud to be the beneficiaries and wish them
luck and decent weather.
Nancy
Brockway in Atlanta tells us that Kids4Peace www.kids4peace.org will participate in a
simultaneous interfaith service on Monday January 19 at 10 a.m.
Children of all faiths will gather in Jerusalem at the same time as their
Atlanta counterparts to pray for peace. Other locations are in
formation. If you'd like to coordinate your group with them,
they'd love to hear from you.
Cathy
Cowling at St. Martin's, Philadelphia distributed mite boxes along with
an Epiphany calendar. It follows the spirit and light of the
Magi. Each day offers a reason to celebrate light and put a coin
in the box. Donations will support the work of AFEDJ in the Holy
Land.
Sign up
for the AFEDJ e-newsletter at www.americanfriends-jerusalem.org
Send us
your ideas on how to support the humanitarian effort in the Holy
Land. Together we can expand the circle of education and caring.
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Article Headline
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 The AFEDJ is a nonprofit, non-political 501c3 which
helps sustain the institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of
Jerusalem. These include 13 schools, 3 hospitals, 5 institutes
for the disabled and 4 affiliates spread over Israel, Palestine,
Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. All provide for those in need
regardless of religious background. All foster mutual respect and
tolerance in a land torn by turmoil and poverty. Learn more about
the work of the AFEDJ or the Diocese of Jerusalem. Visit www.americanfriends-jerusalem.org to contribute
to any of the important work done in the region. Or visit www.j-diocese.org for a
direct link to the Diocese of Jerusalem.
While Gaza is in crisis, all the work of the Diocese
continues to need your help and support.
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For more
information, contact
Anne Lynn,
Director
AFEDJ
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