Extracts from a letter from the Director:
Greetings from Bethlehem. The past year has brought its own burden of disappointment and frustration. It began with high hopes but then the outcome of the Palestinian election resulted in many world powers [particularly the EU nations and the USA] refusing to continue their financial aid. This has brought ever more suffering and deprivation. Unemployment has increased and many more families are living below the poverty line. As I write our government schools are on strike since the teachers are not receiving their salaries for the last six months. In consequence many of our children are suffering psychosocially since there is little to relieve boredom and anxiety.
As if the so-called “Separation Wall” which isolated our community, has not brought enough problems the war between Israel and Lebanon has added significantly to the suffering of our people especially in Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour not least by the dramatic decrease in pilgrims and tourists.
Our own hospital, BASR, is being severely troubled by the lack of funds, particularly since the Palestinian Authority has not been able to pay the very large sum it owes us. Needless to say, our dedicated team of workers is doing their best to serve their fellow-countrymen especially in the extension of the various facilities now provided by our hospital to embrace a multitude of medical needs.
Naturally at this time of the year we think especially of the birth of the Christ child in Bethlehem’s manger and the burning desire within us to help our children have some cause for celebration, however small, as well as attempting to lift their thoughts to God’s desire for their good if only human beings would allow him to direct and rule their hearts.
As in previous years we plan to provide a celebration for our children – there are hundreds of them in our immediate neighbourhood – and a special Christmas gift to be distributed by Santa Claus. [This gift will include canned meat, rice, powdered milk, sweets, a toy or a sweater]. My personal hope is that we might give this gift to a thousand children – each gift will cost some $30.
I thank you most warmly in anticipation of your help. My God bless you and may you know his peace in your hearts and homes.
Your brother in Christ
Edmund Shehadeh, Executive Director
The Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation