10.07.2015
Prepare a Place Funds Begin to Benefit Gaza Hospital Projects
Funds raised for the Prepare a Place Appeal by parishes and individuals in Dublin and Glendalough and beyond are now being put to good use by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The appeal, which is coordinated by the Dublin and Glendalough Council for Mission in collaboration with the United Society, Bishops’ Appeal and Friends of Sabeel, received donations of €109,848 and £14,204.
As a result of the donations, funds to refurbish the medical staff’s on–call residence at Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza have been sent and work has begun. The first instalment for the hospital’s solar panels has also been sent and more funds will be released when a progress report on the project is received. It is hoped that the remaining funds needed can be raised this Advent.
Al Ahli Hospital provides services to the whole community in Gaza. It is the only Christian hospital in Gaza and is owned and controlled by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The facilities for on–call staff at the hospital had not been refurbished for 20 years. During last summer’s conflict, hospital staff lived in Al Ahli for 51 days. Electricity restrictions continue in Gaza meaning that the hospital has to use expensive generators for power when there is no supply. The solar panel project will reduce their dependence on generators.
The fundraising campaign was the first step in building a link with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem which covers Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. Work on that link is continuing with exploration being carried out to see how the people of each diocese can grow in friendship.
