From the Sons of the Earth Association, an FHL Partner in the Holy Land. Thank you for your support at Easter.

The Friends of the Holy Land have recently arranged for 490 children in the Bethlehem District to receive food and clothing vouchers, which were then “spent” at local shops in the Christian Community.

This project was once again coordinated for the FHL in the Holy Land by the Sons of the Earth Association (SEA) a non profit organisation that deals with the economic and social considerations of the Christian Community in the Bethlehem District. The three Parish Priests in St. Catherine’s Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour supported the initiative and ensured the most needy received vouchers.

Dr. Michael Whelan, Chairman of the FHL said “the real advantage of this project was that three parties benefited; the children, their parents and the local family run neighbourhood shops. SEA have provided us with the names of all 490 children who were involved, so we know that funds, given most generously in the UK, are being channelled to the most deserving causes”.

A typical response from a parent was “ Thank you for drawing a big smile on the faces of our children and for opening a window of hope and happiness for a better future”. A shopkeeper said “This is the first time in my life I am having a good Easter business period. I know my shop is small but all thanks to you FHL. I managed to sell more than 3000 NIS in less than 5 days. Thank you and may God bless you all”.

Photograph

The children of Bethlehem express their thanks, in the presence of Fr Ibrahim Shomali, Parish Priest of Beit Jala, Dr. Michael Whelan, Chairman FHL, and Ramzi Hodali, President SEA.

Notes

The Friends of the Holy Land (FHL) was established in England and Wales in 2009. It is a registered charity and assists the Christian Community in the Holy Land.

The objectives are to raise awareness of the difficulties experienced by the Christian Community in the Holy Land, to encourage prayers to be offered for their intentions and to generate and channel financial resources to provide them with a sustainable future.

Financial support is provided to Parishes and Schools and families within the Christian Community to enable them to live a fruitful and rewarding life in their homeland.

This is carried out through funding for Parish activities, assistance to Schools, financing small self-help projects in the community and providing humanitarian aid to the needy.

This is all achieved with the backing and blessing of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of England & Wales. The FHL is non-political.

Contacts

Contact us by email at friendsoftheholyland@btconnect.com or call the National Office:

2 Station Road
Kenilworth
CV8 1JJ

Tel: 01926 512980
Fax: 01926 850946

Dr Michael Whelan KSG, KGCHS
Trustee & National Chairman FHL

Peter Rand MBE
Trustee & National Vice Chairman

Sean Higgins
General Manager

friendsoftheholyland@btconnect.com
friendsoftheholyland.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 1130054