Press Releases

17 December 2001

British charity sends nearly £300,000 to support humanitarian and development projects helping Palestinians
The Welfare Association (UK) is a UK registered charity which supports humanitarian and development projects in Palestine and in Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon.

In 2001, The Welfare Association (UK) sent nearly £300,000 to support vital emergency and development projects in the West Bank, Gaza and in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.

The Welfare Association (UK) works in co-operation and co-ordination with Welfare Association (Geneva) and local charities in Palestine and Lebanon to improve the quality of life for Palestinians through health, education, cultural and environmental projects.

This year the Welfare Association (UK) has supported a wide range of projects including emergency medical care, disability rehabilitation, IT training, pre-school education, art workshops and a childrens’ club in Gaza.

“We would like to thank all those who have attended our events and made donations to our projects. We rely on the generosity of our supporters in the UK in order to bring hope and help to thousands of Palestinian children and their families.” Reem Abu Saud, Chairman.

23 July 2001

When conflict scars the land

Since the current conflict in Israel and Palestine began in September 2000, over 200,000 trees have been uprooted from Palestinian land. Hundreds of acres of ancient orchards and olive groves have been destroyed. This ancient landscape has been scarred by conflict and families who have farmed their land for generations have lost their livelihoods.

It doesn’t cost very much to re-plant the trees but it is more than these families can afford. We are appealing to people in the UK to help to bring hope to families and restore this ancient landscape. Just £3 will re-plant one fruit tree, £110 will re-plant one square kilometre of orchard. The Welfare Association, a UK charity, is helping Palestinian farmers to replant their orchards.

9 April 2001

Actor Running London Marathon in aid of Palestinian National Theatre

A Royal Shakespeare Company Actor Jalaal Hartley, currently appearing in The Rivals at the Barbican, London, is running the London marathon on 22 April in aid of the Palestinian National Theatre.
British Actor, Jalaal, whose mother is Palestinian, appeared on ITV’s Heartbeat on 1 April as a Russian chess player. Jalaal has managed to fit in lots of training despite his hectic schedule and has already been pledged over £5,000 in sponsorship.

“My friends, family and supporters have been wonderful and I have already been pledged over £5,000 in sponsorship. I hope I can raise even more for the Palestinian National Theatre I need lots more support.” Jalaal Hartley.

With your support Jalaal’s marathon run can bring real hope to Palestinian communities
o By sponsoring Jalaal £1 per mile you could pay for 4 children to attend youth club and take part in theatre, sculpture, origami, puppetry and painting
o £5 per mile could pay for a mobile cinema club to visit a refugee camp
o £10 per mile could help fund a theatre discussion workshop helping local people explore the issues they are facing during the current crisis

Throughout the current crisis, the Jerusalem based Palestinian National Theatre has brought hope to children and their families through drama therapy, drama workshops, a mobile cinema, TV workshops, weekend clubs and art festivals. Through the work of the Theatre Palestinians have been able to express their hopes and fears, explore current issues, explore their identity and express their hopes for the future.

The Welfare Association, a UK based Palestinian development charity, is supporting the work of the Palestinian National Theatre to enable them to continue taking arts into the community. The Welfare Association supports many development projects through local partners, such as the Palestinian National Theatre, in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon.

24 January 2001

Al Aqsa Appeal Funds in Action

Nearly 400 ANN views have donated over £150,000 through the ‘Al Aqsa Appeal’ broadcasts. These funds have been transferred to projects in Palestine and are already being put to work where the need is greatest.

£30,000 is providing immediate counselling for families and children at schools and at home. Centres which are benefiting include the Palestinian Counselling Centre (Jerusalem), the Early Childhood Development Centre (Jerusalem) and the Gaza Mental Health Program.

£70,000 is being used to equip emergency centres such as the Red Crescent Society in Biddo, the Health Work Clinic in the Jenin region, the Atteel Charitable Society in Tulkarm and the Red Crescent Society in Gaza.

The remaining funds will go to projects which will benefit include medical institutions and rehabilitation centres who are treating injured Palestinians and other projects where the need is greatest.
ANN have generously donated the running cost of this appeal to the families of those who have died during the current uprising such as the family of Mohammed Jamal al Durra.

It’s not too late for ANN viewers to donate to this important appeal