wfn.org | Update from the Diocese of Jerusalem - Al Ahli Arab Hospital, Gaza City

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Update from the Diocese of Jerusalem on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, Gaza City

Posted On : January 15, 2009 11:09 AM | Posted By : Webmaster
ACNS: http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2009/1/15/ACNS4558
Related Categories: Middle East

Today (Wednesday 14 January 2009) brought more injured and wounded
patients to Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, as each of the last 18 days
has. One patient who came to Al Ahli recently was Mohan'nad, a 9
year-old boy whose leg was badly injured when a building near his home
was damaged. Thankfully, the doctors and staff at Al Ahli were able to
save his leg.

But this day also brought hope and much needed assistance for Al Ahli in
the form of several trucks filled with medicines, medical supplies,
blankets, and food that arrived in convoys coordinated by UNRWA. The
hospital to date has received some limited assistance through various
aid agencies, but the trucks arriving today represent a huge boost to
the hospital's ability to continue its urgent humanitarian mission of
medical care for anyone in need, even under the current dire
circumstances. The hospital's location in the very heart of Gaza City is
now placing added responsibility on its work, which is being carried out
so bravely and selflessly by the hospital staff.

The materials that reached Al Ahli Hospital come from the overwhelming
generosity of many partners and friends: US AID; the several members of
Action by Churches Together International (ACT) acting through the ACT
Palestine Forum who coordinated the purchase and transport of supplies;
and the dozens of individual churches, agencies, and persons around the
world whose hearts have responded to the needs of the hospital. The
assistance from US AID has been exceptional in helping in several other
areas of need through a variety of collegial contacts.

Bishop Suheil and the Diocesan family are deeply grateful for this
gracious outpouring of generosity and support. And Suhaila Tarrazi,
Director of Al Ahli, speaks with a voice touched by emotion in thanking
the many friends and supporters who have offered their prayers and
assistance.

Bishop Suheil states, "We are so grateful for the immediate and
exceptionally generous response in prayers and monetary gifts. In
addition, the generous donations of medical and urgent humanitarian
supplies such as food, blankets, plastic sheeting, bedding, fuel, and
even detergent for washing clothes and linens make all the difference.
We are inspired and touched deeply by the devotion of Suhaila, Dr.
Maher, and the Medical, Nursing, and related Staffs at our Hospital in
Gaza."

"You can rest assured that we are doing all that is humanly possible
under these most complex and difficult circumstances to insure the
safety and well being of the Hospital and its Staff," the Bishop
continued. "Funds that flow from the Diocesan account will be
transferred as quickly as possible to Al Ahli Hospital to meet the many
rising costs associated with the treatment of such a large number of
in-patients. Because of the circumstances, these patients and their
families are now being provided for at essentially no cost. We are
advancing necessary cash to the Hospital for this purpose and are able
to do this thanks to the generosity of so many, from locally in this
Diocese, our Global Anglican family, international partners, and the
many individuals who have sought to help through their monetary gifts."

The hospital staff, although fatigued, remains in good spirits while
facing the many challenges in attending to patients like Mohan'nad.
Knowing that there are people who care for them and support them brings
comfort and sustenance in these difficult days.

> For Further Information kindly contact:

> J. Harry Gunkel, M.D., Healthcare Department
> healthcare@j-diocese.org
> Mobile Phone: 972 (0)52 600 0263

The Rev'd Canon Samir J. Habiby, Special Assistant to the Anglican
Bishop in Jerusalem Specialassistant.sjh@j-diocese.org
Mobile Phone: 972 (0)57 246 1016

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