For Children of Bethany and Jerusalem Suburbs - *B.a.Je.S. Projects
PROJECTS CHILDREN BEHIND THE WALL LOVE
Dear Visitor,
Welcome to the virtual space of a medium-sized community in the occupied Palestinian territories, Bethany, isolated from the outside world by the Separation barrier. It was once a prosperous capital suburb, now a ghetto-like enclave, a labirinth of blind alleys and a road to nowhere. This not-long-ago-booming commercial post on the Jerusalem-Jericho route and attractive housing alternative to the more costly capital, now can be looked upon as a model of all Jerusalem suburbs trapped behind the horizon (and peace!)-obstructing Wall. The unfrequented main road ending near the Wall is sadly looked upon by the deserted houses along it. Only in people's memories do gone-by days of free circulation, street commerce, air of prosperity, looking forward to future, exist.
The architecture of village- turned -prison is an elegant mixture of Islamic mosques and Christian churches, monasteries and family houses. Historically named Jerusalem Gate, being the access point to the city from the southeast of the country and abroad, mainly Jordan and other Arab countries, today it might be easily called Bethany Prison, for it is the general feeling of living in one. Residents are confined within its Walls and experience hardships trying to cope with the new situation of not being allowed to work, worship, have recreation, medication or rehabilitation in nearby Jerusalem, only two kilometers up the main road, now completely walled-off. The situation looks desperate, and yet, miraculously, life is not as gloom as it may seem. Even with the poverty rising, the unemployment rate at all-time 80 % high, overcrowded schools, inexistent medical services, there are bright moments celebrating the invincibility of the inventive and adaptable human spirit, stoicism and bravery. Crossing physical and mental barriers, in the coming days, we will be posting the information on the different aspects of life in Bethany-Azariyeh, Abu Dees (once designated to be proclaimed the Capital of Palestine!) and other sister neo-peripheries of Palestine. We invite you to join us on witnessing of re-shaping history by human intervention. What is happening behind the Wall?
SHORT OVERVIEW AND INFORMATION:
We are a non-profit non-partisan non-governmental grassroots movement of expatriates residing in Palestine, started in 2002, situated in Jerusalem suburb of Bethany-AlAizariyeh, serving major Jerusalem environs behind the Apartheid Wall with over 100,000 inhabitants, approximately 45 percent of them children and youth.
BACKGROUND
A series of emergency projects that benefited tens of Palestinian children and women at the most critical period of the AlAqsa Uprising, made us aware of our potential and stimulated us to draw a comprehensive strategy for future enterprises. We became an autonomous entity, at this point in the process of registration as a not-for-profit cultural organization.
In order to gain official non-profit status, we collaborate with local charities, NGOs and other organizations, and periodically obtain special license by the Ministries, which give us access to public schools and other governmental organizations.
Founders: Suzana I. Zorko, Founder/Managing Directress
Farid Abed, Deputy/Arts Director
Foreign volunteers.
Contact e-mail: childrenofbethany@yahoo.co.uk
MISSION STATEMENT
We regard ourselves as goodwill ambassadors for peace building and promotion of dialogue aimed at better understanding between the West and the Middle East through educational and cultural programmes targeting primarily, but not exclusively, children, youth and women.
Objectives:
- To act as an intermediary in West-Middle East cross-cultural relations and exchange.
- To help improve overall image of the Palestinians in the Western world.
- To help retain and revive Palestinian folklore, culture and customs through comprehensive cultural and educational programmes.
- To help Palestinians, as a valuable element of global community, achieve affirmation of their basic human rights.
- To contribute to the local community culturally, socially, economically, etc….
- To advance local women's role in the society through guidance, empowerment and emancipation, concerning their Arab and Muslim background.
- To help build peace through promotion of open dialogue and participation in relevant activities and events in the region.
- To assist local organizations to build successful foreign relations, promote and advance volunteer work and stronger collaboration between local and international NGOs.
Our activities include, but are not limited to:
- foreign language courses,
- individual and group relief,
- assistance to students through training and educational projects,
- arts programs, activities and summer camps for children,
- volunteers hosting, guidance and promotion of volunteer activities, e.g. participation in open days, cleaner and safer environment awareness day,
- catering to children with disabilities
- proposal writing and fundraising for other NGOs,
- medical care to children in crisis,
- promotion of Media use.
We constantly strive to contribute to our communities in every way we can, always finding ways to stretch the thin budget to do more for less - that little Extra that always makes a big difference.
As the picture gets dimmer and dimmer the deeper you go into the deteriorating internal situation, isolation, growing unemployment (70 per cent), poverty and lack of local activities and facilities to meet the needs of the population, we are appealing to the international community not to neglect or forget the fact that there are children behind the Wall, who at this moment suffer and need every assistance and solidarity they can get.
In order to continue with our services to the community, we will strive to improve and develop local resources and facilities coming to centers, schools, public organizations , in order to cope better with the deteriorating situation caused by isolation and divide.
For more information, please contact suzanai2001@yahoo.com