The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), in partnership with the National Presbyterian Church (NPC) of Washington, DC, have distributed packages of food and medical supplies to 200 needy families in the Palestinian towns of Al-Taybe, Jiffna, Jenin and Birzeit twice since last March, when the quickly spreading coronavirus effectively closed down normal day-to-day life in the Holy Land and throughout the world.
The harsh conditions that Palestinians and the whole world are going through due to the spread of the pandemic require all people to gather their resources to assist their fellow citizens, especially those in greatest need, and to provide them with the necessary support during these emergency conditions. This situation is catastrophic for everyone spiritually, mentally, and financially.
Food packages contained basic items such as rice, flour, oil, and sugar as well as medical supplies such as masks, Dettol, painkillers and vitamin C.
The distribution of the packages was based on recommendations from municipalities as well as officials in churches, mosques and village councils after they conducted a social survey of needy families.
Sir Rateb Rabie, President and CEO of the HCEF, explained that this program is a continuation of the food program for marginalized families and this humanitarian action is for the sake of solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have been living under Israeli occupation for decades and are now suffering from the virus as well.
”We pray for your health and safety,” said Sir Rateb, “and this is a message to all the world that the Palestinian people are a strong and united people and will stand together to face these challenges to achieve peace.”
The National Presbyterian Church has been a partner with HCEF since the organization was founded 22 years ago and has supported the Palestinian people in many ways. “God bless them,” Sir Rateb said.
“We extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to this charitable work in supporting and helping the needy families and we thank all the volunteers and the HCEF staff, who made the distribution of those packages possible,” he continued. “Please pray for all the people in this world, especially those who suffer from hardship and deprivation in Palestine, We also ask you to help our needy families by donating what you can so that we can continue our mission.”
To donate, go to: https://hcef.org/donate/
