APRIL 2025 E-NEWSLETTER

BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE IN THEM:

AEES STUDENTS DREAM BIGGER

Students learning and growing together at the Arab Evangelical Episcopal School (AEES) in Ramallah.

Amid war and economic hardship, AEES remains a beacon of hope and opportunity — thanks to the steadfast support of donors like you.

In 2025, the Arab Evangelical Episcopal School (AEES) in Ramallah continues to provide high-quality education rooted in Christian values, fostering academic excellence, leadership, and social responsibility. Founded in 1954 as a home for impoverished and orphaned girls, the school has grown into a K-12 academic co-ed school, now serving over 800 students and their families. This year, AEES remains dedicated to nurturing students’ growth and strengthening its community—efforts made possible through the generosity of donors like you.

As the war continues to disrupt daily life, many families have lost work and affording tuition has become a growing challenge. Now more than ever, your support is vital in helping AEES provide stability and security for its students and their families.

Empowering Educators and Students

Thanks to your support, AEES invests in professional development for teachers, equipping them with innovative teaching methods, classroom management strategies, and technology integration. These enhancements directly benefit students, ensuring they receive a dynamic and impactful education.

Student Leadership and Social Impact

Through programs funded by AFEDJ supporters like you, AEES students actively engage in community service and leadership initiatives. From charity drives to hosting awareness events with local community organizations, students learn the value of giving back.

Preparing Global Citizens

Donor generosity also enables AEES students to participate in initiatives like the prestigious Palestinian Model United Nations (PalMUN), where they engage with global issues and develop leadership skills. 28 students from the school participated in PalMUN with 400 other students from schools across the West Bank. Young student leaders, like 10th grader Fares Zuhieri, who was elected the Ramallah Municipality Youth Council, are empowered to represent Palestinian youth on international stages, advocating for positive change.

Providing a Safe Space Amid Crisis

In response to the ongoing war in Gaza and its impact on the region, AEES has provided a supportive environment where students can process their emotions and engage in meaningful discussions. Through morning chapel gatherings and classroom conversations, educators offer guidance, fostering empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of global issues. Your support helps sustain these crucial efforts, ensuring students receive both academic and emotional support during challenging times.

Give Where the Need is Greatest

Everything AEES accomplishes—from academic excellence and leadership development, to paying it forward to others in the community—depends on the generosity of donors like you. By directing your gifts to “where the need is greatest,” your contributions ensure that the most vulnerable in the region receive the resources and opportunities they deserve. Visit www.afedj.org to donate today.

CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF YOUR GENEROSITY

Your support empowers institutions across the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem to provide life-saving healthcare, inclusive education, and vital community outreach. Our latest impact report highlights the difference you make—especially through the inspiring work of the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC).

JPBC’s unwavering commitment to children with disabilities and their families is

a testament to resilience, fueled by your generosity. Every story of healing, empowerment, and progress in this report exists because of your dedication to creating lasting change.

You have the opportunity to continue shaping a future where the most vulnerable in the Holy Land receive the care and opportunities they deserve. Thank you for partnering with AFEDJ and playing a vital role in our work together.

Read the report here.

SUNDAY WITH ARCHBISHOP HOSAM NAOUM

Join us virtually on Sunday, May 4, 2025, as The Most Rev. Hosam E. Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Primate of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, preaches at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, TX.

If you would like to join, please fill out this form to register your interest. The livestream link will provided via email, ahead of the event.

MAKE AN IMPACT WITH YOUR DONOR-ADVISED FUND

If you have a donor-advised fund (DAF), you can put it to work right now to support the lifesaving and life-changing humanitarian institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Grants from your DAF provide immediate, flexible support where it’s needed most, helping hospitals, schools, and centers for children with disabilities continue their vital work in a time of crisis. Take action today and make a lasting difference.

Visit our website to learn more. For questions or assistance, please contact Sarah Schofield-Mansur, Sr. Director of Individual Giving (sarah@afedj.org).

GIVE BY CREDIT CARD

Log onto www.afedj.org/give to make a secure, one-time donation or to become a monthly donor.

GIVE BY CHECK

For USPS Mail: Please make your check payable to "AFEDJ" and mail it to: AFEDJ, PO Box 411814, Boston, MA, 02241-1814

For FedEx and UPS: Please make your check payable to "AFEDJ" and send it to: AFEDJ, 25 Old Kings Hwy N, Ste 13, Darien, CT, 06820

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

Do you have a donor advised fund? Consider AFEDJ as a beneficiary of your generosity.

MATCHING GIFTS

Many companies match their employees’ charitable contributions. Consider matching funds to double your gift.

BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR

When you commit to giving monthly, you become a member of the Olive Tree Circle, our community of monthly donors.

LEGACY GIVING

When you support AFEDJ with a legacy gift you become a Jerusalem Saint ensuring the ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem will continue to serve the next generation and beyond.

WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST

Donations designated to “where the need is greatest” enable AFEDJ to meet urgent needs and swiftly respond to emerging opportunities.

DESIGNATED GIFTS

100% of designated donations go directly to the institution you specify.

www.afedj.org

AFEDJ offers a safe, secure channel to make gifts to support the work of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and its humanitarian institutions.

STAY CONNECTED