AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

GAZA UPDATE: PERSEVERANCE BUILDS HOPE

Al Ahli Arab Hospital and JPBC Staff Resume Critical Care After Forced Closure

Dr. Said, member of the JPBC Gaza multidisciplinary team, with patient. Taken at the satellite unit located in Al Ahli Arab Hospital, July 18, 2024.

Thanks to the dedication and bravery of the staff, Al Ahli Arab Hospital (Ahli) and the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC) have resumed operations at Ahli in Gaza City as of July 11, 2024 after a forced closure under Israeli military order. Although the hospital itself did not sustain any additional damage during the recent IDF operations in Gaza City in early July, one of Ahli’s ambulances was hit by a sniper and severely damaged. Fortunately, the driver escaped unharmed, and no patients were in the vehicle during the attack.

All three JPBC Gaza staff members have returned, and clinical services have resumed. The JPBC satellite unit at Ahli in Gaza offers expanded rehabilitation services for children, including those recovering from emergency surgeries. Daily communication between JPBC staff in Jerusalem and Gaza City during the evacuation provided critical support and comfort to both teams.

Recent updates from the JPBC satellite unit include:

• Treatment programs for children with acute injuries and chronic conditions have resumed.
• The JPBC team is currently caring for 18 children, including families who returned post-evacuation and four new patients.
• Clinical supervision and online meetings between multidisciplinary care teams between Jerusalem and Gaza have also resumed.

JPBC also recognizes the exceptional outreach work of two dedicated, displaced therapists, Ismail in Khan Younis and Al Zahraa' in Deir al Balah, who have been working diligently from shelters in the southern regions of the Gaza Strip since early 2024. Like their colleagues in Gaza City, they are demonstrating remarkable fortitude and commitment by treating children from emergency medical posts.

We extend our deepest gratitude for your support during this crisis. Your generosity enables Ahli and JPBC to sustain their essential work and deliver crucial care to Gaza’s most vulnerable. Your continued support ensures that these vital services remain available to those in need.

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem remains committed to its mission of healing and reconciliation, a commitment exemplified by the exceptional service and courage of its staff. Read the Official Statement from the diocese regarding this development.

AFEDJ ELECTS FOUR OFFICERS TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

The Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple (center), AFEDJ Board Chair, visits Arab Episcopal School in Irbid, Jordon, 2022.

The American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) is pleased to announce the election of four officers to our Board of Trustees, as well as the addition of two new members.

At the core of our organization is a committed board, a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing our mission and supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s work in the Holy Land. This dynamic team, with expertise spanning various sectors, forms a robust network that fortifies our organization. Our new members bring additional knowledge and enthusiasm, enhancing the board’s collective strengths and furthering our impact.

The newly elected trustees for the 2024-2027 term are: 



• The Rev. Jonathan (Jon) Musser of Damascus, MD. 
• Mr. John Van De Weert of Washington, D.C.

Elected officers for the 2024-2025 term include the Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple as Board Chair, Endicott “Cotty” Peabody as Vice Chair, Holly Boone as Secretary, and Penelope "Penny" Winder as Treasurer. Officers shared a personal reflection on what calls them to maintain their long-standing and dedicated service on AFEDJ's board - Read the full article here.

AL AHLI ARAB HOSPITAL (AHLI) SNAPSHOT

For a comprehensive overview of the events and updates concerning Ahli and its outreach clinic in Rafah since the conflict began on October 7 through June 2024, please refer to this article.

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