We are thrilled to announce that Heidi Shott is joining AFEDJ as Communications Director. Heidi has served as Canon for Communication and Advocacy in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine for the past ten years. She’s visited the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Holy Land several times (this photo of Heidi was taken in Jordan). Heidi will be invaluable in helping us raise awareness of the vital ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem, report on the amazing impact your gifts make on people’s lives in the Holy Land and tell the stories of children and families you are supporting. In her letter to us she wrote about the opportunity to work at AFEDJ: “Such an opportunity exemplifies for me a vocation where, as Frederick Buechner describes it, one’s “deep gladness and the world’s hunger meet.” Heidi starts in early September. Please join us in welcoming her to our shared mission! 

“My name is Giovanni Anbar. Although my name sounds Italian, I am 100% Palestinian Christian, born and raised in Jerusalem.” That’s how Giovanni, director of the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center (ETVTC) in Ramallah, began his talk to a packed room at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in downtown Boston in late June. Giovanni was in the U.S. taking part in a Harvard University educational leadership program. He told the crowd, “I am very passionate about being part of the effort to build Palestine. ETVTC’s mission is to improve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of Palestinian youth through education and vocational training in hospitality and technology. After being involved in this field for over 20 years, I believe we have accomplished much and there is still a long way to go.” ETVTC now enrolls more than 400 at-risk youth. More than 90% go on to find good jobs in the West Bank.

Many thanks to The Middle East Network of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem – Priory of St. David of Wales in New England for co-sponsoring the reception and fundraising dinner for Giovanni.