Dear friends

WINTER 2003

Dear friends,

It is most tragic that another year has elapsed and the political situation remains unchanged. New disasters have occurred and a few were natural ones. Yet despite the hardships and the many difficulties we encounter on a daily basis, we have been able to enjoy many of God's boundless blessings. It has been a very special year for me personally and for the children of Al-Shurooq School. We have taken a giant step forward; for eventually, and after much prayer and through the support of our dedicated friends, the Lord has given us enough to purchase a plot of land. It is the beginning of a dream come true and the first step towards the construction of a school for blind children.

We paid the down payment of 16,000 US dollars on December 23rd, and as soon as the paper work is completed and the deeds received, we will pay the remaining 100,000 US dollars. The area of the land is 1,250 square metres. I must say, the task of looking for the convenient plot of land has been most frustrating and confusing. Available land is becoming very scarce and the longer we wait the more expensive it will become. The hunt for land is finally over and the pursuit for a donor institute to help construct the school building now begins!

We are forever indebted to all of you friends and supporters out there, who made the purchase possible. Thank you.

Al-Shurooq School
Christmas season is the happiest time of the year for our children. It is a time when they are all on their highest horses. Learning as many Christmas carols as they can, singing at their hearts' content, with the hope that Santa will hear them. Indeed, God heard them, and He provided for them in His own magnificent ways. The first exciting event took place on December the 6th, when a group of children from the American School in Jerusalem, accompanied by some parents, came to visit and brought gifts to each one of our children. They were also loaded with goodies to eat. We spent a very pleasant afternoon together, despite the fact that they had to wait for over an hour at the checkpoint before they were allowed into Bethlehem.

On the 21st, the annual Christmas party at the international YMCA Jerusalem took place. It is always the highlight of the children's activities. On this occasion, they are always eager to put on their best performance, particularly since there are many other schools with lots of children participating. On the 22nd Santa appeared for the second time, bringing them a small toy each, the first gift to be ever given by Beit Jala Municipality. The closing event of the season was the school's annual Christmas lunch and party. We invited a few friends and supporters to join us so as to add to the pleasure of our children, for they love visitors. Santa paid them a lovely visit; they sang and sang Christmas carols as I was playing the piano. The older children received a pair of pyjamas and the younger ones got small toys.

Helen, from the American School, giving Jou Jou his gift

Blind Children For Peace

A group photo at Neve Shalom

The first meeting between Israeli and Palestinian children, aged eight to fourteen, took place at Neve Shalom (Oasis of Peace) near Jerusalem from the 19th to the 21st of December. There were 21 of us. 8 Palestinian and 8 Israeli children, Guila (the leader of the Israeli group), her colleague, Samira (our computer teacher and secretary), myself and Yvonne (the European Blind Union representative). We all spent a very enjoyable weekend together, despite the awful weather. It poured with rain the whole day on Friday. Saturday was relatively dry, so we were taken for a tour round the village where Palestinians and Israelis live together and attend the same school. The children had no problem mingling and playing together. Now that they have been introduced, they are looking forward to travelling and working together in Milan, Italy. They will fly on February the 5th and will return on the 12^th.


Samira preparing a meal	The children playing together in the park

Helen standing in the purchased land. The olive trees date back to around 10 A.D.

Library and Braille Book Production
There has been a slight reduction in book loaning during the last three months. One, because of the travel restrictions that have been imposed on all Palestinians through the many road blocks and closures.

Two, the Palestinian Ministry of Education in cooperation with book producers in Ramallah, has distributed books in Braille to blind children in regular classes at government schools, free of charge.

We still continue to produce our own books serving our children and other clients not covered by the Ministry's policy.

During the year 2003, 111 new titles have been produced, 208 copies made, 850 volumes and 30 Perkins Braillers have been given out on loan.

We thank the Lord for the past fruitful year and pray most fervently that the year 2004 brings peace, love and tranquility to all human kind.

Thank you friends for your prayers, your generous gifts and your loving tender care.

God Bless.