15.06.2021
Dublin & Glendalough appeal raises almost €18k for Gaza Hospital
A three week fundraising appeal in Dublin & Glendalough has raised €17,874.50 for Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza city. Donations to the appeal, which was launched by Dublin & Glendalough Council for Mission in the wake of the latest conflict in the Holy Land, will be transferred directly to our partners in the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem which runs the hospital. Al Ahli continues to be at the forefront in treating those affected by the conflict providing services ranging from medical treatment to food.
Over three weeks from May 24 to June 11, nine people walked (or in one case rollerbladed) 100km – the distance from Gaza city to Jerusalem – to raise funds and awareness. Their target for donations was €10,000.
Those who took to the highways and byways include: the Revd Abigail Sines, Dean’s Vicar, Christ Church Cathedral, who coordinated the appeal; Diocesan Lay Reader from Christ Church Bray, David Reynolds; Lydia Monds, Bishops’ Appeal; Canon Peter Campion, Chaplain, King’s Hospital School (on rollerblades); the Revd Martin O’Connor, Clondalkin and Rathcoole Parishes; the Revd Stephen Farrell, Zion Parish; the Revd Nigel Pierpoint, Taney Parish; the Revd Sean Hanily, Rathmichael Parish; and Canon Adrienne Galligan, Rathfarnham Parish.
Al Ahli Arab Hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem with whom Dublin & Glendalough has had a link for the past six years. Although Anglicans make up a minute proportion of the population in Gaza, Al Ahli Arab Hospital serves all people of Gaza city, no matter what their religion, gender, social or political background.
On June 1, the World Health Organisation reported that staggering health needs were emerging in the the wake of the conflict as the threat of Covid–19 continued.
Meanwhile, Individual Giving and Campaigns Manager with USPG, Janine Goddard, gave an update on the situation in Gaza and in Al Ahli Hospital having received news from their programme manager in the region. She said there was a huge need for funds for Al Ahli Hospital.
She reported that the power in Gaza city was cut so the hospital was relying on generators to run and desperately needs funds to fuel the generators. The hospital is undertaking emergency surgery for those injured in the bombing, trauma counselling and care. The hospital is also feeding local people, providing basic food and sanitation to those who have lost their homes and families in this crisis.
The Council for Mission appeal was launched following a plea by the newly installed Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Revd Hosam Naoum. He said: “The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is continuing its Christian mission of bringing healing to the wounded, relief to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods and comfort to those who mourn the loss of loved ones. Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza has been on the frontlines of these relief efforts, becoming a beacon of hope to those trying to remain alive under such dire circumstances.”
All the money donated is being channelled directly to the Diocese of Jerusalem for Al Ahli Hospital. The donation portal is now closed.
