Our 2007 News

This quarterly news is produced as the country approaches and enters a time of darkness; as different factions and parties have taken control. The Arabs and Palestinians combined efforts failed to restore a Palestinian political approach that is able to balance between the Palestinian demands for change that were reflected at the last elections and between the international commitments of the Palestinian National Authority and president Abbas’ program upon which he was elected.

The lack of national security has encouraged the absence of law and order and the domination of a culture of vengeance, hatred, and violence in an environment of chaos, and more seriously, of armed chaos.
With that in mind, we have seen on our TV screens, in the newspapers, and in the pages of electronic media sources, masked members of our population, armed, and supported by great political parties, attacking, vandalizing, destroying, looting and burning security, political and social organizations. The situation reached a point where it became necessary to announce and execute an emergency plan in order to stop the division of the country and political turmoil.
We hope to survive this crisis as one united people. We hope to implement a possible political method that will revive the political scene and restore everyday life to ordinary citizens in a free democratic environment that harbors internal security and stability; a method that will be accepted by all political parties and that allows us to work on an international political scale towards an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
This report reflects the achievements of the Faisal Husseini Foundation and its work in the educational and youth sectors in Jerusalem during the first half of 2007. These achievements are worthy of in-depth examination, analysis and revision so that they may become secure building blocks for a new generation that cares for its country, society and its institutions. Such a generation, that cherishes its identity, culture and affiliation to its heritage, will be able to courageously and rationally tackle future challenges while seeking vast and never-ending knowledge.

Abdelqader Al-Husseini
Chairperson of the Faisal Husseini Foundation

The Sixth Memorial Commemoration of Faisal Husseini near the closed Orient House 31/05/2007

Palestinians commemorate the sixth anniversary of Faisal Husseini highlighting Jerusalem’s need for a leader like him today. It is a time when Palestine is in need of enriching itself with his morals and principles of national unity, non-violence, and his focused efforts to build a country.
On 31/05/2007, Jerusalemites came together, as they have not done for some time, in the courtyard of Dar At-Tifl Al-Arabi School, only a few meters away from the closed Orient House, in order to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the late Faisal Husseini. The day’s events, which were organized by the Faisal Husseini Foundation, included a celebration of the graduation of students from some of Jerusalem’s public schools.
In a speech on behalf of the Faisal Husseini Foundation, Abdelqader Al-Husseini said:

“We will not forget your immortal words, Faisal Husseini; you were a true leader, a martyr, a friend of the people, Jerusalem’s lover. You answer the doubtful, those who ask what kind of country we want, by saying we want a country that allows schools to grow, that eases pain and that does not practice violence.”

He added: “Oh descendent of martyrs, ally of the poor, we cannot forget the day you spoke with the long-suffering woman from Gaza, and how you consoled her for the loss of two of her sons to martyrdom. She told you: ‘I have four sons left, and I am prepared to sacrifice three of them for the sake of Palestine, so that the fourth can live in freedom.’ Today we shamefully ask that mother if this is what she and other mothers dreamt to achieve when they sacrificed their dear children.

The situation overwhelmed Husseini’s speech this year as he said: “The Palestinian people are one people, with one source of agony, one Nakba (disaster), one dream, and one hope. Internal-conflict is like a snake with many heads. Will the Palestinian people agree to fall prey to that snake?” He added that the sound of the sea in Gaza should drown out the sound of gunshots, that success should be calculated by the number of computers and not rifles in the home, by the number of construction, economic, agricultural, industrial and technological projects that are launched and not missiles.

He continued saying that in order for us to reach the road to Jerusalem, to freedom and independence, we must gain more friends. He added: “It is impossible to gain friends by kidnapping journalists, a phenomenon among other underground acts that must be stopped or else will lead to our downfall. In order to reach the road to Jerusalem, we must denounce acts that are carried out secretly; we must then publicly adopt real reform policies. We can begin by acknowledging teachers and their profession which is truly sacred and allows us to carry a good message.”

Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, the Mufti of Jerusalem, said in a speech about Faisal Husseini the martyr: “Jerusalem is where Faisal was born and where he worked, he truly took strong and clear stances between those who do and those who do not do, and between loyalists to the nation and those who exploit it. He added: “Faisal worked in Jerusalem, and in its sacred landmarks, its mosques and churches, its walls and its institutions. He passed away while standing strong, like real men, those we have known and lost. Despite being subjected to tear gas, and being beaten by the occupation’s clubs, his will was never weakened; Faisal’s will and the will of all martyrs and fighters.

Greek Orthodox Archbishop Atallah Hanna said: “Faisal gave a message of hope and light to every Palestinian, to every person who works for the freedom and dignity of the Palestinian people. They want us to give up our rights, our attachment to the city of Jerusalem. This event shall remind us that Jerusalem is ours, that it lives in our hearts, and that there is no power great enough to remove us from Jerusalem, nor to remove it from our hearts, our identities, and our lives. And so in your memory, Faisal, we renew our vow to follow your path in order to free ourselves from occupation.” He added: “Jerusalem has been orphaned twice: once with your death, Faisal, and a second time with the death of Abu-Ammar [Yasser Arafat].” He also directed a message to Palestinians in Gaza asking them to unite and denounce violence.

The commemoration began with some verses from the Koran, followed by the national anthem performed by the Dar At-Tifl choir. Then the hosts and audience stood for a moment of silence in memory of all martyrs, which was followed by a singing performance entitiled “Peace upon my land” by the choir.
Also at the ceremony, Mrs. Mahera Dajani spoke on behalf of the Dar At-Tifl Al-Arabi School while Mr. Samir Jibreel spoke on behalf of the Jerusalem Directorate of Education.

The ceremony included a performance by the YMCA’s Dabka dance troupe, a singing performance by the students entitled ‘Biladi,’ and a performance by the Basil Zayed Quartet.
The ceremony was concluded with the graduation of the class of 2007 from the following schools:

Girls Schools:

Shabbat Muslimat Girls’ School, Riyad Al-Aqsa Islamic Secondary School – Dahieh, Nazamieh School, Al-Fata Al-Laji’a Secondary School, Riyad Al-Aqsa ‘Abu-Baker Al-Sideeq’ Girls’ School, Comprehensive Secondary Girls’ School

And the graduating students are: Areej Shreiteh, Isra Sonokrot, Ala Al-Sweiti, Ala Shamasneh, Ala Aqel, Ala Ameera, Ala Farah, Aya Al-Damiri, Iman Ashon, Inas Jabrini, Amani Msalmeh, Bayan Sonokrot, Taghreed A’ton, Tharwat Shaqra, Jihan Al-Jawi, Haneen Ramooni, Du’a Al-Tamimi, Du’a Abu-Teir, Du’a Alqam, Rania Qawasmeh, Rasha Hirbawi, Rashida Siam, Rafeeqa Salhab, Rand Al-Salhi, Riham Ramadan, Riham Eid, Rawan Abu-Rmeileh, Suzan Rajabi, Suzan Mustafa, Sawsan Al-Moaqat, Sabreen A’raj, Sabreen A’mouri, Abeer Rajabi, Ghadeer Shweiki, Kifah Abu-Teir, Majd Aqeel, Maram Atrash, Maram Rabee’, Masha’er Rizq, Najla’ Al-Salaimeh, Nour Dibsh, Huda Badr, Huda Dweik, Hana Nimr, Wafa’ Romoni, and Wafa’ Tarshan.

Boys Schools:

Dar Al-Aytam Islamic Schools, Al-Umma Secondary School

And the graduating students are: Shady Sarsoor, Shahab Ad’eis, Asem Odeh, Malek Shweiki, Majd Yaghmor, Mohammad Abu-Sneineh, Mohammad Abu-Hanieh, Mohammad Rabee’, Mohammad Zeidan, Mo’taz Abu-Layla, Moosa Ghanem, Nour Al-Deen Totah, and Waseem A’rar.

In this page, we will outline the activities and programs of the Faisal Al Husseini Foundation in the sectors of education, youth and health. These activities are meant, in addition to developing institutional performance, to reduce the costs of these institutions and to contribute to reducing the burdens on residents.

Education Sector

Youth Sector

Health Sector

Cultural Centers

Fund Raising

Education Sector

Comprehensive development project for 10 Jerusalem schools

This quarterly update focuses on the specific achievements of the educational and training programs that began in the last academic year and will continue until the end of the first semester of the coming academic year.

In order to make certain the project was successful, FHF chose a group of consultants and specialists to work with the schools in four main subjects (the Arabic Language, the English Language, Mathematics, and Science). FHF also hired a general consultant and a learning disabilities specialist.

During the academic year of 2006-2007, the consultants organized on-the-job training for the teachers, in addition to regular workshops in order to cover topics of immediate concern. Moreover, the consultants created student evaluations to determine the students’ improvement over the course of the year, particularly after their teachers had been trained and began applying their newly developed teaching techniques and assessment strategies.

Scholastic vision workshop	Students attending proficiency test

Details of the project

The project also intended adding extracurricular activities to the traditional learning process as it is helpful and important for the students’ development. For example, teaching the Arabic language was merged into musical Education for the lower classes while Drama was incorporated into the teaching of the Arabic and English Languages for the higher classes

Aside from training them how to diagnose learning disabilities and developing their teaching skills, the project developed the teachers’ computer skills by giving them the International Computer Driving License course. The project also gave administrators a course that covered proposal writing and funding strategies.

Parents were also involved in their children’s development processes, as there were a number of evenings dedicated especially for the parents to track their children’s improvements in specific areas. Parent participation was remarkable, especially during the children’s creative and technological developments.

The Project’s most important accomplishments:

• The development of a scholastic vision; the development of its implementation plan.
• The renovation of buildings.
• Equipping libraries, and computer and science laboratories.
• Providing school furniture, athletic equipment, and musical instruments.
• Holding training workshops for participating teachers, through which they designed educational and implementation plans, focusing on the use of new teaching and assessment methods that are comparable to standard.
• Training teachers for the International Computer Driving License.
• Improving the management and proposal writing skills of principals and their assistants.
• The assessment of students’ educational levels in four different subjects (the Arabic Language, the English Language, Mathematics, and Science) using a separate student evaluations for each subject.
• Providing reinforcement classes for students with special needs working with 40 volunteers from Palestinian universities in addition to foreign volunteers from European countries.
• Providing special classes for gifted students.
• Providing classes in extracurricular activities for students and parents.
• The selection of students for the Faisal Husseini Youth Award.
• Organizing English Language Projects (for the first time).
• Organizing scientific exhibitions.
• Organizing Art exhibitions and performances (singing performances and dramatic plays).
• Creating language clubs in the English and Arabic languages.
• Encouraging the cooperation and networking between youth and other social centers and schools, especially for schools with fewer resources (libraries, computer laboratories, etc.)
• Encouraging students to volunteer and participate in community service.

The training process has already begun and continues today. The following are some points that the teaching consultants focused on:

The development in terms of teaching the English Language:

English language teaching consultant: Dr. Jeanne Qattan – Chairperson of the English Language Department at Bethlehem University.

Dr. Qattan asserts that the new Palestinian curriculum for teaching the English Language is quite developed despite being an experimental curriculum. It is a significant Palestinian achievement. However, because it is a new curriculum, many teachers are not able to implement it appropriately. And so the first part of the training program focused on developing the teachers’ skills in:

• Understanding the curriculum and its goals.
• Using the curriculum’s practical applications that are based on listening and conversation.
• Designing student appropriate evaluation tests.
• Develop appropriate teaching methods to help teachers explain the curriculum in the best way.

Dr. Qattan also actively participates in the development of the teaching methods in participating schools. She focused her efforts on the following:

• How to teach different language skills using conversation.
• How to design cumulative examinations and student evaluations.
• How to prepare for a specific unit.
• How to design in-class projects encouraging group work.
• How to self-assess and critique one’s own teaching methods (self reflection)
• How to cooperate with other teachers in order to improve the teaching and learning processes.
• How to prepare supplementary material such as worksheets and alternative teaching methods.

Dr. Qattan sees a great improvement in the performances of English Language teachers in general. The students’ improved results on their progress tests and student-led projects reflected this improvement. Examples of such projects:

• Visual exhibition on protecting the environment.
• “Open Sesame the Gates of Jerusalem: Identifying the Old City of Jerusalem”
• “My story is Your Story: Student Journals”
• “The Trees of Palestine: Their Roots and My Roots”
• “The Tools Used in Palestine: A Look at Palestinian Heritage”
• A collection of caricatures that describe Palestinians’ daily suffering.

Dr. Qattan believes that this development project is the beginning of a long-term vision to arm the next generations with the necessary (curricular and technological) tools to stimulate their thought processes and motivate them.

Development in terms of teaching the Arabic Language:

Arabic Language teaching consultant: Mr. Mohammad Al-Faqih, a Bethlehem University guest lecturer and vice principal at “Al-Ommal” School

Mr. Al-Faqih believes that students must first be enthusiastic about learning the Arabic Languag. He believes they must be encouraged to use classical Arabic in class and that the focus should be on its grammar. He sees that students’ weakness in the Arabic Language is generally due to the following reasons:

• Teachers do not use classical Arabic in class.
• Some teachers are not proficient in Arabic calligraphy, which effects the teaching of all subjects, not only Arabic.
• Some teachers do not have correct Arabic pronunciation.
• Teachers are not skilled at preparing examination questions that reinforce teaching the language.
• Teachers lack creativity in their teaching methods of the Arabic Language.

Mr. Al-Faqih set the following goals as part of his intervention plan:

• Raising the level of Arabic taught in schools.
• Raising teachers’ awareness about the newest teaching methods.
• Seriously helping weak students, and supporting gifted students.
• Making teachers more efficient at handling the students and their teaching materials.
• Highlighting the human aspect of teaching.

The most important achievements were:

• Publishing a cultural lingual magazine in cooperation with the language club.
• Encouraging reading through I read program.
• Introducing drama to the educational process.
• Using music in the educational process.
• Establishing language clubs in schools and encouraging students from all levels to participate in them.
• Working with the special needs consultant in preparing student evaluations and treatment methods for students with special needs.

Development in terms of teaching Mathematics:

Mathematics teaching consultant: Dr. Tahseen Al-Mughrabi – Chairperson of the Mathematics Department at Al-Quds University.

Dr. Al-Mughrabi stresses that the Palestinian curriculum focuses on concepts, but unfortunately traditionally math is taught based on rules and not concepts. He saw that there were some problems in the current methods of teaching Mathematics, such as:

• The blackboard is often the only tool used to teach Mathematics.
• Teachers ask students questions in a traditional manner, without giving them the chance to participate in discussion, or asking questions.
• Students are not involved in group-work or group projects in class.
• Teachers do not have the power or resources to give students with special needs the help they need.
• Class time is not managed efficiently as many teachers spend time correcting problems, reading material, and rereading material.
• Teachers tend to focus on talking about the material, whereas time could be better spent in discussion, working on in-class projects, and other activities.
• Creative thinking methods are not used to solve problems.
• Teachers are incapable of relating mathematical problems to real-life.
• There are no specific methods used with gifted students.
• There is very little to no school participation in international competitions (Math Olympics, Tames, etc.)
• Teachers are afraid to tackle students’ questions.

Dr. Al-Mughrabi works within the Comprehensive Development Project, as he focuses on:

• How to encourage vigorous thought.
• How to use different reinforcement methods to help students understand Mathematics.
• Teaching specific sub-topics in Math by organizing workshops.
• Reviewing common mistakes made while teaching Mathematics and finding solutions for them.
• Using the computer in teaching Mathematics.
• Preparing worksheets.
• Preparing student evaluations tools
• Preparing supplementary teaching materials.
• Teaching Mathematics through stories (for lower academic levels)
• Connecting Mathematics to other sciences and real-life.
• Addressing the needs of gifted students and others with special needs.
• Sharing academic and professional experiences among teachers by visiting different schools.
• Organizing field trips for students to scientific museums in Jerusalem.
• Holding workshops and special study days for gifted students.
• Training teachers to develop Math projects.

Some of the most important achievements that Dr. Al-Mughrabi notices are: Teachers using alternative reinforcement methods (such as individual and group meetings, etc.) Developing new educational approaches to teaching Mathematics. Developing students’ abilities to analyze mathematical problems. Developing teachers’ abilities to prepare student evaluations appropriate for different academic levels, and their abilities to analyze students’ results. Encouraging student research projects. Producing a math magazine. Developing students’ creative thinking.

Students from Jabal Al-Mukaber School visiting the Mathematics Department at Al-Quds University

Development in terms of teaching Science:

Science teaching consultant: Mr. Aref Al-Hussaini – Director of Al-Nayzak Extracurricular Education.

Because of the teachers’ cooperation and their desire to change, as well as the administrations’ support of FHF’s efforts, the science teaching consultant was able to implement a large part of the intervention plan. Some of the obstacles faced in teaching Science are:

• The new Palestinian curriculum is science intensive, therefore in need of a different teacher for every subject but the unavailability of teachers forces a Biology teacher, for example, to teach Physics and Chemistry as well.
• Teachers are not experienced in using labs and the curriculum is based on practical work.
• Students are not given the opportunity to regularly do experiments in the laboratories.
• Educational settings (such as laboratories, playgrounds, etc.) are not used effectively.
• Teachers are not technologically advanced.
• Schools have very few to no resources.

Mr. Al-Hussaini’s work includes developing schools and teachers in terms of:

• Training teachers to use new teaching and scientific presentation methods.
• Training teachers to use reinforcement methods that focus on the comprehension of as opposed to the memorization of material.
• Training teachers to use alternative assessment methods (projects, experiments, etc.)
• Strengthening teaching skills in the subject of Physics.
• Holding evening activities for parents to consolidate the school’s relationship with them and the community.

Working with parents in order to promote and support students’ creative thinking.

• Relating Science to daily life.
• Encouraging teachers to work with gifted students by organizing student workshops under their supervision, and creating the appropriate environments for these students.
• Involving weaker students in scientific projects.
• Creating Science clubs and special scientific areas at schools.
• In cooperation with their teachers, students creating and implementing their own scientific projects.
• Modifying school environments to encourage individual learning.

Some of the project’s most important accomplishments have been:

• Electronic forum: launching scientific forums on the worldwide web for Science teachers, where they discuss examinations, the ways in which they may teach a particular unit, exchanging experiences and stories, communicating between teachers, consultants, and the administrations.
• Constructing a scientific ‘garden’ that serves a number of schools.
• Both students and teachers participated in the organization and production of scientific exhibitions.
• Using the computer in the educational process (electronic education) and not completely depending on the blackboard.
• Utilizing schools surroundings and resources (turning playgrounds into temporary laboratories)
• Effectively using laboratories and conducting experiments.
• Creating science clubs.
• Organizing evening activities for parents and the community in order to involve them in the educational process.

Summer School – A uniqe experience

The Faisal Husseini Foundation organized a summer school during the summer of 2007. The summer school took place at two schools in Jerusalem namely Jabal Al Mukaber School and Dar Al- Aytam C School. The summer School targeted students with low to average achievement from 10 different schools. The program concentrated on improving the students in three basic subjects: Arabic English and Math. The uniqueness of the school was reflected in its approach of transferring the learning process from the teacher to the student, and based its learning activities on group work and games, as well as incorporating fun learning activities and linking the lessons to daily life. The program was planned and followed up by specialized educational consultants, and was implemented by a group of creative teachers chosen from Awqaf Schools. The program lasted for one month which included visits to Math and Science Museum at Alquds University, Al Makassed Hospital and the Gulan Heights. The students also attended a play and a movie at the Palestinian National Theatre were they met the actors, and they went swimming.

School Emergency Support Program:

As part of the school emergency support and aid program, the following schools were supported:

Dar Aytam outside wall before and after renovation

Dar Aytam inside wall before and after renovation

Youth Sector

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Networking between Youth Centers:

In 2006, the Faisal Husseini Foundation started and continues this year to develop the vision of five different youth centers and network between them. The foundation began implementing a program that focused on children’s literature proposed by Al-Saraya Center in the old city of Jerusalem.

The Foundation assisted by facilitating access to three libraries that it had established. It also funded a program at Al-Saraya Center that encouraged reading and aimed at raising children’s educational and cultural standards thereby creating a more knowledgeable and educated generation. The methods used and activities were supervised by specialists. For example:

• Reading stories and books and using materials that reinforce reading and writing skills.
• Helping children access information using the library.
• Playing educational games.
• Children are thus motivated and inspired to become creative and active thinkers.

Supporting the Literacy Program:

Two years ago, FHF began funding a program for young women at Al-Saray Center to erase illiteracy. Twenty-one young women benefited from this program and sat for the General Secondary Examinations in the summer of 2007. Such programs do not benefit only the young women but also their families, including their children, as they become able to help and encourage their children to study and continue with their own education.

The drop-out rate for girls in Jerusalem is about 12%. Al-Saraya Center began a project two year ago to raise awareness about girls’ education and its importance. The center then started its official program to encourage girls to sit for their General Secondary Examinations. The program is expected to succeed as the girls have shown interest and have proven to be hard-workers, expressing their desires for a higher education as well.

Supporting the Burj Al-Laqlaq Social Center:

This year, FHF continued to support Burj Al-Laqlaq Social Center in the old city with its library and gym activities including its special needs programs. The Foundation also assisted the center in developing an effective work strategy that is revised and altered by the center based on current social research completed about women and children.

Faisal Husseini Youth Award in cooperation with the Youth Development Department:

The FHF administration welcomed the second group of students to participate in this program. The students came from several public schools in Jerusalem. The first stage prepared and coached the students participating in the project. It included the following activities:

• A lecture informing the students about the award, its goals. The lecture focused on the voluntary work the students would be involved in and how they should go about applying to volunteer at different organizations.
• A lecture on Faisal Husseini
• A lecture about the history of the city of Jerusalem and its ancient landmarks.
• A lecture about the history of Palestine.
• A lecture about the current situation in the country.
• An informational tour of the old city of Jerusalem.

This preparation and coaching program is only one of five programs that FHF arranged for the award participants. It lasts throughout the length of the project. It includes several educational lectures in different topics from the human sciences to art. The other four programs are: community service, athletics, basic skills and Discovery Camp.

The students have already begun the community service, athletics and basic skills programs and discovery camps.

Volunteering at Augusta Victoria Hospital

Work shop preparation

Supporting the Youth Development Department:

FHF has supported the Youth Development Department by covering some of the department’s expenses in order to carry out the following youth projects:

• Coordinating between some youth organization in order to create a firm youth support system.
• Organizing an occupational counseling program at several youth centers.
• The youth development department was established in 2001 in the Orient House with the objective of developing the youth sector in Jerusalem.

Supporting small youth projects:

FHF supported the Ping-Pong League in Jerusalem by providing the league’s equipment. It supported Al-Funoun Dabka Dance Troupe by sponsoring their performance in Jerusalem. It also supported Ru’ya (Palestinian Vision) Organization by covering three months worth of its library expenses, and the Old City Youth Center by providing an accounting program. In addition to aiding Nadi Al-Quds by providing a receiver and fax machine as well as benches, it aided the Old City Counseling Center (Caritas) in its summer camp that was dedicated to raising awareness about drug abuse. FHF also supported another drug awareness program with the title “Palestine Smiles to Life” which is directed by the local board in Al-Ram area.

Health Sector

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The Faisal Husseini Foundation supported two primary health care institutions in Jerusalem as follows

Benedectous Center in the Old City:

The FHF supported the Benedectous Center; a primary health care center at the Old City of Jerusalem through covering part of their recurrent expenses. The center provides health care services in return of minute fees. The center being charitable faces financial deficiencies especially during such economic hardship that the country faces. It is worth mentioning the center’s customers are among the poorest and most in need I Jerusalem and its surrounding.

Pediatrics rooms at Makassed Hospital:

The FHF has supported the pediatrics recreational room at Al Makassed Hospital through donating books and toys to enrich the room

Cultural Centers

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Supporting other Organization in Jerusalem:

FHF provided funding and aid to several organizations during the first half of 2007. FHF donated a computer to the Young Women’s Muslim Association, provided funding for the Mapping Department of the Arab Studies Society, the Palestinian National Theater, and Al-Ma’mal Center in the old city. It also funded some performances organized by Ashtar Theater during its “Theater of the Oppressed” season in 2007.

Jerusalem Study Session 26/3/2007

On 26/3/2007, FHF organized a study session about the city of Jerusalem at Al-Zahra Restaurant in Jerusalem to which representatives from consulates and Palestinian organizations were invited. As chairperson of the Foundation, “Mohammad” Abdelqader Al-Husseini welcomed the attendees. In his speech, he said that the city of Jerusalem was isolated nationally from the West Bank, as well as internationally from the rest of the world. He explained that such a session played a role – though small – in resisting this isolation. He noted that this isolation destroys the city economically as Jerusalemites face many obstacles and problems due to Israeli policy. He informed the audience that the Faisal Husseini Foundation plans its projects and activities in the Educational, Youth, and Health sectors by funding other organizations and developing their projects thereby reducing the financial burden on average people who seek help from these organizations.

Fouad Hallaq, a consultant with the Negotiation Support Unit and an expert on Israeli policies in East Jerusalem, explained how Israel forced the current situation onto Jerusalem and how it has become impossible to change it. He described how Israel is currently building the wall, expanding its settlements, and digging tunnels underneath the old city, changing its landmarks forever. He stressed the importance of having strong leaders in the city in order to move forward toward a sound resolution.

On the other hand, Dr. Nazmi Al-Ju’beh, deputy chairperson of the board at Faisal Husseini Foundation and the director of Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation, described how Jerusalem is becoming desolate, with expanding poverty stricken neighborhoods. He expected that people would soon revolt because of their economic and social conditions and not only their political situation or attacks on their sacred landmarks.

Issa Qasasieh, a representative from the president’s office and the Jerusalem multi-Sector Studies Unit, addressed the importance of the Multi-Sector Study in Jerusalem which is strategic plan to develop all sectors in Jerusalem (economic, social, cultural, health and educational). He explained that the study reflected a plan for developing institutions is Jerusalem’s which is of vital importance in reaching final negotiations. Qasasieh asked the European Union and the international community to partner with FHF in the development of Jerusalem by funding different projects that the sectors study proposed.
The session ended with a presentation of FHF’s current and future projects in Jerusalem, specifically those in the Educational, Health and Youth sectors.

Fund Raising

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Fund raising charity event to support the schools in East Jerusalem 4/2007

The Faisal Husseini Foundation held a fundraising dinner entitled “Spring Hope” at the Ambassador Hotel in Jerusalem to support the Educational Sector in Jerusalem.

The evening began with a speech by the chairperson of the FHF board, “Mohammad” Abdalqader Al-Husseini. He described the poor conditions under which Jerusalem suffers from the construction of the separation wall and settlements and other discriminatory policies and what ensues from negligence and complaints. Husseini said: “We are tired of waiting for a great liberator. We are tired of adding to our long list of complaints. We realize that no one can help us unless we help ourselves first. Therefore we will continue with our efforts to spread hope and happiness and paint smiles on people’s faces.” Husseini also thanked the audience for attending, as well as local and international donors for their support.

Collections from the dinner were dedicated to projects in the educational sector, such as repairing the electric system at Al-Bayrooni Elementary Boys’ School, furnishing the Education Department and providing it with an electrical system, renovating the health units at the Educational Supervision Office in the department, updating the computer laboratory at the College of St. Demiana the Coptic Martyr and supplying its scientific laboratories. Funds will also go to increasing the wattage threshold at the Al-Ram Boys’ Middle School, updating the computer laboratory at Al-Umma Secondary School.

The evening included several entertainment pieces, beginning with a comedic performance by Hussam Abu-Eisheh, a game of Bingo and ending with a lottery draw.