The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre continues to provide rehabilitation services to children with disabilities in the Gaza Strip as part of its initiative “Heart to Heart, from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
As part of this initiative, a rehabilitation unit for the Basma Centre has been set up at Al-Ahli Hospital where a team of 4 employees, a doctor, social worker and two physiotherapists have been hired.
Our satellite unit is based in Gaza City, and though conditions have deteriorated there over the last months, it continues to serve the local, often displaced, population, keeping two important things in mind: preserving the safety of our staff and finding mechanisms that allow us to continue providing our services despite the challenges. Here, the Gaza staff has focused their basic services on meeting urgent needs, and working with acute injuries such as amputations and fractures.
Despite the conflict, we have maintained continuous communication with all our staff in the Gaza Strip, the team at our Princess Basma unit and two additional therapists working in shelters further south who also provide free psychosocial support and rehabilitation services.
In Jerusalem, despite the current challenges and circumstances, our residential comprehensive rehabilitation services, alongside the Mother and Family Empowerment Programme, continue to operate at full capacity, with 435 children from the West Bank having enrolled in the rehabilitation programme so far this year.
We are committed to standing by our children and their families in all circumstances, to provide the best possible support and care, tackling the future in the hope of smoother days ahead, where every child can thrive and live in peace.
“My motivation to continue working under these difficult circumstances is driven by love: Love for the work, love for the city and love in standing by the people and sharing their pain. Despite the challenges, my presence on the ground, representing the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre, is a ray of hope for the children and their families." Al Zahra’a, Occupational Therapist at The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre – Gaza
"Sometimes we have had to reduce working hours to ensure the safety of our staff. Despite these difficult conditions, our presence on the field is crucial for the families, especially for the mothers who urgently need continuous medical care for themselves and their children. Being able to provide our services on the field, despite the challenges and difficulties fills me with pride both personally and professionally." Dr. Saeed, General Doctor at The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre – Gaza
View this film about the work of the centre here: Heart to Heart: From Jerusalem to Gaza | A Lifeline for Children with Disabilities
The DSPR-NECC says the situation in Gaza is a disaster beyond belief and the impact on people and staff there is catastrophic. They are working with some of the most vulnerable civilians and in central and south Gaza their clinic is one of only four centres that continues to operate: they are able to see around 500 people a day.
Their main building in Gaza suffered severe damage due to the ongoing war which has had a devastating impact on the local community and our ability to continue our vital humanitarian work. Many rooms, including critical medicine storage facilities have been directly impacted by the conflict. This has had a severe impact on their capacity to provide essential medical support to those in desperate need.
“In these trying times, we humbly request your support, prayers, and solidarity. The people of Gaza are enduring unimaginable hardships, and your assistance can make a profound difference in their lives. In the meantime we are in close coordination with the ACT Secretariat and local forum, we are actively assessing the situation and formulating plans to launch an appeal aimed at delivering immediate support to the vulnerable and affected communities.
Your support in these efforts is not only greatly appreciated but also absolutely essential. Our goal is to ensure a swift and effective response once the war comes to an end. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult situation. Together, we can make a difference and provide relief and hope amidst of hopeless situation. With heartfelt gratitude and solidarity”
Nader Abu Amsha Dr. Audeh Quawas DSPR
The National Evangelical Synod in Syria and Lebanon
The NESSL has a diaconal wing that deals with emergencies and justice, called the Compassion Protestant Society (CPS). CPS aims to deliver critical, life-saving support for those who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Their immediate focus is on ensuring safe and dignified shelter, essential, life-sustaining assistance, along with education and psycho-social support for affected children. Amir Bitar, executive director of CPS has expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Methodist Church in the UK and the URC. 'I’m very encouraged by the partnership with the UK Methodists and the URC with the broader reach of the Gaza and Lebanon Justice Appeal,' he said.