Sunbula Newsletter
Issue #8, February 2009
Supporting Our Partners in Gaza
Israel's war on Gaza has left the already-impoverished Strip in the massive devastation and unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Sunbula's two partner organizations in Gaza - and - are working to get their operation back to speed. Many of their members -- women from the refugee camps (Sulafa) and people with hearing disability (Atfaluna) -- had their homes damaged or completely destroyed. Many of them also mourn the loss of their friends, family members and neighbors.
Sunbula's staff has been in contact with the two organizations over the phone. Atfaluna reports that their building has been damaged by the air strikes nearby, with all their window glasses blown out. Although many of their supporters have offered help to repair the damage (estimated at $20,000), glasses are not available in Gaza due to the tight Israeli restrictions to let the relief and recovery materials in. "We are putting plastic sheets over the windows for now," said Mohamed El-Sharif, Atfaluna's director.
The staff at UNRWA Sulafa Embroidery Project reported that the damages on their building was fortunately minimal, with only a few broken windows. However, some of their members reside in the communities that came under the most intense attacks, and are struggling to recover from some serious physical injuries.
Asked what help is most needed, both organizations replied that the continuous support for their handicrafts was crucial, as it would enable families to keep earning income and to get back on their own feet.
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Sunbula, with the help of international aid agencies and diplomats that have begun entering the Strip, has managed to keep the available at our and . Your purchase of their products -- a testament to their resilience and articity in the face of tremendous odds -- will benefit directly families in Gaza. |
CANAAN FAIR TRADE
Introducing our new partner in Jenin
Sunbula is happy to introduce and its organic olive oil from the northern West Bank. Located in the scenic village of Burqin near Jenin, Canaan works with 43 olive oil cooperatives with 1700 farmers, spead over the districts of Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, and Ramallah. Canaan's olive oil is fair trade and organic certified, produced through traditional farming practices of Palestine. They are now available at , and through for purchases outside Palestine.
With the joining of Canaan, Sunbula now works with a total of 16 organizations across Palestine. |
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Farewell to Julia Dabdoub
President of Bethlehem Arab Women's Union
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Sunbula mourns the passing of Julia Dabdoub, the president of , one of our partner organizations. BAWU was established in 1948, and initially served as a feeding center for the refugees pouring into Bethlehem as a result of Al-Nakba* and later as an income-generation project through the handicraft production. A renowned local figure, Ms. Dabdoub was also instrumental in establishing Bethlehem Folklore Museum adjacent to BAWU in 1979. She will be missed greatly, but her love and passion for the Bethlehem heritage will be kept alive in . (*Palestinian Catastrophe caused by the creation of the state of Israel.)
Read an by and with Julia Dabdoub. |
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