Diocesan News
D&G Gaza Hospital appeal passes €100k mark – still time to donate
Al Ahli Hospital is run by the Diocese of Jerusalem. Dublin and Glendalough’s link with the diocese began with an appeal in 2014 and was formalised in 2016. The focus of the Shine a Light appeal is on the reconstruction phase in Gaza at the request of the diocese.
Archbishop Michael Jackson has thanked everyone who has donated to the appeal to date. He also thanked parishes who have organised events and sent in funds. “This is a wonderful expression of generosity and solidarity on our part with the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem which covers areas that are now household names because of the current war and its escalation across the wider region,” he commented.
The Archbishop added: “We are now clearer that the work on which our money will be spent is to be reconstruction. To date the areas have been identified as the following: the repair or replacement of solar panels and batteries to secure energy supply, restoration of the cancer centre to enable local response and treatment, and the provision of trauma services for children”.
Before Christmas our partners in the diocese explained that about $300,000 of damage had been caused at Al Ahli Hospital. The solar panels, purchased with the proceeds of Dublin and Glendalough’s 2014 appeal are down to 40% capacity and will need to be repaired or replaced. Directly before the war, the Diocese of Jerusalem was planning to expand two of its ministries in the hospital: a cancer centre and rehabilitation centre for children. It is hoped that when war is over this will be possible. The treatment and rehabilitation of children and will be essential and will require substantial investment. Funds put aside by the diocese for this purpose will now need to be enhanced by donations, given the huge increase in need expected.
Archbishop Jackson urged people who have not yet contributed to the appeal to do so. “Those who have not been in a position to contribute thus far are invited to do so as the need for human solidarity, compassionate prayer and financial giving grows day by day as we see greater and greater devastation in and around Al Ahli Arab Hospital and the wide range of people of all traditions and Faiths whom it serves,” he commented.
You can donate to the Shine a Light for the Diocese of Jerusalem appeal online at: Diocesan Funds of Dublin and Glendalough No 1 A/C Current Account, Bank of Ireland, 2 COLLEGE GREEN DUBLIN 2 IBAN: IE50 BOFI 9000 1769 3548 78, BIC: BOFIIE2D. Cheques may be sent to Diocesan Offices of Dublin and Glendalough, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF67
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
087 235 6472
Mrs Lynn Glanville
dcodublin@gmail.com