ACTION ALERT

For Immediate Release
October 22, 2006

Al-Awda Asks Your Support for Health Care Projects

In recent months, the economic, social and health conditions in occupied areas of Palestine, especially the West Bank and Gaza Strip, have deteriorated to an unprecedented and alarming level. A humanitarian catastrophe is taking place due to the continuing economic sanctions and
trade embargo imposed by Israel, the United States and European countries. The health situation, in particular, has been seriously undermined as a result of external funding cuts, together with Israel's refusal to transfer tax monies collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the freezing of PA accounts by commercial banks. The large number of people who can no longer afford needed medical care due to lack of employment and/or
loss of income is alarming. The health system is on the verge of collapse, and thousands of patients will not receive treatment placing their lives in grave danger.

The Ibdaa Health Committee (IHC) in the Dheisheh refugee camp and greater Bethlehem area is a collaboration of professional health care workers and a mobilized grassroots community, doing their best to provide critically needed medical and mental health services through education, prevention, treatment, and professional training under extremely difficult circumstances. The majority of funds earmarked for health care come from international donors like you, both large and small.

Please Join Al-Awda in Supporting the Work of The IHC

The IHC is currently seeking much needed financial support for its surgery and medication projects. The IHC aims to provide surgeries, at no or minimal cost, to approximately 100 Palestinian children and youth. In addition, the IHC needs funds to purchase and distribute critically needed medications to local hospitals and clinics. The IHC has an established record in providing needed medical care and supplies. For example, in 2004, 85 children and
youth received surgeries including ear, nose and throat, emergency general, orthopedic and ophthalmology. This past summer, the IHC disseminated more than $2,000 worth of medicines to Beit Jala Hospital.

The IHC cannot do this work without your financial support. Your contribution can help alleviate some of the suffering the sanctions have inflicted on the Palestinian people and will show they are not alone in their heroic struggle.

Please join with Al-Awda and make your tax-deductible donation today!

Address your check or money order to:

Al-Awda, PRRC
PO Box 131352
Carlsbad, CA 92013, USA

Please note on the memo line of the check that your donation is for the IHC.

To donate online using your credit card, go to http://www.al-awda.org/donate.html and follow the simple instructions. Please indicate that your donation is for the IHC with your submission.

Thank you for your generous support!

Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition
PO Box 131352
Carlsbad, CA 92013, USA
Tel: 760-685-3243
Fax: 360-933-3568
E-mail: info@al-awda.org
WWW: http://al-awda.org

Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition (PRRC), is a non profit educational and charitable 501(c)(3) organization committed to comprehensive public education about the rights of all Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands of origin, and to full restitution for all their confiscated and destroyed property in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International law and numerous United Nations Resolutions upholding these rights. Under IRS guidelines, your donations to Al-Awda, PRRC are tax-deductible.