Friends of the Holy Land water tank project offers vital lifeline
Source: FHL
Friends of the Holy Land (FHL) write: Lack of water is one of the major daily problems faced by our Brothers and Sisters in the West Bank. Families in Bethlehem get access to fresh water just once every 25 days.
The public water supply system is in very poor shape. Existing back up water tanks on many roofs are also old and rusted, particularly in older towns such as Bethlehem. Water carried in tanker lorries is often contaminated. As a result, more than 40% of children suffer from chronic diarrhoea and other diseases related to lack of water and hygiene.
Now with the Coronavirus, when handwashing and hygiene are more important than ever, access to clean water is even more important.
FHL is working in partnership with Pro Terra Sancta and, with the help of local tradespeople, has already installed 20 water tanks and solar panels for Christian families in the Bethlehem area.
See a video about the project here: www.cmc-terrasanta.com/en/media/terra-santa-news/20521/pro-terra-sancta's-project-to-guarantee-water-to-needy-families-in-bethlehem
FHL operates an office in Bethlehem to support vulnerable Christians. In addition to meeting their direct emergency needs, when families fall into financial difficulty, FHL's team in Bethlehem also work with other partner agencies to support vulnerable Christians with medical costs and school fees. Both of which can be very expensive often accounting for as much as a quarter of a normal households yearly income.
Friends of the Holy Land have two major projects in Bethlehem, School of Joy providing education and therapy to disabled children and St Martha's House which is a day centre for elderly women, mainly widows or those whose family have emigrated. FHL also provide long term support to St Lukes Hospital in Nablus, by supporting a medical exemption fund for the local Christian population.
For more information see: www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/home