An emotional day

I visited two families today. This is the story of the first family, the Hejazy's.

Salim Hejazy and his wife Neama live with their seven children in Thabra, a small community in the hill country south of Bethlehem, between Bethlehem and Hebron. The family has lived in a tiny single shack for the past 25 years.

In 2002, their son, Amer, at the age of 5, developed a fever and needed urgent medical attention. Neama carried him all the way to Bethlehem, a distance of 8-10 kilometres. 

Unfortunately the 2^nd intifada was at its height and Israel had in progress, and closed down all the Palestinian towns and cities, including Bethlehem. She was not permitted to enter by the Israeli military, so she carried Amer all the way back home. In desperation, even though it was even further, she decided to set off carrying him to Hebron. But the army had also closed roads around Hebron and threatened to shoot her if she tried to continue. She had to return home. Soon after Amer had an aneurism, which left him severely brain damaged. Now, at the age of 17, he really needs special care, but the family cannot afford this. Amer can only eat special food, which costs 66 Shekels per day – about 2/3 of the amount that Salim earns working at the local quarry.

The shack has a single cold water tap and is in very poor condition. The ceiling in one of the rooms is collapsing, as the roof is weak. It is not suitable for 9 people, especially when one of them is severely disabled.

The Holy Land Trust has decided to provide some dignity to this lovely family by providing them with a home which is suitable for their needs. Work started in 2011 and has now reached the stage where the external structure is finished. Around 15,000$ is still needed to complete the work.

The hospitality of this family was humbling. We were provided with tea and coffee and freshly baked kras - pastry filled with spinach, onions and herbs. I could barely hide my tears for this wonderful family. 

And then went on to hear another story...