Christmas in Palestine

I just got this email from one of our former students in Zababdeh. I'm giving $25 and hope you will consider doing the same:

Dear Friends,

The Middle Eastern Student Association at North Park University invites you to share the most joyous time of the year with Palestinian children and their families. We hope that you will be able to put a smile on at least one Palestinian child this coming Christmas.

The most valid description of Palestinian children is that they are sad, and angry. They are also tense and vigilant. Many are without a smile. These children have learned the language and the meaning of the occupation. Not every child is humiliated by Israeli soldiers or told that his or her life is worthless. The environment, however, sends this message loud and clear.

With your help in 2006 and 2007, we were able to provide Christmas gifts for over 400 Christian and Muslim families in the areas of Zababdeh and Jenin, Palestine.

This year, we hope to provide gifts for 500 families. We kindly ask for your donation of $20-25 that would provide a gift for a family. A Palestinian student from North Park University will be traveling to Palestine this December to buy and distribute food and gifts to families in this troubled land.

Sincerely, Anis Said

Tax-deductible contributions are being accepted now. Checks should be made payable to: North Park University (with Christmas in Palestine in the memo section) Box Number 52 North Park University 3225 W. Foster Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60625