MAP 2008 Scottish Dinner - Appeal For Bethlehem

MAP launched an 'Appeal for Bethlehem' in Glasgow on the 17th of October 2008.

Attending were a series of high profile guests and speakers including Pauline McNeill MSP and Olfat Mahmoud, Palestinian Director of the Women's Humanitarian Organization (WHO).

The construction of the Israeli 'separation wall' has had a particularly devastating impact on the lives of Palestinians living in Bethlehem district in close proximity to it.

As the wall nears completion restrictions on movement have not only driven up poverty and unemployment; Palestinians have also lost direct access to health centres that were previously only a short journey away. This had led to frequent miscarriages by Palestinians stuck at checkpoints whilst seeking emergency care. Health clinics mean that encircled villages will still have access to critically needed healthcare.

"The clinics give Palestinians a sense of safety and security that they know there are health facilities that they can access"

(MAP's Director of Programmes)

The campaign will run into the Christmas season and aims to raise awareness in Scotland as well as raising funds that will:

-Increase health care services through GP clinics, home visits from doctors and other trained health staff

-Provide staff with emergency training

-Raise awareness of various important medical and health related issues within the community (e.g. nutrition, pre and post natal care, childhood illnesses, and management of chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer)

-Allow for the provision of basic medical equipment and medication that is commonly needed within the community.

See photographs of the Scottish dinner HERE