May 10, 2008

Original link CPTnet

HEBRON: International NGOs rally to rescue Hebron orphanages

Representatives from CPT, UNICEF, UNOCHA, Save the Children UK, Defense for Children International, the YMCA, Relief International and other human rights organizations met in Hebron on 8 May 2008 to help Hebron's orphans and students now living with the fear that the Israeli military will close their homes and schools. The representatives selected a core group of Palestinian and International NGO's (Non-Governmental Organizations) to halt the Israeli attack against Islamic Charitable Society (ICS) orphanages and schools. The core group will also develop programs to ease the anxiety that has been part of the children's lives since the Israeli military stated its intent to shut down the facilities.

Since issuing closure and confiscation orders against the ICS on 26 February 2008, the Israeli army raided its central warehouse, taking away school buses, clothing, food, stationery, equipment, and other supplies intended to fill the needs of the children and their families. Soldiers have welded shut the gates of the nearly completed $2,000,000 Al-Huda girls' school, raided and looted bakeries that provided bread to the orphanages and on 1 April, raided the sewing workshop in the girls' orphanage, carting away sewing and processing machines, fabric, finished garments and office equipment—all of which they brought to the city dump.

Responding to an appeal filed by Jawad Boulos, attorney for the ICS, an Israeli general said that regarding the schools, orphanages and kindergartens, he “gives himself the complete right to take all necessary measures...if they continue to work in these facilities."

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