Jericho: A Ceremony Celebrates PRCS’ Volunteers

(Jericho - 2/12/2018): PRCS celebrated today the efforts of hundreds of volunteers at a ceremony organized during the 10th PRCS’ Community Work Committees Forum held at the Banana Land Tourist Resort in Jericho with the participation of approximately 1000 female volunteers working with Community Work Committees in the West Bank. The ceremony was attended by PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib, a large crowd comprising PRCS’ staff and volunteers, representatives from the Norwegian and Swedish Red Cross Societies and volunteers from Community Work Committees (CWCs). 

In his address, Dr. Al Khatib said that CWCs act as great ambassadors for PRCS as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. “PRCS is part and parcel of the Palestinian National Program launched in 1965 as part of the Palestinian Liberation Movement with a view to creating a Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital. PRCS symbolizes the unbreakable Palestinian unity maintained despite intra-Palestinian divisions and in spite of Israeli occupation measures. Its work is expanding everywhere, including in occupied Jerusalem where it has opened new centers. When PRCS was established in 1968, it became the umbrella organization for Red Crescent Associations created in several Palestinian towns. The Society is now a beacon of humanitarian light that guides Palestinians everywhere”, he said.

Al Khatib added that this ceremony was held as the Society marks its 50th anniversary (December 13), the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), the International Volunteer Day (December 5) and the death anniversary of the Society’s forefather Dr. Fathi Arafat (December 1).

Ms. Fatima Skeik, PRCS’ Community Work Director, lauded efforts made by the Society, its volunteers and CWCs in support of local communities in more than 80 West Bank and Gaza Strip localities.

Speaking on behalf of CWCs, volunteer Basima Shawahneh said these committees have braved many difficulties. They have sought to allay the suffering of all Palestinians and to increase the resilience of local communities. “Volunteers working with CWCs help build capacities and raise awareness in various social and health-related fields. CWCs have become an authority in their field as well as a key PRCS’ partner thanks to the will, knowledge and experience of their staff and volunteers”, she added.

The ceremony featured several folkloric and artistic performances as well as the honoring of a number of CWC volunteers.

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