Nablus – PRCS has organized today, the 11th of May 2009, a mass celebration in the occasion of the Red Cross / Red Crescent anniversary at the Nablus branch.
In the presence of Mr. Adli Yayeesh – Mayor of Nablus, Mr. Majed AbdulFattah, Head of the Public Relations and Planning Department at PRCS; Mr. Fa’eq Hussein, PRCS deputy director general; Ms. Leticia Corto, ICRC Head of mission in the North of the West Bank; Mr. Basil Kanan, Head of the Administrative Board at PRCS Nablus branch; Mr. Yahya Odeh, General Director of Nablus Branch; some members of the Administrative Board, along with PRCS employees, volunteers participated in the celebration.
In his speech, Mr. Kanan expressed his deep appreciation to efforts exerted by PRCS volunteers and staff in performing humanitarian tasks despite all difficulties, particularly with the expansion of the Israeli targeting of Palestinian citizens, as well as humanitarian and medical staff.
He also pointed out that the Red Cross / Red Crescent anniversary coincides this year with the PRCS 40th anniversary. He also pointed out that cooperation with the ICRC facilitates PRCS tasks and missions.
In his turn, Mr. Odeh stated that despite major difficulties, the PRCS is exerting continuous efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian citizens. For that reason, many PRCS team members has lost their lives or and wounded.
He also praised the great cooperation between PRCS and crew members of the ICRC, expressing his hope in strengthening and supporting this cooperation so as to reduce suffering of Palestinians. Mr. Odeh also praised efforts exerted by PRCS cadre and volunteers.
Ms. Corto stressed the importance of the year 2009 as it holds the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Solvrino, the IFRC 90th anniversary, the 60th anniversary of the four Geneva conventions, and the PRCS 40th anniversary.
Furthermore, Ms. Corto stated that these celebrations which incorporate within the International Movement Campaign “our world….your move” shed light upon efforts of millions of volunteers and workers who perform humanitarian services in the entire world. She also pointed out that the ICRC will continue supporting the PRCS mission.
The celebration included constructive educational and artistic parts. In this regard, children from the deaf school performed a traditional "dabkah", which grasped the admiration of attendees. Moreover, Husam Al Shakhsheer from the ICRC gave a lecture on the Emblem.
The celebration concluded by providing a number of honorary trophies to the ICRC head of mission in North of the West Bank, Leticia Corto, to EMS centers, and to the youth and volunteer department in the branch.
HQ Location: PRCS
