Jeel al Amal

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A devout Palestinian Christian family, Alice and Basil Sahhar with their daughter Samar moved to Bethany in 1972 and set up a home for orphaned boys in a building that had been used to house animals. There was room for 10 boys, but as more and more children arrived, it was obvious that a much larger home must be found.

Building began in 1982 on the new home that would accommodate 100 boys and be known as JEEL AL AMAL - Generation of Hope.

The boys come from various backgrounds, some are orphans, some are from broken homes or are victims of cruelty and some have been thrown onto the street. Those who are fortunate enough to arrive at Jeel are sure of a home, a good education and plenty of love.

Alice has always believed that a good education is essential to give the children a sound grounding for life and the home has a school which takes a further 100 children from outside. No fees are charged as most families cannot afford to pay.

It soon became clear that a similar home for girls was desperately needed, so a two-roomed flat was rented as a temporary measure. Now there are 30 girls and three housemothers living there. A plot of land on which to build a girls' home has finally been purchased after three years of negotiation in very difficult and often hostile circumstances. The money to buy the land has been raised by 'The Friends of the Lazarus Home for Girls in Bethany', a charity set up for this purpose, who have overseen the transaction and who continue to support the home in many ways.

Alice and Samar have dedicated their lives to helping and giving love to these children and Alice always wants 'the best for her boys'. They rely on support from charities and donations to survive. There is never enough money.

St. Mary's has been supporting Jeel since the year 2000 when Guildford Diocese sent a party of pilgrims to the Holy Land and to visit the home. They found happy children who were delighted to see visitors (and their presents). Sadly visitors are now very few and they are greatly missed.

St. Mary's is continuing to give support to the children at Jeel.

Jeel Al Amal
PO Box 20106
East Jerusalem