Help Traumatized Palestinian Children

This year has been like a roller coaster. First the Spafford Children’s Center in Jerusalem was open for two months, then closed March through May, open again in June, only to close Friday, September 25 for at least three weeks by order of the local authorities due to the Coronavirus. The children, families, and staff of SCC are so disappointed. They loved being back at the Center for lessons in Arabic, English, and math; speech therapy, occupational therapy, plus art projects and fun games. Palestinian children, particularly those with special learning needs, were not well served by the minimal online classes offered by their schools, plus many lacked connectivity and computers to even log on. Once the SCC opened, they flocked through the doors to see their beloved teachers and friends.

Children and families felt safe at SCC. The Center had been disinfected, toys and desks the children touch were cleaned after every class, face masks were required, and sanitizer stations were in place. When the SCC is allowed to open again there will be additional expenses to clean the stone walls and floors of the 150-year-old building in the Old City of Jerusalem. Please help the SCC continue to be a place of healing and hope for Palestinian children and families.