Palestinian Bar Association Donates $50,000 in Support to Al-Makassed and Al-Mutala' Hospitals
Jerusalem – The Head of the Palestinian Bar Association, Attorney Jawad Obeidat, along with Fadi Abbas, a member of the Bar Council, visited Al-Makassed Hospital and Augusta Victoria Hospital/Al-Mutala' yesterday. They were received by Dr. Izzidin Hussein, Director General of Al-Makassed Hospital; Dr. Haitham Al-Hassan, Head of the Surgery Department; former director Mr. Jamal Al-Daqqaq, Financial Manager; and Dr. Ashraf Al-A’war, Legal Advisor, as well as Dr. Walid Namoor, Director of Augusta Victoria Hospital/Al-Mutala'.
His Excellency the Bar Association President presented a check for $25,000 to Al-Mutala' Hospital and another check for $25,000 to Al-Makassed Hospital—on behalf of Palestinian lawyers—as support for these medical institutions that provide essential services in the Holy City. This comes amid the fierce attacks and systematic targeting faced by Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem under the policies of the occupation government.
In response, Dr. Izzidin Hussein, Director General of Al-Makassed Hospital, expressed his gratitude to the Palestinian Bar Association for this generous donation, emphasizing that such gestures reflect the Bar’s unwavering commitment to sustaining these medical institutions in Jerusalem. He praised the vital role played by Palestinian lawyers and their union.
For his part, Dr. Walid Namoor, Director General of Al-Mutala' Hospital, stated that this visit by the Palestinian Bar Association reflects a longstanding tradition of social responsibility. He commended the Bar’s initiative, particularly during the current crisis threatening Jerusalem’s institutions, as a crucial effort to prevent their closure and ensure continued medical services for the Palestinian people.
Obeidat reaffirmed the Bar Association’s dedication to preserving Jerusalem’s institutions and conveyed greetings from Palestinian lawyers to these hospitals, which serve Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem. He described both hospitals as "enduring medical landmarks and fortresses of the Holy City." He also called on official and non-official institutions, as well as other unions, to extend their support to help these institutions withstand their current hardships.
The Director General of Al-Makassed Hospital presented a certificate of appreciation to the Bar Association and its council in recognition of their contribution. Both parties agreed to establish memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to unify efforts and expand services.
It is worth noting that the Palestinian Bar Association had previously pledged $50,000 in support to the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 crisis.