The Jeel School

 

For many, their Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is not complete without a visit to Jeel al-Amal.

 

Jeel al-Amal, which means “Generation of Hope”, is a modern-day miracle just a short walk over

The Mount of Olives from Jerusalem in Al-Eizariya or Azariya, better known to Christians as the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus...Bethany!

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Within this small enclave, now hidden from view behind the Separation Security Wall, and sadly

in economic decline, stands the Beacon of Light which is the Jeel al-Amal School & Boys’ Home.

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Jeel cares mainly for boys from towns and villages in the Palestinian Territories, many of whom

are orphans or have endured terrible domestic backgrounds.

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Jeel al-Amal arose from the vision and drive of two Palestinian Christians, Basil and Alice Sahhar.

In 1972, they rented a rundown building and took in 10 Orphans… and so it began. For several

years they worked tirelessly to build the School & Home. 

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Basil died in 1987, but Alice continued her fund-raising efforts building up a vast network of supporters. When she died in 2008, the torch was passed to Najwa, her daughter, who continues

to direct the project to this day.

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                                                                    Jeel is reliant on donations and fundraising to pay for the                                                                                  boys’ care and nurture, providing them with a safe and

                                                                    loving environment in which to grow up until they leave

                                                                    school as it receives no funding from statutory authorities.

 

                                                                    Three hundred children, girls as well as boys, are now being                                                                              educated in the primary school which is affiliated to the                                                                                      Palestinian Education Authority.

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There are over 50 boys living in the Home, and latterly some girls who are housed elsewhere,

mixing with other local children, thereby becoming fully integrated into the community.