Sheep for the women of Beit Sira |
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The Palestinian families of Beit Sira live miles from one of the most developed countries in the world, Israel, but with the resources and lifestyle of a developing country. While Palestinian women are amongst the least employed, the residents of the binational community of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam in Israel have put this project together to help women of Beit Sira in the West Bank get an additional income and improve their way of life.
What?The “Sheep farming” project empowers women to join the workforce of the community and increase their household’s revenue.
How?It provides 2 female adult sheep to each of the beneficiaries so they can produce milk and cheese, and with time baby sheep and male sheep that they can sell or use to expand their herd.
As the sheep and herd constitutes a sustainable source of support for the families and the village, the lifestyle of the families will improve and start a virtuous cycle for the entire community by adding opportunities of revenue.
Who?5 Palestinian women, 5 families, an entire community of 3,500 residents.
Where?In Beit Sira, an impoverished Palestinian community neighboring the unique binational village of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam (NSWAS) in Israel. The two communities have been nurturing a long-time relationship and the Humanitarian Aid Program of NSWAS has supported many medical and educational projects in Beit Sira over the years.   
 
Check out the full photo album of the sheep delivery.
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Since the start of the second intifada in October 2000, many Palestinian villages have faced a humanitarian crisis. Today, the situation remains desperate due to high unemployment and poverty. The building of Israel’s “security barrier,” the continued presence of multiple military road blocs that prevent freedom of movement to fields, jobs, schools and hospitals are factors in creating a very difficult situation, especially for the inhabitants of remote villages. The residents of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam operate a program to provide humanitarian assistance – mainly, but not exclusively, medical relief – for Palestinian villagers affected by the ongoing crisis. This program aims to alleviate the suffering by raising money for the distribution of food and medicines and conducting medical treatment days in towns and villages. These projects are based on voluntary work by physicians, medical personnel and others. In February 2008, the HAP funded the cost of new equipment and staff training for a clinic in Naalin with the help of the Japanese embassy. The Humanitarian Aid Program (HAP) is interested in receiving donations of all kinds to further its work. All funds will be used to purchase essential items such as medicines and food. The Program ensures that assistance is rendered to those who are in genuine need.
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