Financial Update 2022-2023

Thank you!

It’s been a tough year when we have all faced rising prices and more calls on our money, yet once again you have pulled together to support Christians in the Holy Land. The trends we have seen of price increases for food and utilities in the UK have been mirrored in the Holy Land, putting even more pressure on families and individuals who have little or no reserves to fall back on.

With your help we have been able to continue to give grants to all our key operations and fund the School of Joy and St Martha’s House. Our total income for 2022-23 was £877,000, including over £100,000 raised towards

2022-23 Charitable Grants

2022-23 Sources of Income

the end of the year for our water appeal, which we plan to spend in 2023-24. We were able to distribute grants of £511,000 during the year, despite a cautious approach to grant giving in the first half of the year when our income was under pressure. We were affected by the decrease in the value of the pound against the Israeli Shekel, increasing the effective cost of operating our local office in Bethlehem, as well as by increased costs in the UK for example in running our head office in Kenilworth.

We rely for our funding on a wide range of sources of donations as you can see overleaf. Monthly standing orders are particularly valuable to us: we have over 300 loyal supporters who commit to aiding us in this way, thereby creating our only “guaranteed” source of regular income. If you would like to join them, please let us know.

We also have some retail income from the sale of olive wood products and Christmas cards. For the first time our retail income was boosted by our fundraising concert at Westminster Cathedral.

Education

a 4-year programme, and 24 students in vocational training across one or two year programmes. Helping young people achieve a higher level of education, especially those training for a specific vocational discipline, helps them to build a future in the Holy Land.

Employment & Housing improvements

The part-payment of school fees is a core FHL activity, enabling families to send children to 15 different faith schools, principally in the West Bank but also in Nazareth and Jerusalem. Due to continuing difficulties with unemployment and a poor economy, families have found it especially difficult to meet these fees.

2022 saw the launch of our Road to Success scholarships. FHL supported 4 nursing and midwifery students on

We funded a number of employment projects, many of which complement our work in education. We continue to support the traditional Christian

Here’s where your money has gone and a bit of information about each of the different areas of our work:

industry of Olive Wood carving through our retail operations. We also worked in partnership with Pro Terra Sancta to deliver new water tanks, solar panels and housing improvements, creating employment and training for local people in the Bethlehem area. This is an area we will be expanding significantly in the new year.

A new initiative in Gaza is the Arab Orthodox Cultural and Social Center, where we have given a grant for the first 2 years to pay salaries for Christian employees. The Center delivers cultural, social, educational, scientific, technological, sports and recreational activities. Additionally we have funded training for Iraqi Christian refugees in Jordan who are unable to obtain work visas.

Health

We have a monthly budget to cover urgent medical cases which on average help 30 people a month, funding a wide range of treatments from operations to remove tumours, investigations and

tests through to asthma medication or even buying dentures.

We contribute to an Exemption Fund at St Luke’s Hospital Nablus to cover the cost of treatment and medicines for the poorest Christian families who do not have sufficient funds to pay for treatment.

We pay into a fund for the poorest Christians in Gaza to provide medications for those with chronic conditions through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Family support

The most-needy families in the Christian community are identified by the FHL Holy Land Committee or local Clergy and their circumstances verified. FHL then provide regular help with 1,500 shekels (approximately £350) per quarter to these 100 families, including 4 families in Gaza, which can make a significant difference to their quality of life. Cases are re-assessed every 12 months.

St Martha’s House

funder of this project and has been able to continue to support St Martha’s through the trials of the pandemic.

School of Joy

St Martha’s House is the first day care centre for elderly women in Bethlehem aged 70+.

The centre is attended by 30 women, the majority of whom are Christian widows living alone with no one to care for them, either because their families have emigrated, or they simply cannot afford to help. The House is open 4 days a week, providing breakfast and lunch and much-needed companionship. Specialist staff and volunteers (all Christians) provide support for ongoing healthcare, podiatry and physical activities, as well as fun hobbies such as crafts and cooking. The women enjoy board games, embroidery and tending their garden. Once per year we take them on a trip out as a treat. FHL is the sole

The School of Joy at Beit Sahour, just outside Bethlehem, is almost wholly supported by funds from FHL. The school offers children with educational, emotional or behavioural difficulties a chance to fulfil their potential in a safe and supportive environment. In addition to specialised therapy and a free education in a small classroom setting, the school provides free transportation to and from the school, a healthy lunch (the only meaningful meal of the day some will receive) and general health checks. Today 60 children attend the School of Joy.