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Founded by the Rev. Elizabeth Knott, 1993
Pal Craftaid
is a proud member
of the Fair Trade Federation
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 Greetings!
From the states of Washington, Georgia, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Tennessee and Michigan, seven members of the Board of Directors of Pal Craftaid, plus five friends, converged upon the Tel Aviv airport on March 8 for a visit to East Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Galilee. This was a first-time visit for some, but for Liz Knott, the founder of Pal Craftaid, it was her thirty-second visit.
We went, at our own expense, because of our passionate concern for Palestinians, who must struggle daily to live peaceful, healthy and creative lives in the midst of political turmoil. Our goal was to visit the artisan cooperatives from which we buy the crafts which we sell and to visit the schools and humanitarian organizations we support through the sale of crafts and through the contributions of many of you, our constituents.
Most importantly, we went to present to the Rawdat El Zuhur School a check for $40,000 - the result of the fund-raising campaign we held to honor Liz Knott and Connie DePond's 18 years of support for Palestinian craftspeople and organizations that support human dignity in the midst of occupation. In 2008 Liz organized a nine-member board of directors which has taken over administrative responsibilities. Liz and Connie are still active in support of the board, in conducting sales and in interpreting the realities of life in Israel and Palestine in churches and other venues.
We were graciously and enthusiastically received by the Palestinians whom we met - both men and women. Their dignity and steadfastness and joy in the face of the very trying experience of living in the Occupied Territories was deeply moving. We returned with new resolve to increase sales in order to support artisans and their families and to raise funds for several humanitarian organizations.
Mary Witherspoon Vice President, Board of Directors Pal Craftaid |
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Support Awarded to Pal Craftaid Partners
Board of Directors Distributes $10,000 to Partners; Selects Elderly Support Group for Special Attention
by Alexa Smith A Jerusalem-based organization that cares for the elderly was targeted for specific Pal Craftaid fund-raising in the coming year and $10,000 in revenue was dispersed among Palestinian partner groups, following action at the annual April board meeting. ATTA (Aid to the Aging) began in 1990 to support elderly Palestinians in a community-based way. Doctors, nurses, social workers and community workers collaborate to provide not only medical help, but social support and services, such as hot meals, coordinated shopping trips and training for neighbor-care programs. ATTA is headquartered in Jerusalem and has been a Pal Craftaid partner for a number of years. The acronym is drawn from the Arabic word meaning "to give." Annual donations to partners are generated through craft sales and donations. The allocations this year are: - Arab Orthodox Society, $900 (This is used as support for three families)
- ATTA, $4000
- Sabeel, Women's Program, $500
- Sabeel, Youth Program, $500
- Rawdat School, $700
- Atfaluna, $1000
- YWCA Ramallah, Jericho and Jerusalem, $800 each
Pal Craftaid Board
Front row, left to right, Connie DePond, Sarah Humphrey, Liz Knott. Middle row, left to right, Carol Hylkema, Jean Henderson, Corita Swanson, Virginia Priest. Back row, left to right, Sheron Antczak, Alexa Smith, Mary (Toppy) Witherspoon |
 Knott-DePond Fund Reaches $40,000; Proceeds Presented to Rawdat School
by Carol Hylkema March 10 was a powerful day for the Pal Craftaid delegation gathered in the early morning at the Rawdat School in East Jerusalem to meet the children who are the school's legacy and to hand over a $40,000 check for renovation of the facility to honor Pal Craftaids' founders. The Rev. Elizabeth "Liz" Knott and Elder Connie DePond selected Rawdat El-Zuhur as the recipient of a special fundraising campaign to honor their retirement from active leadership of Pal Craftaid. A $50,000 goal was set and monies were raised through gifts from the Pal Craftaid board, friends, relatives, those who held sales and supporters of peace with justice for Palestinians and Israelis and for an end to the more than 40-year Israeli occupation. Continue reading Knott-Depond Fund Reaches $40,000 |
Travelers Share Impressions of Palestine
A Visit to the Melia Shop, Old Jerusalem
 The Melia Shop is tucked inside Jerusalem's Old City. It is an outlet for delicate needlework done by women who live on the West Bank. The shop sits inside the New Gate, one of the entrances to the Old City through its ancient wall. By Connie DePond. Continue reading A Visit to the Melia Shop, Old Jerusalem
Women's Cooperative Plans Tourist Cafe, Shop and Museum
 Taybeh is not only the largest remaining Christian community in the West Bank, but it is famous for being one of the towns through which Jesus passed. It has been logged by the Palestinian Heritage Society, Ruwaq, as a historic town which enhances the potential attraction of tourists. By Liz Knott. Continue reading Women's Cooperative Plans Tourist Cafe, Shop and Museum
Conflict Resolution Center Brings Reconciliation to Palestinians
 Zoughbi Zoughbi, founder and director of Wi'am, the Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center in Bethlehem, was preparing to leave in the afternoon for a trip to Germany on behalf of the center. But he sat down with our group of ten women and two men and talked with us as though he had all the time in the world. From him we learned much about Palestinian values and the ways that the center seeks to bring reconciliation at many levels, starting with individuals and families but including the whole world. He told us that the center works to "empower the weak and bring the strong to their senses." By Mary Witherspoon. Continue reading Conflict Resolution Center Brings Reconciliation to Palestinians |
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