CRS Partners in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza

The work of Catholic Relief Services is accomplished in partnership with an extensive network of church and local organizations led by the people we serve. By working with partners, we can bring about real changes to systems and practices that contribute to poverty, hunger, injustice and conflict around the world. Our partnerships result in efficiencies of time and resources, especially during crises, when every minute counts.

Ibdaa Cultural Center

The Ibdaa ("to create something out of nothing") Cultural Center, located in the Dheisheh Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, was founded to provide an environment for children and young people to develop their creativity and leadership skills through social, cultural and educational activities. Ibdaa promotes exchanges between the camp's youth and the international community through visits abroad, participation in international forums and conferences, and by receiving visiting groups that come to Dheisheh. CRS worked in the past with Ibdaa to implement the Connecting and Protecting the Children of Palestine and Cyber Bridges projects. Currently, Ibdaa is a major partner in our Building Youth Leaders project.

Palestinian Youth Association for Leadership and Rights Activation

Palestinian Youth Association for Leadership and Rights Activation is a communication- and media-oriented Palestinian nongovernmental organization in the West Bank established for Palestinian youth. One of its main objectives is to prevent young Palestinians from becoming thoroughly frustrated as a result of the harsh conditions under which they are forced to live. They therefore encourage young Palestinians to express themselves through writing, talking and other forms of communication in order to maintain a connection with the community. Their objectives include giving a voice to Palestinian youngsters through specialized media focusing on youth, and increasing awareness among youth of their rights, identity, environment, culture and the need to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Al-Jamaee Center

The Al-Jamaee Association for Public Service was founded in Gaza in 1973. Its mission is to seek a "Palestinian society, where everyone can have access to services and appropriate educational services and enjoy a decent life." It does this by enhancing capacity and strengthening the Palestinian community through the provision of services, regardless of creed, religion, sex, color, political affiliation or geographical location. Programs include sports, support for women and children, and emergency response programs.

National Association of Democracy and Law

The National Association of Democracy and Law was established in Rafah, Gaza, in 2003 with the assistance of Palestinian youth and the community. The association believes in cooperation of all individuals, groups and institutions concerned with human rights. The association aims to protect and create awareness of human rights, reinforce democractic principles, support Palestinian efforts at self-determination, develop and improve the role of women in Palestinian society, and effect democratic cooperation on an international level.

Life and Hope Association

The Life and Hope Association in Gaza focuses on social development and participation to help achieve a healthy and civilized society based on social equality and justice. During the past years, the association executed several programs to develop its management and professional skills through different activities and projects. Life and Hope works to increase cultuale and sporting activities for Palestinian youth, increase awareness of the problem of drugs and ways to prevent drug use, encourage solidarity, and provide aid to needy families.

Civitas Institute

Civitas ("citizenship") is a nongovernmental, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization based in Gaza. CIVITAS was established in December 2001 as an initiative of democrats, young community leaders, journalists, activists and human rights and civil society advocators. Civitas supports sustainable community development through many strategies that aim to empower civil society. The organization works at increasing awareness, implementing advocacy programs, leadership and institutional development, supporting local and voluntary initiatives, and organizing communities for capacity building and experiential exchange activities.

Value-Building Education Partners

CRS helps students, teachers and parents become more involved in education, working primarily with three Palestinian schools: the Latin Patriarchate Coeducational Secondary School in Beit Sahour, the Terra Santa Primary School for Girls (Saint Joseph's) in Bethlehem and the Evangelical Lutheran School in Beit Sahour.

World Food Program

In a world of abundance, where ample food exists for every man, woman and child, 850 million people — 350 million of them children — go hungry every day. Friends of World Food Program engage U.S. entities and citizens to support the World Food Program — the United Nations' lead humanitarian agency in its 45-year fight to end hunger. Their mission is to increase awareness, mobilize support for hunger relief programs, and generate resources for the World Food Program, the largest humanitarian organization in the world.

CRS is one of the implementing partners of World Food Program's Food for Work/Food for Training Program that feeds 120,000 Palestinians a month.

B'Tselem

B'Tselem ("in [His] image") is an Israeli human rights organization that acts primarily to change Israeli policy in the Palestinian Territories, and to ensure that Israel's government protects the human rights of residents in the territories and complies with its obligations under international law. B'Tselem regularly provides Knesset (Israeli parliament) members with information on human rights violations in the Occupied Territories, and injustices caused by Israeli authorities. With the help of hundreds of supporters and volunteers, B'Tselem has set up information stands, distributed printed material, and addressed problems and requests to decision-makers.