Dear Everybody

Marya Amman, a five-year old girl from Gaza who was left paralysed for life from the “mistaken” shooting of the IDF, is hospitalized at the Alin Rehabilitation Hospital in Jerusalem. Eight family members had been travelling in the car on which the army had shot. Marya’s mother, grandmother, uncle and six year old brother were killed. The rest were wounded, and as mentioned Marya was left paralysed for life from the neck down. Marya’s father Hamdi is staying with her at the hospital since the day she was wounded and takes care of her with boundless devotion. Marya is a charming child with whom it is impossible not to fall in love. I have been exposed to her story following Gideon Levy’s article (Ha’aretz weekend edition, November 10, 2006). Since then I am visiting them every day and helping them to the best of my very limited means.

A month ago I published an appeal to all who could to visit the hospital or give donations – as Hamdi needs support, if only for daily livelihood and to buy things which the hospital does not provide. There was a considerable response. Marya and Hamdi got visits, gifts and donations, and I would like to thank all who helped from the bottom of my heart. However, it is still not enough.

Hamdi tends his daughter for 24 hours a day. He remains near her bed and sleeps on a couch nearby, for seven months already. His needs are not provided for by the hospital, and he needs help to fund the mobile phone dialing cards which provide the two’s only contact with the family in Gaza, and for financing the stay of visiting family members, including Marya’s three-year old brother.

In nine days from now, the Muslim “Sacrifice Holiday” will take place and Hamdi and Marya’s family will be arriving from Gaza (those of them who would get entry permits). Their stay in Israel, even for a few days, requires a financial mobilisation to let them stay in the visitors’ rooms of the hospital (225 Shekels per night) and provide for their food and other needs.

Therefore, I renew my appeal to you for further donations. Every Shekel is important. You can send donations to the postbox of The Other Israel, pob 2542, Holon 58125 (checks to the order of Dalia Beker).

Many thanks in advance

Dalia Beker 050-5408547 daliabe1@smile.net.il

(I would be happy to provide more details to anybody interested)