HATD’S Mideast representatives wow their audiences on U.S. speaking tour

HATD’s field representatives in Israel and Palestine completed a 10-day speaking tour in the United States in November, wowing their audiences with first-hand accounts of grassroots achievements made possible by HATD.

Both long-time donors and new friends came together in homes and larger venues in New York, Maryland, Massachusetts and Washington DC in November to meet with and hear Ms. Nehad Fattah and Mr. Patrick Levy, who oversee HATD initiatives in the West Bank and Israel, respectively. The two spoke about their personal experiences working to implement HATD’s various peacebuilding through health initiatives, including both the challenges and rewards of guiding Israeli and Palestinian health grantees on a day-to-day basis. They also discussed the important potential that expansion of such efforts holds for the long-term well being of Israeli and Palestinians.

Every day we see the massive impact our work has on individuals and communities alike,· explained Fattah, who has been working as HATD’s Palestine Field Representative since 2016. 1:t is important to share with the world what we see on a daily basis, and it is amazing to think what we could accomplish were we able to expand our efforts.”

Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reel hopeful about what often seems like a bleak forecast for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

One audience member who was new to the work of HATD summed it up, “With all the negative things going on these days in the [Middle East] region and the world in general, it’s truly a breath of fresh air to hear from real residents of the region–from opposite sides of the political divide–come together to speak about a common vested interest in improving lives and the important work they are doing.”