20 March 2003 Edition

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Céad míle fáilte for Palestinian kids

BY NATALIE CHRISTIE


A Dublin national school principal has started a campaign to bring Palestinian schoolchildren to Dublin and Donegal this summer for a holiday, to stay with local families and be involved in the community.

Seán Ó Donaíle, fom Gaelscoil Bharra in Cabra, is currently seeking financial assistance for the Holidays in Ireland for Palestinian Child War Victims initiative.

The children will be here for respite from the Jenin refugee camp, where Israeli incursions are frequent and families are routinely confined to their homes for long periods, often with no running water or food.

Ó Donaíle, who is travelling to Palestine at Easter to organise the enterprise, needs to raise €10,000 to pay for the holidays.

There are many ways people can help. Sean is running the Belfast Marathon in May for the sixth time, and is seekig sponsorship, and businesses are being invited to become named sponsors of the campaign for €100. Alternatively, people can simply pledge money.

Pledges by cheque should be made out to: Páistí Pailistineacha, AIB 93a New Cabra Rd, Dublin 7. Sort Code - 932280, Account number - 008370260

Alternatively, those wishing to help can contact Seán Ó Donaíle at Páistí Pailistineacha, Holidays in Ireland for Palestinian Child War Victims, c/o 74 An Pheadac, Ashtown, Baile Átha Cliath.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland