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Ramallah Friends Campaign: Spring Fling 2024

LET OUR LIGHT SHINE ON RAMALLAH FRIENDS SCHOOL 

On April 21 we look forward to Potluck Plus! Our chance to make our heart-felt donations to contribute to the Ramallah Campaign -- in Light and Love and Spirit. 

  • Read below for event information and ways that you can help us support Ramallah Friends School, which has been a beacon of Light for more than 150 years in a troubled location.

Spring Fling events and how to support Ramallah Friends School

During April: contribute to our Ramallah Friends School fundraiser. 

Here are ways to make a donation: 

  • Bring a check or cash to the Potluck Donation Box.
  • Make checks out to Bethesda Friends Meeting with RFS in the memo line. Cash is okay. All donation decisions are private.
  • Donate online (PayPal or credit card) or by mailing a check. Click here for donation instructions. 

 April 21 at 12:15 p.m.: Join us for Potluck Plus!

  • Lunch will be outdoors and in the Groome Building’s HEPA- filtered lunchroom. 
  • All are invited. Masks are welcome, not required. 
  • Bring a salad, main dish, or dessert if you can. If not, come anyway: potlucks never run out of food.
  • If you want to make a dish with a mid-East theme, download this list of recipes enjoyed over the years. (NOTE: The recipes are for larger amounts. Please reduce the recipe for a more modest number of servings.)
Make a purchase to benefit Ramallah Friends School 
  • Ramallah Friends t-shirts will be on sale during potluck on April 21.
  • Purchase Palestinian olive oil at our special Ramallah Friends sale table.
  • Make a donation for your lunch -- all funds go to Ramallah Friends needs and scholarships. 



        A 2024 update from Rania Maayeh, Head of School, Ramallah Friends School

        Dear Friends,

        The resilience of our school community shines brightly as we resumed classes on January 16th after a much-needed Christmas break. Despite the challenges faced by our country, particularly in Gaza, our spirit remains unwavering. The ongoing war and genocide in Gaza have deeply affected us all, with many community members having relatives and friends directly impacted by the war, highlighting our shared humanity. Heartbreaking losses within our staff have added to the weight of these challenges, with two members mourning the tragic loss of close family members. The plight of a third staff member's family seeking refuge in a church in Gaza only amplifies the gravity of the situation. Moreover, the escalating violence in the West Bank has cast a shadow of fear and stress over our students and staff as they navigate checkpoints and settler roads.....[CLICK HERE TO READ MORE]
        Rotating photos of past spring fling gatherings

        In past years

        • We cooked, baked, and ate delicious foods at a welcoming lunch. 
        • We purchased t-shirts, olive oil, wonderful plants, and amazing silent auction items.    
        • Members of our First Day School created art work for stunning quilts sewn by a gifted quilter. 
        • The result? We shared meals, museum tours, discussions, and movie nights. And we purchased cakes, shawls, dal, soups, art-work, and get-away trips to the mountains. 

        As we remember our past events and contributions, we hope to continue this generosity

        and sharing to support Ramallah students. 

        • Can you contribute again, either online or with a check?
        • If so, please see "how to donate" details here.


        thank you.



        MORE ABOUT RAMALLAH FRIENDS SCHOOL

        • Ramallah Friends School, founded by American Quakers in 1869 (more than 150 years ago!), is a co-ed K-12 school in the West bank (Palestine). Ramallah Friends School provides a first-class, peace-oriented education to children of all faiths and abilities.  
        • Spring Fling is a BFM fundraising event to provide scholarships for multiple students at Ramallah Friends School. For about 40 years, this school has been a main cause for our Meeting to support, and each year our goal is to raise money for as many full scholarships as we can.  
        • Ramallah Friends School is a leader in Palestinian education, with a high percentage of students graduating with an international baccalaureate degree.  They promote a search for God to all human situations, and to cultivate ethical, moral, and spiritual values.
        • Download a flyer or an information sheet about Ramallah Friends School. 

        "Go Palestine" summer RFS event

        A Summer Experience for Diaspora

        Palestinian Youth and Friends

        For over a century, Ramallah Friends School has been a light of education in a land crossed by many cultures.

        RFS sponsors the summer program "Go Palestine" as an opportunity for Palestinian youth and Friends, ages 14 to 17, in the Diaspora to experience and explore Palestine.   [See photo at left.]

        https://www.rfs.edu.ps/en/program/1449484378 

        A 2024 update from Rania Maayeh, Head of School, Ramallah Friends School

        Dear Friends,

        The resilience of our school community shines brightly as we resumed classes on January 16th after a much-needed Christmas break. Despite the challenges faced by our country, particularly in Gaza, our spirit remains unwavering. The ongoing war and genocide in Gaza have deeply affected us all, with many community members having relatives and friends directly impacted by the war, highlighting our shared humanity. Heartbreaking losses within our staff have added to the weight of these challenges, with two members mourning the tragic loss of close family members. The plight of a third staff member's family seeking refuge in a church in Gaza only amplifies the gravity of the situation. Moreover, the escalating violence in the West Bank has cast a shadow of fear and stress over our students and staff as they navigate checkpoints and settler roads.

        Nevertheless, we stand firm in our mission to provide an education that equips our graduates to become leaders of integrity, guided by our Quaker ethos. Our recent Diploma Evaluation by the International Baccalaureate (IB)  received on the 31st of January 2024 has affirmed the positive impact of our school on our students. The evaluators recognized our commitment to fostering inclusivity within our school community. Despite encountering challenges such as transitioning to online learning intermittently due to the war and experiencing difficulties in recruiting international educators, our faculty demonstrated resilience and cohesion. With many educators boasting extensive experience and exhibiting exemplary teamwork, the evaluators were impressed by our collective dedication to providing our students with an exceptional education despite external adversities.

        In adversity, we hold onto our core values of truth and justice. Amidst these trials, our school has encountered significant financial hurdles, worsened by delayed checks and an increase in families seeking financial aid. Economic hardships affect the public and private sectors, resulting in several families withdrawing from our school. The limitation of increasing tuition beyond 2% because of the war and the dire economic situation, coupled with rising living costs and a four-year staff agreement to raise salaries incrementally, poses considerable financial strains. Yet, with the unwavering support of our Friends community, we move forward.

        Despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and financial strains, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. We draw strength from our collective determination and unwavering support as we navigate these difficult times. Together, we will continue to uphold our Quaker ethos, empowering our students to become compassionate leaders who strive for truth, justice, and peace in our world. We are also grateful for individuals like Ann Procter, who are instrumental in our students' growth and development. Ann's dedication and expertise in helping our children articulate their thoughts and ideas in writing have been invaluable, and we are fortunate to have her support in our educational endeavors.

        In Peace, Rania

        Head of School, Ramallah Friends School





        Bethesda Friends Meeting

        Mailing Address:
        P.O. Box 30152, Bethesda MD 20824

        Our Meetinghouse is on the campus of the Sidwell Friends Lower School at the intersection of Edgemoor Lane and Beverly Road in Bethesda, Maryland

        We are a member organization of the Religious Society of Friends

        www.bethesdafriends.org
        301-986-8681
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