Catholic Relief Services Honored for Work in the Holy Land

Catholic Relief Services
Friday, 24 October 2003

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) today received the Living Stones award from the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF). The award was accepted by CRS President Ken Hackett at HCEF's fifth international conference, held in Washington, DC. The Living Stones Award is given to institutions that have made significant contributions to the welfare of Christians in the Holy Land.

"I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of CRS, and in particular on behalf of our staff in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza," said Hackett. "Those men and women face the same daily uncertainties and threats to their personal safety as the people they seek to help. Their steadfast commitment to peace and justice for all who live in the Holy Land is a true example of solidarity in action."

CRS has been working in the Holy Land since 1961. Continued unrest has left many in need, and CRS provides assistance to the most vulnerable Palestinians through activities like job creation, agriculture projects, small lending programs and the provision of medical and food supplies. This year, the agency established 10 volunteer-run community youth centers, which provide activities that help reduce psychological stress and alleviate feelings of isolation.

Founded in 1999, the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation seeks to increase awareness among American Christians of the needs of Christians in the Holy Land, to enrich the lives of American Christians through contacts with Christians in the Holy Land and to support programs that encourage and assist Christians to remain in the Holy Land.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org