On Monday, 17/2/2020, Bank of Palestine announced the launch of a media campaign to encourage the Palestinian community to collect donations to assist children the disabilities. The campaign “All Together,” will be implemented through the bank’s media partners and various advertising tools on the sidelines of the Palestine Marathon, in partnership with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the United Nations and the Higher Council for Youth and Sports.
The campaign was announced during a press conference held at Bank of Palestine headquarters in the city of Ramallah, featuring the participation of Mr. Rushdi Ghalayini, the General Director of Bank of Palestine, Mr. Jimmy McGoldrick, Deputy United Nations Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs in the Palestinian Territories, Ms. Genevieve Putin, the Special Representative of UNICEF in Palestine, Mr. Mamoun Abassi, Deputy Director of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, and Ms. Etidal Ismail, General Director of the Palestine Marathon, in the presence of several officials from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the United Nations, the UNICEF, Bank of Palestine and journalists.
The campaign will be launched on the sidelines of the Palestine Marathon 2020 preparations and activities. The Marathon, which is organized by the Higher Council for Youth and Sports, will be held on 27 March 2020, featuring the participation of thousands of runners and athletes from various countries around the world, with an aim to encourage the Palestinian community and athletes to run for noble humanitarian goals and donate for children with disabilities in Palestine.
Mr. Rushdi Ghalayini, the General Director of Bank of Palestine, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch of the campaign stating that “it would not have been achieved without the support of exceptional partners who believe in serving the Palestinian community and launching further campaigns in support of children with disabilities, women and other marginalized groups.” According to Ghalayini, “this is not the first time that the bank initiates such campaigns with its partners.”
Ghalayini talked about several humanitarian campaigns launched by the bank, including “I want to hear” campaign, which targeted hundreds of Palestinian children with hearing impairment, in partnership with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society; and another campaign entitled “Mobile Pink Clinic” for the early detection of breast cancer, in partnership with the Trio Jubran and the Dunya Cancer Center, saving the lives of dozens of Palestinian women.
According to Ghalayini, “Bank of Palestine believes that the concept of corporate social responsibility is not only about the financial contribution of 5% allocated from its annual profits, but also about building partnerships with civil society organizations.” Ghalayini stressed that what distinguishes this year’s campaign is that it will be implemented alongside an important sports event that is held every year. The Palestine Marathon, according to Ghalayini, “is an event that features the participation of many internationals and an opportunity to ask athletes and runners to run for children with disabilities.” At the same time, Ghalayini revealed that over 200 employees from Bank of Palestine participate in the race. He thanked all the partners who will contribute to the success of this campaign, particularly the United Nations, UNICEF, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the Higher Council for Youth and Sports.
Mr. Jimmy McGoldrick, Deputy United Nations Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs in the Palestinian Territories, stated that “the partnership between the United Nations and Bank of Palestine is a clear example on the importance of joining forces with the private sector and humanitarian organizations to raise awareness about children with disabilities in Palestine.” McGoldrick stressed the importance of supporting children with disabilities by restoring their rights and achieving their ambitions with dignity and safety.
Mr. Mamoun Abassi, Deputy Director of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, expressed the Society’s appreciation of the cooperation and partnership with Bank of Palestine, which supports the framework of community initiatives that target marginalized groups. According the Abassi, “today’s initiative target children with disabilities who receive various rehabilitation services from the Red Crescent, which is one of the biggest providers of such services.” Abassi called upon other organizations from the private sector to walk in the steps of Bank of Palestine and support the relief and humanitarian services offered by the Red Crescent.
Ms. Genevieve Putin, the Special Representative of UNICEF in Palestine, expressed her enthusiasm about UNICEF’s participation in this campaign. Putin is looking forward to providing utmost assistance to children with disabilities through the donations raised through the “All Together” campaign.
Ms. Etidal Ismail, General Director of the Palestine Marathon, stressed that the marathon, which is organized every year in the city of Bethlehem, will be launched on 27 March at Manger Square. According the Ismail, “this marathon will support both individual and collective initiatives that promote humanitarian values and concepts.” “Running for community and humanitarian noble causes is the objective we wish to achieve, together with our partners from the private sector,” stated Ismail. “Through this initiative, Bank of Palestine attracted attention to human aspects by inviting participants to run for children with disabilities,” she added. Ismail is looking forward to further cooperation and initiatives with Bank of Palestine and the Higher Council for Youth and Sports in the upcoming years, stressing that “such cooperation will encourage everyone to work and implement similar campaigns within the framework of corporate social responsibility.”