The Founding of the PCRF-Southern California Chapter
On March 20, 2005, Dr. Musa Nasir, Chairman of the National Board of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), invited members of the Arab-American community to a presentation of the work that the PCRF had been doing since its founding in 1991. Southern California’s large Arab-American community opened the door for us to become a chapter and a leading force in the care of children. On April 28, 2005, Dr. Nasir called upon members of the Arab-American community to form the Board of Directors of the Southern California Chapter of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. The Board immediately began its work –
bringing to Southern California two children for medical care all the while preparing for its first annual Gala, which was held on November 19, 2005.
Who We Are
The Southern California Chapter of the PCRF is composed of a diverse group of Arab-Americans, Arabs, and non Arabs who are committed to helping children all over the Middle East to obtain medical treatment free of charge. In addition to the Board, the PCRF is made up of three key constituencies. First are those in the medical community who have generously donated their time and services to perform life-saving surgeries on children. In addition, we have the host families who open their hearts and homes to a scared child as they face the daunting prospect of surgery and countless hours of rehabilitation. And last, there are members of the community themselves – individuals, volunteers, businesses, and organizations whose moral and financial support make the work of the PCRF-SC possible.
Our Mission
The people of the Southern California Chapter of the PCRF believe in strong community values. When one of our children is in need of help, we come together as a community to make a difference in their lives. We shoulder the burden and the responsibility to ensure that our children are not sentenced to a life of destitute and despair. To that end, the PCRF-SC is committed to working with the community to bring children from Palestine and the Middle East to the United States for medical treatment. The emphasis on community outreach is essential to the workings of the PCRF-SC. By bringing medical personnel, host families, corporate sponsors, and ordinary citizens together, we in the United States can provide our children back home with the opportunity to live happy, healthy and productive lives and to one day, join our community network.
Personnel
President: Lily Karam
First VP: Lulu Emery
Second VP: Hala Gabriel
Treasurer: Adel Hagekhalil
Secretary: Randa Issa
Legal Counsel: Manal Sansour
Contact Us
Anyone in the Southern California area who would like to contribute to the PCRF’s efforts may contact:
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
Southern California Chapter
PO BOX 791
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
90274-0791
Tel: (562) 432-0005
Fax: (562) 684-0828
pcrfsc@pcrf.net
