Biblelands expresses concern after expansion of Separation Wall

BibleLands has expressed concern for pupils and staff at its centre for the visually impaired in Jerusalem following the recent completion of a section of the Separation Wall that divides East Jerusalem from the West Bank.

The Helen Keller Centre provides a holistic education for visually impaired children. Up to 70 children between three and 13 years old receive an education while older children are supported when they enter mainstream education.

Biblelands' Chief Executive Nigel Edward-Few said the closure of the local Ar-Ram passage was causing particular anxiety as it provides direct access to the Helen Keller Centre.

"These pupils, who are blind and partially sighted, now face an additional journey time of up to an hour or longer, both in the morning and evening when they go home," he said.

"It is hard for us to imagine the added level of anxiety and fatigue involved in their daily journey to and from school, which now involves travelling much further and having to queue for long periods to gain access through the very busy Qalandia checkpoint just to go to school."

BibleLands is a Christian agency working with over 40 overseas partners in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Egypt and Lebanon. BibleLands seeks to enable and resource local Christians to respond strategically and effectively to the changing needs of the region and its people through education, health and community development.