Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim comforts Miriam, a 10 year old from Hebron who was wounded by Israeli gunfire nine days earlier as she and her parents attempted to travel to Jerusalem for dialysis treatment at the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH). Patients, as well as hospital staff, continue to have difficulties reaching the AVH because of checkpoints and closures. The Augusta Victoria Hospital is the only pediatric dialysis unit serving the Palestinian areas. (April 25, 2002; photo by Mark Brown)

Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, Director of the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in Jerusalem, explained to the NCC delegation the many difficulties that Palestinian humanitarian institutions are facing due to the escalation of violence in the area. Dr. Nasser reported that hospital staff received only one-third of their salaries in March so that there would be enough money to purchase supplies. He referred to the dilemma he faces each month, whether to buy medicines or pay 180 employees, as the "CEO's choice." The AVH serves as a depot for medical supplies that are shifted to hospitals and clinics in the West Bank. Also pictured: The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., Senior Minister, The Riverside Church, New York City (left) and Ramzi Zananiri, Director of the International Christian Committee in Jerusalem (right).   (April 25, 2002; photo by Mark Brown)

Augusta Victoria Hospital, Jerusalem. (April 25, 2002; photo by Mark Brown)

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Eirinaios (right), and Elenie Huszagh, NCC President. (April 24, 2002; photo by Mark Brown)

Rabbi Ron Kronish, Director of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel, and Yehezkel Landau, Administrative Director of Open House, spoke of the fear gripping both the Palestinian and Israeli communities at this time. Mr. Landau, referring to the need for truth and reconciliation, said: "Israeli Jews add insult to injury by ignoring or covering up what happened in 1948." Mr. Landau called for a strong peace coalition in the U.S. of interreligious leaders. (April 25, 2002; photo by Mark Brown)

The Rev. Robert S. Jones (National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc., West Chester, Pa.) (left) and His Eminence Cyril Aphrem Karim (Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch for the Eastern United States, Teaneck, N.J.) (right) are pictured with Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, director of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, Chair of the Islamic Waqf Council in Jerusalem.   (April 25, 2002; photo by Mark Brown)

Bethlehem Food Delivery (April 26, 2002). Members of the NCC delegation accompanied five trucks loaded with food supplies to Bethlehem and Beit Jala. Bethlehem was under curfew, so the delegation was escorted to its destination through the deserted streets of Bethlehem by the Israeli military. (Photo by Mark Brown)

His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem, joined four NCC delegation members on a visit to Jenin on April 25. The group accompanied humanitarian aid and met with local residents. (Photo by Margo Sabella)

NCC General Secretary Dr. Bob Edgar (right) helps distribute emergency assistance in Jenin. (April 25, 2002). (Photo by Margo Sabella)

Jenin, April 25. (Photos by Margo Sabella)

The high-level delegation of U.S. church leaders visited the Middle East April 17-27 to express solidarity with Christian churches there and to support calls for an end to the violence and the protection of human rights in Israel and Palestine. The delegation met with political and religious leaders in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel.

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