Antonine Friendship Link AGM takes place

Our latest AGM took place at the end of August, thanks to all those who were able to attend. Kevin Robertson, Chair presented a review of the last 12 months, and highlighted the worsening situation in Jayyous and the West Bank. Committee members current and new were welcomed and the priorities for the year ahead were discussed.

Uniquely this year we unveiled the ‘new’ Peace Scroll on the night for supporters to sign before a copy heads to the municipal body in Jayyous, the other being held by Falkirk Council. Provost Robert Bissett joined us at the meeting to reaffirm his commitment to the scroll.

We were also honoured to be joined by activist and filmmaker, Jon Pullman, who has spent much time in Palestine. Jon was able to offer his direct insights on the impacts of the Israeli occupation on the population and the implications for politics in the west.

New Peace Scroll developed by local high school art students

The ‘Peace Scroll’ which signifies the link between Falkirk and Jayyous, is now more than twenty years old and AFL worked with students from Larbery High School and Braes High School to carry the significance and intent behind the scroll forward for a new generation, incorporating flora and fauna from Palestine and Scotland and buildings from Jayyous and Falkirk. The text, in English and Arabic, will remain the same as the current scroll.

Huge thank you to the staff from Braes and Larbert High Schools who helped make this happen, and the students for all their hard work.

More new tech supplies for the Secondary School

More new tech in the form of a microscope, monitor and computer equipment has been purchased for the Secondary school using donated funds from our supporters. Many thanks for all our supporters who make this possible. We hope these items benefit the teaching experience for the students.

New tech for Jayyous Secondary School

Monies raised by AFL since COVID have been used to help provide much-needed new IT equipment for the Secondary School. The school have updated us that the new equipment is installed and up and running. New equipment includes a new PC and peripherals, whiteboard and projector. Thank you to everyone who helped us raise funds!

News from Jayyous

The village of Jayyous commemorated the memory of Tom Wallace, a long-standing member of the group and friend of Jayyous who sadly passed away in November 2023, as well as celebrating the friendship and support from Rev. Bob Philip by planting olive and fruit trees.