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resolve conflicts through politics and
diplomacy. I believe this paves the
way for many more Israeli and Pales-
tinian organizations, and it adds to the
trustworthiness and meaningfulness
of the UN system.

Q: How does SACH reach chil-
dren from countries which don't
have diplomatic ties with Israel?

There are always obstacles. However,
obstacles exist in order to be over-
come. The bottom line is that nothing
will stop us from treating a child in
need of care and the Israeli authorities
Q: What was it like being at the sibility of giving voice to the voiceless are fully supportive of the initiative,
United Nations? children suffering from heart disease, as are the Palestinian and Jordanian
especially those suffering from rheu- authorities.
Attending this UN session was a matic heart disease -- a disease un-
wonderful opportunity to conduct a known in the developed world -- Q: Do you observe changes in the
dialogue with representatives of dele- that could be eradicated with more relationship between parents coming
gations from countries with which an awareness. It is an opportunity to from countries in conflict with Israel
Israeli representing an Israeli NGO highlight both the work being done and the medical corps during the
would not usually have an oppor- and, at the same time, the tremendous treatment?
tunity to interact. need.
Q: How difficult was the pro- Q: How important do
cess for SACH, and how do you you think it is that the
feel that it compares to the expe- UN recognizes an or-
rience of other organizations? ganization like SACH,
the
transcending
At the official NGO committee ses- conflict in the Middle
sion, an Israeli organization automa- East?
tically generates interest. SACH treats
children from forty countries, inclu- I think it is very impor-
ding Palestinian children and children tant as it sends a message
from countries with which Israel does of trust-building and co-
not have diplomatic relations. operation between people
living on opposite sides in
Q: What is the biggest benefit a conflict zone. Working
that SACH receives through its towards a better future
consultative status? through day-to-day tan-
gible activities is essen-
The biggest benefit is international tial while leaders and po-
recognition of its work and the pos- liticians are attempting to

Of course! Many families come with
a feeling of fear, not knowing what
to expect and relying mainly on what
the local media have told them. They
leave Israel as our friends for life and
as part of the international family of
SACH. They have touched and been
touched by the scores of volunteers
surrounding them throughout their
stay in Israel, be it the doctors, the
nurses, lay people, Jews, Muslim or
Christians. SACH is a true eye-opener
to the good that exists in humanity
and helps eradicate stereotypes, for
both Israelis and Arabs coming to-
gether in the best interest of children
in the Middle East -- OUR Future.

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