April 4 2002
Latest news from Bethlehem
04/04/2002 - The situation in Bethlehem is becoming more and more dramatic. The mothers, children, young people and co-workers at the SOS Children's Village are also suffering as their circumstances continue to deteriorate daily. An increasing number of former SOS Children's Village children are taking shelter at the village.
130 people are now at the SOS Children's Village, including many young people and their families in need of refuge and food for their children and babies. The infrastructure in the town has virtually collapsed - urgent medical treatment cannot be obtained. The clinic, situated in close proximity to the SOS Children's Village, has been occupied by Israeli troops.
Conditions in the SOS Children's Village are, however, far better than those faced by many others living in the town. Thanks to existing water and food supplies, there are not any shortages in the village. However, water has already been rationed, and there are continual power cuts.
Of great concern to many SOS mothers is the fact that they do not have any information about their relatives. News of some former SOS Children's Village children is also unavailable, and making contact with them has not been possible.