Palestinian bank joins Syria relief initiative

Bank of Palestine said Sunday that it was donating funds to sponsor a truck loaded with 40 tons of food as part of its previously announced initiative to assist Palestinians in Syria. The director of the bank's administration, Hashem al-Shawa, called the head of the campaign, Muhammad Ishtaya, and informed him of the amount of money set to be donated. Ishtaya said Al-Shawa informed him that there was an additional amount contributed by the bank’s employees, approximately 1 percent of their salaries for the month. Ishtaya applauded the bank's efforts to help those in Syria who live under difficult conditions. The campaign targets Syrian refugee camps and was formed upon the recommendation of President Mahmoud Abbas. He has urged banks, companies and private initiatives to participate. "The campaign’s goal is to affirm Palestinian unity despite distances," he said. The truck is scheduled to depart at the beginning of next week.