Dear Friends,

Ahlan Wasahlan

As the first elected council since 1976, we have been given the opportunity to not only continue the work of those who came before us, but also to generate new initiatives for change. It is our belief that with the will to work and effective organization we can take control of what is left of our future and struggle for viable and lasting peace that is the foundation of prosperity for the peoples of the region.

The ultimate goal for both the new council and I is the creation of an effective administrative structure and a long term vision and strategy that promotes and fosters the towns’ economy. A highly qualified staff will provide sufficient guidance for both short term and long term planning, and for public and private development initiatives. We are also seeking to direct and manage town growth, set a new rationale for the use of land and water and optimize income to the council from the different services provided throughout t he town.

As you well know the devastating effect of the Israeli occupation and the nearly finished separation wall on our economy continues to take its toll on our ability as a municipality to provide basic services, infrastructure development and maintenance to our community. Additionally, the recent freezes on international aid and tax revenues threaten to stop our efforts.

To achieve our goals we are very much in need of your continued support. Many of you have been very supportive throughout Palestine and we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and thanks. I would like to take this moment to thank my dear friend, Fuad Kokaly and his colleagues, whose term in office was extremely difficult. He accomplished so much during his term as mayor. I look forward to continuing his tremendous work and to providing help to each and every citizen who needs our assistance.

Please join us in our mission. We need your strength, solidarity and support to restart the peace negotiations and to move forward with peace and justice for our nation. We need you to help us achieve our goal of self-sufficiency and dependence on our own resources. We want not only your support but your continued friendship. Thank you again for your time with us and enjoy our reception.

Hani Al-Hayek
Mayor of Beit Sahour