NGOS FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 009580 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/CT AND NEA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER KAWC KPAO JO SUBJECT: NGOS FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORISM REF: A. STATE 218921 ¶B. AMMAN 8828 ¶1. Post has identified five NGOs that are providing assistance to the victims of the November 9 hotel bombings in Amman (Ref B.) None of these groups were established to specifically provide support or services to victims of terrorism and their families. Instead, they are private charitable and/or developmental organizations that have stepped in to aid those affected by the hotel bombings. Conversations with each of the organizations revealed that the GOJ does not supervise or coordinate their activities, and does not provide financial assistance to them. All five NGOs said that they were dependent on private donations for this work. ¶2. The General Union of Voluntary Societies (GUVS),led by Dr. Abdullah al-Khatib, tel: 962 6 463-4001, is an umbrella organization representing Jordanian NGOs that operates under the Ministry of Social Development's Department of Voluntary Organizations (tel: 962 6 593-1391). GUVS can provide contact information for over 800 Jordanian civil society organizations, and is the appropriate organization to facilitate ties between Jordanian and U.S. NGOs. A brief description of the charities providing support for victims of the November 9 bombings, and their contact information, follows below. -------------- - The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) -------------- - ¶3. The Jordanian branch of the YWCA is primarily focused on empowering young women through workshops on leadership, human rights, and environmental issues. It also plays a humanitarian role and is participating in a campaign entitled "We are all Jordan" to support financially victims and families of those killed in the Amman bombings. Several Jordanian radio stations and newspapers have been running ads for the campaign for free. Donations are accepted by wire transfer to United Bank, Jabal Amman, account number 53950, or by calling 090-009-0000 within Jordan. Proceeds from the sales of bumper stickers and posters are also donated to these beneficiaries. Telephone Number: (962 6) 464-1119 Contact: Ms. Layla Diab or Ms. Louris Hellas Email: ywcanat@go.com.jo Address: P.O. Box 5014, Amman 11183, Amman, Jordan. -------------- The Young Women's Muslim Association (YMWA) -------------- ¶4. The YMWA provides students, the socially disadvantaged, and the mentally challenged with educational and vocational opportunities for self improvement. Like the YWCA, it is participating in the "We are all Jordan" fund-raising campaign to support victims of the bombings and their families. Telephone Number: (962 6) 420-7756 Contact: Ms. Ghusoom Khareh Email: sirsaoh@index.com.jo Address: P.O. Box 19124, Amman 11196, Amman, Jordan. -------------- -------------- Society for Protection From Family Violence (SPFFV) -------------- -------------- ¶5. The SPFFV establishes shelters and guest homes for victims of family violence, funds training programs and activities to educate abuse victims, and provides legal and financial assistance aimed at returning the abused to their homes and communities. In regard to the bombings, the SPFFV is providing psychological support to victims through a counseling hotline staffed by 20 psychiatrists who have volunteered their time. The SPFFV also provides financial assistance to the families of the bombing victims and counseling for rescue and emergency teams that worked at the bombing sites. Donations are accepted by wire transfer to Arab Bank, Marka Branch, account number 202200-1/500. Telephone: 962 79 523 2221 Contact: Ms. Asma Khader, Rem Abu Hassan, or Hiyam Gammoh Jahsan -------------- Jordanian Red Crescent (JRC) -------------- ¶6. The Jordanian Red Crescent is part of the international federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and is involved in post-disaster assistance for civilians. The JRC responded to the bombings within minutes, assisted in evacuation efforts, and is currently training volunteers to assist victims of the bombings. Telephone Number: 962 6 477-3141 Contact: Ms. Jill Hamarneh, Head of International Department Website: jordanredcrescent.org -------------- The Jordan River Foundation -------------- ¶7. The Jordan River Foundation, chaired by Queen Rania, works to empower women and children. In addition to its funding of community development programs, the Jordan River Foundation has established a bank account to accept donations for victims of the bombings (Arab Bank, account number 0134048748502.) Telephone Number: 962 6 593-3211 Contact Ms. Maha al-Khatib Donations can also be sent to: Jordan River Foundation Attn: Mr. Earl Glock Law Offices O'Connell & Glock, P.C. 1100 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Fl 9 Washington, D.C. 20036-41114 HALE