Historic Palestine Club Charter

One of the most joyful moments during the flag ceremony at the Rotary International Convention was the presentation of the Palestinian flag. As you know on May 30, 2010 President John Kenny with more than 150 Rotarians and guests celebrated the charter of the Rotary Club of Ramallah, the first club in Palestine after 30 years. What makes the charter of this club very interesting is the sponsoring clubs are that of Israel and Jordan. You well know the relationship between the three countries. Regardless, Rotarians from Israel and Jordan decided to sponsor and nurture this new club. They decided to sponsor this new club because as Rotarians their goal is to encourage peace and serve others. No matter where they live, what they believe, or what political divisions they might belong to. This is Rotary in action. I hope there will be another club in Hebron or as Queen Noor of Jordan put it, a joint club in the Holy City of Jerusalem. While I rejoice in the charter of the Rotary Club of Ramallah; I pray for a lasting peace between these countries.