Augusta Victoria Hospital
Remember when St. Luke’s supported a building project at Augusta Victoria Hospital! President Joe Biden visited the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)-operated Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in Jerusalem July 15 as part of a two-day presidential visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Biden’s stop at the hospital is the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to the eastern part of the city.
In remarks made at the hospital, Biden announced a $100 million multi-year commitment toward the East Jerusalem Hospital Network(EJHN), of which AVH is a member. He also welcomed a $25 million contribution from the United Arab Emirates and encouraged other nations around the region and the world to step up their contribution in support of “the vital work that is being done here.”
“I’m honored to be able to see first-hand the service and quality of care you provide the Palestinian people,” Biden said. “These hospitals are the backbone of the Palestinian health care system.”
Fadi Atrash, CEO of AVH, in his address to Biden called the visit a “courageous statement of support for the Palestinians and a genuine call for peace in the Holy Land.” He also mentioned the crucial role of the hospital in the Palestinian health care system, affirming the commitment of LWF: “We are willing to continue playing this role to make the lives of our people healthier and for health care to be accessible.”
Atrash also remembered the ongoing commitment of the Biden family to the hospital. First Lady Jill Biden had visited AVH in March 2010 and made a donation to its oncology ward.
Biden in his address emphasized that the U.S. will continue to work with Palestinian leaders, the Israeli government and international partners to ensure that the EJHN remains “sustainable, available, and is able to provide the high-quality care” it provides its patients.
