Press Release
Friends of Nablus Hosts Successful Chicagoland Fundraiser to Support New Maternity & Children's Hospital in Nablus
Palos Heights, Illinois — January 25, 2026 — Friends of Nablus hosted a successful fundraising brunch in the Chicagoland area to support the development of a new maternity and children's hospital in eastern Nablus. The project is moving forward under the leadership of An-Najah National University and An-Najah Hospital, strengthening access to essential maternal and pediatric care for families across the region.
When completed, this facility is expected to be the only hospital of its kind in the West Bank. It will be located in the eastern part of Nablus—an area where access to healthcare is more limited—helping close critical gaps in services for mothers, newborns, and children.
Held at a picturesque location near Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, the event brought together community members, organizational leadership, and supporters for brunch, project updates, and a shared commitment to long-term impact. Despite unfavorable winter weather, attendees traveled from across Illinois as well as Michigan and Texas, with additional supporters joining virtually from other states, including Wisconsin and California.
A distinguished delegation of experts from Nablus joined the gathering via live video conference, including the President of An-Najah National University and the Director of An-Najah Hospital, alongside other project team members. The delegation shared the latest developments of the maternity and children's hospital initiative and offered a broader update on ongoing healthcare progress in Nablus—highlighting how this new facility is designed to expand capacity, improve access, and elevate standards of care for mothers, newborns, and children.
During the program, Friends of Nablus introduced its board and shared the organization's mission and ongoing work, emphasizing community partnership and sustainable results. Fundraising was conducted both live and online and exceeded expectations, reflecting strong momentum and confidence in the project's importance.
Friends of Nablus extends sincere thanks to all attendees, donors, and volunteers who helped make the event a success—especially those who traveled and participated despite challenging weather conditions. Supporters can learn more about the organization and ongoing updates at
Media Contact
Feb 2nd, 2026
Pictures are courtesy of Photographer Hasan Said Qamhia
Pictures are courtesy of Photographer Hasan Said Qamhia
Pictures are courtesy of Photographer Hasan Said Qamhia
Pictures are courtesy of Photographer Hasan Said Qamhia
Pictures are courtesy of Photographer Hasan Said Qamhia
Pictures are courtesy of Photographer Hasan Said Qamhia
Friends of Nablus (FON) was established in 2021, driven by a pursuit to support the Nabulsi community. The founding members are based in the United States but have close ties to Nablus with a commitment to preserve its culture and legacy.
Nablus is a vibrant city in Palestine that sits between two mountains, Mount Jarzim and Mount Ebal. It is most famous for olive oil, soap, and its sense of commerce and spirit of entrepreneurship.
The organization is structured to support Nabulsis in Nablus by leveraging expertise and connections of those abroad through special projects and strategic collaborations.