GreenCities

Dear friends,

Murad has asked that I share with you the current critical status of the Marda Permaculture Farm. Together, we have made great progress in developing the Farm in the most challenging of circumstances. However, since Murad's return to Marda about nearly 3 years ago, he has steadily chipped away at savings from his years working in the US. Last year, he turned down work in the West Bank to run the workshop. Since that time he has been unsuccessful in finding work in the West Bank Palestine

Murad has to care for his family--his wife Gada, his 11 month old daughter, and a new baby girl expected in August, Basic costs of living in Marda are high and rising. Now Murad has to make a heartbreaking choice. He has the opportunity to travel overseas where he may be able to find work.

This would mean putting the Marda Permaculture Farm on an indefinite hold, probably for several years as he again saves up money to send home. Remaining donated funds to the Marda Farm would be invested in infrastructure for the farm, and its care would be turned over to Murad's brother in his absence.

This comes at a time where the Marda Permaculture Farm has the potential to truly move to the next level. Finally, as of this past November, we are an official NGO in the West Bank. We have written a comprehensive grant proposal that has gone to several large international funders--with very positive feedback so far--but will not hear back for several months.

Drylands Permaculture experts Geoff and Nadia Lawton have said they would act as instructors for a full 2-week Permaculture Design Course to take place next spring. Also, a man from a nearby village recently contacted Murad, asking him to come and help him design a "branch" site for the Marda Permaculture Farm. The UK Permaculture Association raised L950 for the project--which will be used to help build the orchard and other infrastructure for the Farm.

Murad is devastated to leave his family, his home, and his beloved project--but he sees no other choice. In order to provide sufficient security of funds to enable him to stay, we would need to raise funds to support him for a year--so that he could devote his time to the farm, and support his family while there. This would also provide time for larger funding to come through.

This total amount of funding would need to be $15,000. Leah Giblin, a young friend of Murad's from Chicago, raised $2,000 for Murad at a benefit this past Friday. That leaves $13,000 to go. We also need to find a dedicated volunteer to assist in writing more grants. Please contact me if you are interested in this position, and I will give you a more comprehensive position description. I have several grants that could be written.

Murad needs to decide by early April. Please contact me if you would like to pledge a donation to keep the Marda Farm alive. By April 1, we will tally the total pledged funds, and Murad will make his decision. Please also contact me if you would like a copy of our proposal, so that you can borrow talking points for potential funders.

For more information, and to better communicate the project, follow these article and blog links:

Official website and blog on details of project and site for easy online donation