Dubai residents create the first online platform for Palestinians

Bilbaal will direct $100 million per year in free professional services to Palestinian non-profits

Dubai, February 11, 2014 – Bilbaal, an online platform that connects pro bono professional services with Palestinian non-profits globally, is raising funds on Aflamnah, the first crowd funding portal in the Middle East. Bilbaal will harness the talent of approximately 100,000 Palestinian professionals, constituting 1% of the Diaspora.  The portal will ultimately be a facilitator and primary information source for anyone interested in helping Palestinians, anywhere around the world.

“The Palestinian Diaspora is one of the most educated in the world. If 1% of the Diaspora donated only 20 hours of their time per year, valued at $50 per hour, we are looking at approximately $100 million worth of pro bono professional services a year dedicated to Palestinian causes,” said Rasha Kashkoush, co-founder, Bilbaal.

“There is a need to improve access to and increase awareness of the exceptional work being done by Palestinian non profits globally. Bilbaal breaks down geographic boundaries to encourage collaboration and promotes a culture of online civic engagement,” said Dana Salloum, co-founder, Bilbaal.

Individual users will be able to search the portal based on causes, location and the type of support they would like to provide such as pro-bono professional services, volunteering or internships. Users can record their search results, rate volunteering experience, create an event, track their own work through a “giving diary” and connect with other like minded individuals. Organizations can post opportunities for the type of support they require. They can also use the platform to promote their events and connect with potential partners.

The platform is currently under construction and expected to launch in August 2014.  Please visit this link www.aflamnah.com/en/bilbaal to learn more.