Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received Ms. Gemma, Director of the Bethlehem-Cologne Friendship Association, in the presence of Municipal Council Member Hisham Al-Kamel and the Public Relations and Media Team. This visit comes within the framework of strengthening the historical relationship between Bethlehem and the German city of Cologne, which is based on friendship and mutual cooperation in various fields.
During the meeting, Ms. Gemma expressed her solidarity with the Palestinian people, stressing that the suffering they are experiencing, especially in the Gaza Strip, is unacceptable and requires effective international action.
For his part, Canawati stressed the importance of international cooperation in conveying the voice of Palestine to the world, emphasizing that Bethlehem is not just a city of peace, but rather represents a human conscience that must be strongly present in the face of the ongoing injustice to which Palestine is subjected.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Hungarian Representation to the State of Palestine, including Hungarian Representative Gabor Diksazzi, Deputy Representative Ms. Christina Tóth, and Honorary Consul of Hungary to Palestine Dr. Nassar Khamis. The meeting was attended by the municipality’s public relations and media staff.
At the beginning of the meeting, Canawati welcomed the visiting delegation and gave a presentation on the current political and economic situation in Palestine in general, and in the city of Bethlehem in particular. He highlighted the growing challenges facing the Palestinian people, including high unemployment rates and the worsening phenomenon of migration.
He pointed to the crises facing the city, including fuel shortages, which have negatively impacted the municipality’s ability to provide basic services, such as waste collection. He also stressed the urgent need to open new roads in the city to alleviate traffic congestion, which has become a daily struggle for citizens. The Mayor emphasized the importance of promoting Bethlehem as a safe and stable destination, calling for increased visits by international delegations, given their positive impact in supporting the resilience of the city and its residents. He also called on the Hungarian representative to share his experience in Bethlehem with the Hungarian community, to emphasize the city’s stability and security.
Canawati discussed the twinning relations between Bethlehem and the Hungarian cities of Kalusza and Budapest, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing these relations through joint projects that contribute to supporting and developing the city.
For his part, the Hungarian representative, Mr. Gabor Dikszasi, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome, emphasizing that the visit aims to gain a closer understanding of the political and economic reality in Palestine and the daily challenges facing Bethlehem. He also expressed his willingness to support efforts to revitalize relations with the Hungarian twin cities and enhance joint cooperation in various fields.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Beit Al-Hoja Association – Bethlehem, which included Chairman of the Administrative Board, Mr. Manawil Abu Ali; Director of the Association, Mr. Yousef Salti; Vice President, Mr. Nasri Azar; and Board Member, Bishop Naim Khoury.
The delegation congratulated Canawati on his appointment as Mayor, wishing him success in his duties. They prayed to God to grant him wisdom in serving humanity and promoting the values of love and justice in the city.
For his part, Canawati expressed his gratitude for this generous visit, appreciating the community role played by the association, and emphasizing the importance of cooperation between local institutions to enhance municipal work and advance the city of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola CaKanawati visited Bethlehem Girls Secondary School, where he congratulated the high school students on their successful completion of this important stage. He was briefed on the progress of the educational process, accompanied by the school’s principal, Ms. Ibtisam Al-Abed. The visit included a tour of the “Jaffa” summer camp for children, held at the school under the supervision of Ms. Ronza Nasrallah. Canawati praised the efforts of the camp organizers, commending their role in developing the children’s skills and making the most of their time during the summer vacation.

This participation came as part of the municipality’s support for cultural activities that promote dialogue and cultural exchange between peoples. The event featured Korean artistic and sports performances, popular games, and interactive activities for children. Canawati expressed his pride in Bethlehem’s hosting of this cultural event, which embodies the spirit of convergence and understanding between cultures and reflects the city’s role as a cultural center open to the world.

The event was attended by a number of ambassadors and consuls, and included a friendly football match between a Palestinian women’s team and a Swiss team, which ended with the Palestinian team winning.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati and his deputy, Ms. Lucy Thaljieh, received a delegation from the Gender Unit of the security services at the municipality, in the presence of Municipal Council Member Hisham Al-Kamel.
During the meeting, prospects for cooperation between the Bethlehem Municipality and the Gender Unit were discussed, which would contribute to strengthening joint efforts in the areas of awareness and training. The two sides also discussed the current Palestinian situation and ways to provide the necessary support in light of the current challenges.
The services provided by the unit in the Bethlehem Governorate were highlighted, particularly in the areas of community awareness and capacity building. For his part, the Mayor affirmed the municipality’s readiness to provide the necessary support and contribute effectively to developing services provided to the community in this context.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a visiting American delegation and briefed them on the latest developments in the city and the challenges it faces. He emphasized that Bethlehem will remain a city open to peace, carrying within it a message of hope and resilience.
The two sides discussed the challenges facing the city, with Canawati reviewing the most prominent crises, most notably the water crisis and the impact of military checkpoints that impede the movement of residents and cast a negative shadow over the economy and tourism sectors. He also pointed to the restrictions imposed on the health and education sectors, and the obstacles they pose to the city’s development and growth, emphasizing the importance of the international community’s role in supporting efforts to improve living conditions there.
Canawati also highlighted Bethlehem’s religious status as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, noting its historical significance as a center of coexistence between Muslims and Christians. He emphasized the need for the city to remain “open to peace,” while holding on to hope in times of hardship. He also called for strengthening solidarity with the people of Gaza and supporting the steadfastness of the people of Bethlehem to preserve the city’s status and its humanitarian message.

Today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, the city of Bethlehem welcomed the new Custodian of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Yelbo, on his first visit to the city of Bethlehem. The visit was attended by the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, his deputy, Lucy Thaljieh, a number of members of the Municipal Council, the Governor of Bethlehem, Muhammad Taha Abu Alia, the Director of the Bethlehem Police, Brigadier General Murad Qandah, the Commander of the Bethlehem District, Colonel Ibrahim Abu Kishk, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hani Al-Hayek, representatives of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, the Italian Consul General in Jerusalem, Domenico Bellato, the President of the Catholic Action Foundation, Mr. Anton Marcos, the President of the Antonine Charitable Society in Bethlehem, Engineer Najib Nasser, the President of the St. Francis Secular Order, Mr. Hanna Zablah, and the Deputy Commander of the Terra Sancta Scouts Group, Mr. Albert Gideon. A delegation from the Custos of the Holy Land set off this morning from Jerusalem, heading to Bethlehem. They were received by the Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem, Ms. Lucy Thaljieh, the Latin Parish Priest of Bethlehem, the Mayor of Beit Sahour, and dignitaries from the Latin community. After greeting each other, the procession headed toward the Church of the Nativity, passing along Star Street. The Scout Groups led the Custos’ procession before arriving at Manger Square, where the traditional ceremonial displays were absent. In his speech, Father Rami Asakrieh, the Latin Parish Priest of Bethlehem, welcomed the Custos on his first visit to Bethlehem. He expressed his deep pride in this fraternal meeting, emphasizing that everyone’s presence in the City of Peace is a living testimony of solidarity with a people seeking justice and dignity. He pointed out that the world is witnessing much injustice, the pain of the innocent, and the darkness that looms over hearts and communities, emphasizing that today we are in dire need of prayer for peace in the Holy Land. For his part, the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Yelbo, expressed his deep gratitude to the city of Bethlehem for this warm welcome, noting that he came as a pilgrim carrying in his heart the hope of prayer. He said, “I have come to pray with you and to ask for the grace of peace for Bethlehem, for Gaza, and for all of Palestine.” He greeted all the representatives of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities present, calling for strengthening the spirit of fraternity and solidarity among all, so that together we may be builders of peace in this Holy Land.
On this occasion, the Mayor of Bethlehem welcomed Father Francesco Yelbo on his first visit to Bethlehem, emphasizing that this visit carries special symbolism in light of the difficult circumstances the Palestinian people are experiencing and reflects a message of spiritual and humanitarian support for a people seeking peace. He affirmed that the city of Bethlehem, despite the challenges, will remain a beacon of hope and a place that unites hearts in the values of love and fraternity.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received at the Municipality Hall the Representative of the Republic of Malta to the State of Palestine, Mr. Franklin Aquilina, in the presence of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malta to Palestine, Mr. Elias Al-Arja, and Municipal Council Member Mr. Hisham Al-Kamel.
During the meeting, the Mayor praised the strong bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and the Republic of Malta, appreciating the Republic of Malta’s supportive stances for Palestinian rights in international forums. He also expressed his deep gratitude for the international support provided by the Republic of Malta, stressing the importance of its continuation, especially in light of the difficult circumstances facing Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian catastrophe is worsening due to war, blockade, and famine threatening the lives of thousands. He called for urgent international action.
For his part, Mr. Franklin expressed his appreciation for the city of Bethlehem, noting its historical, religious, and global tourism significance, and the importance of supporting the local economy to ensure sustainable life there. He also affirmed Malta’s commitment to supporting education and cultural exchange, and promoting development across various regions, despite the challenges. He also expressed his country’s solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the need to end their humanitarian suffering. Canawati concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Bethlehem, despite the suffering the country is experiencing, will remain a city of hope and peace, calling on people around the world to visit it. He said, “Bethlehem is a safe city and will always remain so. It is a city of hope and peace.”