The Bethlehem Municipality, represented by its Mayor, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, visited the Al-Rahma Orphanage Association, where he was received by the Association’s President, Mr. Atta Mohsen.
The visit aimed to explore professional and cultural cooperation between the municipality and the association, through training widowed mothers and leveraging the expertise of institutions. The visit also aimed to discuss future projects to support orphans and provide humanitarian assistance.
The Mayor emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between the municipality and community organizations, noting that this visit comes within the framework of the municipality’s commitment to supporting humanitarian and social initiatives that serve the city’s residents.
For his part, the Association’s President expressed his appreciation for the municipality’s interest and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of this step in strengthening joint efforts to serve orphans and families in need.

This visit comes within the framework of the strong relationship and joint cooperation between the municipality and the Salesian Institute, which is one of the leading institutions in the field of vocational and technical education, playing an important role in supporting and qualifying Palestinian youth for the labor market through specialized training programs.

During the meeting, the most important professional programs and training courses offered by the Salesian Institute were reviewed, in addition to discussing ways to enhance future cooperation in projects that contribute to empowering youth and creating sustainable job opportunities within the city.

For his part, Canwati expressed his thanks and appreciation for this visit, praising the positive and effective role of the institution in serving the people of the city, and emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation for the benefit of Bethlehem and its youth. He emphasized that Bethlehem Municipality fully supports the initiatives of Dair and the Salesian Foundation, which seeks to develop the capabilities of youth and enhance their role in the development of the local community.

The mayor of Bethlehem, Professor Maher Canawati, received a delegation from the Palestinian Bodybuilding and Physical Federation in the municipality’s house, which included the Vice -President of the Federation, Mr. Bashir Salama, the director of the federation and technical director, Mr. Ghaleb Al -Triter, and the owner of the Nitro Jim Club, Mr. Omar Zawahra, in the presence of the two members of the Municipal Council, Mr. George Ajah and Mr. Hisham Al -Kamil.
The delegation congratulated the mayor on assuming his new position, and he also discussed with him the possibility of cooperation in organizing the Palestine General Bodybuilding Championship, scheduled to be held in Bethlehem Governorate on 10/10/2025, with the federation’s desire to be the championship under the auspices of Bethlehem.
The members of the delegation emphasized that the federation intends to organize an international championship in the city of Bethlehem, despite the political challenges, because of the sport, especially bodybuilding, is an active role in motivating youth, building self -confidence and enhancing healthy lifestyles, in addition to its contribution to spreading the message of peace through the values ​​of strength, discipline and societal unity.
For his part, my channels welcomed the delegation and praised the initiative, stressing that the Palestinian people are characterized by creativity despite all the difficulties, and that sport represents a global language that brings together peoples and enhances sportsmanship. He also stressed the full readiness of Bethlehem to support this important sporting event, and to provide the necessary logistical and regulatory facilities for its success. He pointed out that hosting a championship of this size in Bethlehem reflects the city’s ability to embrace international events, and contributes to stimulating the local economy by attracting visitors and participants, and consolidating the image of Bethlehem as a city of peace, diversity and distinction.

On a visit expressing the spirit of cooperation and community partnership, the mayor of Bethlehem, Professor Maher Nikola, visited my channel, member of the Municipal Council, Mr. George Aja, and the public relations employee Mrs. Miral Jaqman, the House of Raja Association for the Blind and those with special needs in Bethlehem, where he was seen on the message of the Humanitarian Assembly, educational and spiritual services provided to this generous category.
The delegation was received by His Eminence, Bishop Naim Khoury, the sponsor of the first Baptist Church, Bethlehem, the head of the association’s administrative body, Mr. Menouel Musa Abu Ali, his deputy, Mr. Nasri Azar, the Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Ibrahim Awad, the director of the association, Mr. Youssef Sultani, alongside Mr. Maher Benoura, and Mr. Walid Anzouni.
The visit included an introductory tour of the association’s programs, followed by a discussion on the mechanisms of enhancing cooperation between the municipality and the association, in a manner that ensures the provision of more inclusive services for people with special needs, and the consolidation of the values ​​of mercy and societal solidarity.
The mayor expressed his deep appreciation for the role the association plays in serving the community, stressing the municipality’s commitment to support this type of initiatives that enhance social justice, especially for the groups of the elderly and the needy.
For his part, the president of the association expressed his pride in this visit, considering it a reflection of the spirit of the real partnership between the municipality and community institutions, and stressing: “We put all our capabilities in serving the city, and building bridges of confidence with society is the essence of our message, and the presence of the mayor of Mubarak and continuous is a source of pride and pride.”
The attendees also stressed the importance of expanding the circle of cooperation with local and international institutions, including the cities twin with Bethlehem, to achieve more integration in the service of the city’s people, and to support the efforts of the municipal council in its development career.

During the meeting, the researcher presented the mayor with a copy of his new book, “Palestine: The Cradle of Christianity.” The book provides an introduction to the history of the emergence of Christianity in Palestine from the first century to the seventh century AD, covering the historical, religious, and social backgrounds of its emergence and documenting the early stages of its spread, while highlighting Palestine’s pivotal role in consolidating the early Christian identity. For his part, the mayor expressed his thanks and appreciation for this valuable gesture, emphasizing the importance of this type of study in enhancing cultural and religious awareness and consolidating Bethlehem’s status as a global symbol of Christian history.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati participated in the high school graduation ceremony at Terra Santa College in Bethlehem. The ceremony was attended by Father Ibrahim Faltas, Deputy Custos of the Holy Land; Father George Haddad, Director of Terra Santa College; a number of venerable parents; the administrative and teaching staff; the students’ families; and representatives of city institutions. During his participation, Canawati expressed his pride in this group of students, emphasizing the importance of education as a fundamental pillar in building society and strengthening the city’s future. He also extended his warm congratulations to the graduates and their families, wishing them success in their future academic and professional careers.

The meeting included a discussion about the current situation in the city, particularly the challenges facing the Christian community, most notably the issue of immigration. Rev. Awad emphasized the vital role the church plays in supporting the community and its commitment to continuing this partnership. For his part, Canawati emphasized the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to highlighting the suffering of the city’s residents and its churches and strengthening their resilience under the current circumstances.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received the Greek Catholic Church Pastor, Father Yacoub Abu Saada, and the accompanying delegation of parishioners. The delegation congratulated him on his appointment as mayor, wishing him success in serving the city and its people.
During the meeting, Father Abu Saada affirmed the church’s continued commitment to serving Bethlehem and strengthening the resilience of its people. He emphasized the importance of the role of religious institutions in supporting the social fabric and preserving the city’s historical and spiritual identity.
Canawati thanked the delegation for the visit and reviewed several recent initiatives launched by the municipality, most notably the activation of the cleanliness file in partnership with several local institutions and the organization of weekly cleanliness campaigns in various neighborhoods. Additionally, a training program will be launched in cooperation with the Tourist Police, targeting 15 to 20 young people from the city for 40 days. The program aims to qualify and provide them with job opportunities, especially in light of the city’s high youth unemployment rates.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received the Greek Consul General in Jerusalem, Mr. Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, on an official visit aimed at discussing the city’s tourism and economic situation and ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides.
The two sides discussed the profound impact of the political situation and the war on the tourism sector, which is the backbone of Bethlehem’s economy. The Mayor noted that, despite the challenges, the city remains the most important tourist destination in Palestine and needs effective support from international institutions and partners.
The Greek Consul emphasized that his country seeks to strengthen twinning between Palestinian and Greek cities, noting that despite the difficult economic conditions, there is a genuine desire to provide support, especially for projects that create job opportunities and help residents remain in their land rather than emigrate.
The meeting also addressed the state of schools in Bethlehem and the growing needs of the education sector, in addition to the importance of preserving and promoting religious sites, which constitute an essential part of the city’s identity and history. Both sides praised the efforts to strengthen relations between the Palestinian and Greek peoples, stressing that this visit is a positive step towards concrete support projects that contribute to revitalizing tourism and strengthening the resilience of the local community in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati participated in a meeting held at the Manger Hotel, organized by the Arab Hotel Association. The meeting brought together the Association’s Board of Directors and a number of hotel owners and managers to discuss the challenges facing the city’s tourism and hotel sector.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Municipal Council. The meeting emphasized the importance of unifying efforts to support this vital sector. Several proposals were put forward, most notably imposing a nominal fee on visitors to support local services, establishing a vocational hotel school, and promoting religious tourism.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Hotel Association, Mr. Sami Abu Dayyeh, opened the meeting with a welcoming speech in which he emphasized the need to unify efforts to protect the hotel sector, as it is one of the most affected sectors in Palestine. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships and cooperation between the hotel sector, the Bethlehem Municipality, and the Chamber of Commerce, to contribute to supporting this vital sector and ensuring its continuity.
For his part, Canawati affirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to supporting the tourism sector as a fundamental pillar of the local economy, noting that the municipality is working to address the challenges facing hotels in cooperation with relevant authorities. He also stressed the importance of improving the city’s tourism ranking and capitalizing on its historical and religious status. He noted the municipality’s intention to enhance infrastructure and develop public services to provide an attractive environment for visitors and investors, in addition to supporting projects that contribute to the sustainability of the tourism sector.
Dr. Samir Hazboun highlighted the Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to provide soft loans to hotels through coordination with several local banks, to ease the financial burden on this vital sector, especially in light of the decline in tourism. He also emphasized the importance of enabling hotels to continue providing high-quality services, as they are the city’s primary destination. Hotel owners raised challenges related to operating costs and taxes, specifically high waste and water fees, civil defense requirements, and official registration requirements, calling for practical solutions to ease burdens and improve the work environment.
In conclusion, the attendees emphasized the importance of cooperation between the municipality, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Arab Hotel Association to advance the tourism sector in Bethlehem.