The Engineers Syndicate – Bethlehem Branch extended its congratulations to the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, on his assumption of his duties. The visit took place during an official visit to the Bethlehem City Hall, which included Engineer Munjed Al-Hawash, the Syndicate’s representative; Engineer Bashar Danoun, a member of the branch committee; Engineer Hanna Al-Alam; Engineer Abed Fawaghra; and Engineer Marah Al-Atrash.
During the meeting, Canawati emphasized the importance of the partnership with the Engineers Syndicate, emphasizing the municipality’s full readiness to cooperate and provide the necessary expertise and capabilities to serve the public interest and promote an organized and safe urban environment.
The attendees also discussed the most prominent challenges facing joint work, including controlling citizen violations and preventing unlicensed construction. They emphasized the need to activate the role of the building inspector and coordinate field visits between the supervising engineer and the municipal inspector to ensure the preparation of accurate and comprehensive reports on buildings under construction. The importance of implementing a digital system linking the Syndicate and the Municipality was also addressed. This allows transactions to be submitted electronically, with the possibility of adding comments to the municipality and reviewing them by the engineering office, particularly regarding the examination of heights, dimensions, and setbacks. This aims to expedite procedures and achieve a qualitative shift in the flow of transactions.
The Syndicate also called for support for engineering training and development programs, through specialized courses in engineering supervision and occupational safety, to enhance the quality of work and raise the efficiency of engineering personnel in the governorate.
The possibility of organizing agreements to facilitate the process of membership in institutions and the flexible payment of dues was also raised.

As part of its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the city’s health sector, the Bethlehem Municipality visited Caritas Baby Hospital, where a municipal delegation headed by Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati met with the hospital’s Executive Director, Mr. Issa Al-Bandak, and a number of members of the administrative and medical staff.
The visit aimed to discuss several issues of mutual interest, particularly in the areas of development, organization, and joint coordination between the two sides. During the meeting, they discussed ways to improve cooperation and services around the hospital, which would positively impact citizens’ health.
During the visit, the Mayor emphasized the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to strengthening communication and cooperation with the city’s health sector, noting the importance of joint work to improve the quality of services and enhance the surrounding environment to serve the public good and citizens.

This noble act reflects his high moral values ​​and sense of responsibility, and embodies an exemplary model of honesty and dedication to work. We extend our deepest appreciation and respect to him for his honorable stance, which sets an example for all those working in the field.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Bank of Palestine, including the Southern District Manager, Ms. Reem Qaraqe, and a number of employees from the bank’s Bethlehem branch. The delegation congratulated Canawati on assuming his duties as Mayor. The meeting addressed prospects for joint cooperation between the two parties, particularly in development and economic sectors that serve the city and its residents.
During the meeting, the Mayor emphasized the importance of the existing relationship with the Bank of Palestine, describing it as a long-term strategic partnership. He also highlighted the municipality’s full commitment to strengthening this relationship to serve the public interest. He also addressed the importance of Bethlehem’s tourist and religious sites and their vital role in supporting the local economy, as they are an important source of income and job opportunities, and an indicator of the city’s position on the global tourism map.
For her part, Ms. Reem Qaraqe expressed the bank’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with the Bethlehem Municipality and the public sector, emphasizing that the Bank of Palestine allocates 5% of its annual profits to support social responsibility, reflecting its commitment to supporting official institutions and the local community. The bank’s delegation also presented the banking services it provides, highlighting the bank’s stability and financial strength, as well as its role in alleviating the economic burdens on citizens, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continued coordination and intensified joint efforts between the two sides.

The Bethlehem Municipality, represented by its Mayor, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, participated in a ceremony to hand over firefighting, rescue, and ambulance equipment to volunteers from the Terra Sancta Scouts Group – Eagles of the Nativity. The ceremony was supported by the Canadian government and in cooperation with the Civil Defense Directorate in the Bethlehem Governorate.
The ceremony was attended by the group’s spiritual guide, Father Rami Asakrieh; the Director of Civil Defense in Bethlehem, Lieutenant Colonel Ali Hantash; and the group’s leader, Mr. George Canawati. Members of the Scouts’ Boards of Directors and Leadership, as well as a number of members and volunteers, were also present.
In his speech, the Mayor welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of scouting and volunteer work in serving the community. He considered scouting volunteerism to be one of the finest forms of good citizenship. He praised the Terra Sancta Scouts’ historic and vital role in the city and Palestine in general. He also commended the establishment of this specialized firefighting and rescue unit, emphasizing that it is a successful start to harnessing all capabilities to serve Bethlehem and its people. For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Ali Hantash explained that the delivery of the equipment comes within the framework of the Civil Defense’s commitment to developing the skills of volunteers. He noted that 35 volunteers from the group have received specialized training in dealing with and monitoring risks, in cooperation with the Civil Defense Directorate, enhancing the teams’ ability to respond quickly and effectively.
Group Commander Mr. George Canawati also conveyed his greetings to Major General Akram Thawabteh, Director General of Civil Defense, appreciating his efforts in supporting scouts and strengthening their societal role. He emphasized the Terra Sancta Group’s commitment to cooperating with all official bodies to serve the nation and the Bethlehem community in particular.
Father Rami Asakrieh congratulated this achievement, expressing his pride in the group and its contributions in various fields, noting that this step represents a qualitative addition to the group’s journey.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a ten-member delegation from a local church in Alabama, USA, in cooperation with the Holy Land Trust.
The Mayor welcomed the visiting delegation, expressing his appreciation for such visits, which contribute to conveying a clear picture of the Palestinian reality to the international community. He briefed them on the current situation in the city, reviewing the most prominent challenges facing it in light of Israeli policies, most notably the separation wall that isolates the city and restricts the movement of residents, negatively impacting various aspects of life, especially the economic and tourism sectors. He also pointed to the worsening water crisis, the strict restrictions on the entry of workers to Jerusalem, and the sharp decline in the tourism sector due to tightened visa procedures and the cancellation of visits by international delegations.
For her part, Deputy Mayor Lucy Thaljieh spoke about the unique social fabric of Bethlehem, based on Muslim-Christian coexistence, pointing to the “Kairos Palestine” document, which reflects the voice of Palestinian Christians demanding justice and human rights. The American delegation expressed its deep appreciation for the warm welcome, affirming its commitment to conveying the Palestinian narrative to the American public and working to promote the values ​​of solidarity and justice.

Cairo Amman Bank’s management and staff, represented by Bethlehem Branch Manager, Ms. Sireen Musleh, extended their congratulations to Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati on his appointment as mayor. The meeting was attended by Deputy Mayor Lucy Thaljieh, Municipal Council Member Samir Abu Dayeh, and Public Relations and Media Director Carmen Ghattas.
During the meeting, Musleh emphasized the strong relationship between the bank and the Bethlehem Municipality, describing it as a solid and long-standing partnership. She affirmed the bank’s constant readiness to provide the necessary support to assist the municipality’s efforts in various fields.
For his part, Canawati expressed his appreciation for this gesture, emphasizing the importance of enhancing Cairo Amman Bank’s involvement in supporting municipal work and community engagement. He also commended the bank’s rapid response and ongoing cooperation, noting that the relationship with Cairo Amman Bank represents a model of a strategic partnership based on trust and integration.

During the meeting, which was attended by several members of the Municipal Council, the two sides discussed avenues for joint cooperation between the two municipalities in various fields, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts between local authorities to contribute to improving the level of services provided to citizens, especially in light of the exceptional circumstances facing the Palestinian people. Both parties emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between Palestinian municipalities to confront current challenges and support the resilience of local communities through joint development and community initiatives.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati and his deputy, Lucy Thaljieh, received a delegation of representatives from the General Union of Palestinian Women, a number of women’s associations, and the Women’s Development Institutions Association. The delegation was attended by Deputy Secretary of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, Ms. Khawla Al-Azraq; Central Committee member and Fatah member/Bethlehem Region, Ms. Khadija Radaideh; Fatah member/Bethlehem Region, Ms. Maryam Salah; former Chair of the Municipality’s Steering Committee, Ms. Shireen Moj; and Chair of the Consultative Forum for Local Authorities in Palestine (Takamul), Ms. Yola Khair. Representatives from the Rural Women’s Development Association, Ms. Rula Al-Saras and Ms. Shireen Hajal Khoury, and representatives from the TAM Foundation for Women’s Development and Media, as well as feminist activists, were also present. The visit aimed to discuss prospects for joint cooperation and the development of services provided to Palestinian women. The Mayor welcomed the visiting delegation, commending the prominent role played by his deputy, Lucy Thaljieh, as an effective feminist voice within the municipality. He also emphasized the high competence of Palestinian women in various fields and the municipality’s commitment to providing resources and training programs that empower women and enhance their community participation. He affirmed the municipality’s commitment to expanding the scope of programs targeting women to enhance their societal standing. He also emphasized the municipality’s endeavor to exploit every possible opportunity to employ women and support their presence in municipal work.
For her part, Ms. Lucy Thaljieh explained the weekly market organized by the municipality at the Peace Center, in partnership with the Rural Women’s Development Association, to support women and their home-based products. He also explained the efforts of the municipality and its partners in the Slow Food Project, which aims to raise awareness of traditional Palestinian food and empower women economically.
The delegation praised the efforts of the Bethlehem Municipality despite the challenges and limited resources, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination to achieve tangible results. They also expressed their confidence in the Mayor and his deputy, emphasizing Ms. Lucy’s role in amplifying women’s voices and defending their rights. They called for the inclusion of additional programmes within the municipality’s plan aimed at empowering women and enhancing their role in the local development process.

This came during the Minister’s meeting in his office today, Sunday, with Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati, in the presence of Undersecretary of the Ministry Raed Muqbil and Director General of Bethlehem Local Government Suleiman Abu Mufreh.