Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati conducted a field visit to the Jerusalem Electricity Company (JEDCO) Bethlehem branch and the Psychiatric Hospital to monitor the repercussions of the recent fire and enhance coordination for emergency response.
During his meeting with the branch manager, Engineer Jawad Abu Zar, discussions were held regarding increasing the hospital’s electrical capacity to 630 amps after installing an MRI machine. The request was immediately approved in the presence of the Mayor.
Canawati also visited the hospital to inspect the damage and assess its needs, requesting that the electricity company contribute to repairing the faults as part of its social responsibility. Abu Zar pledged to submit an official request to the administration in this regard.
These efforts are part of the Mayor’s ongoing efforts to ensure the hospital regains its ability to provide health services, in cooperation with the technical staff of the municipality and the hospital.

Within the framework of cooperation and integration between Bethlehem Governorate institutions, and in support of the religious pilgrimage of pilgrims to the Hijaz, the Bethlehem Municipality, represented by its Mayor, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, and a number of Municipal Council members, participated in the farewell ceremony for the pilgrims heading to the Holy Land to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Governor of Bethlehem, Mr. Muhammad Taha, the Director of the Governorate Police, Colonel Murad Qandah, and Sheikh Raed Habib. During the gathering in Manger Square, the Mayor expressed his wishes for a blessed Hajj, a successful endeavour, and a safe return to the homeland, emphasizing the Municipality’s commitment to supporting the people of the city on various occasions. The Municipality distributed bottles of drinking water to the pilgrims before their departure, a gesture that reflects its commitment to providing comfort and support for the pilgrims of Bethlehem. The pilgrims and their families expressed their gratitude and appreciation for this initiative, appreciating the role of the Municipality and the Governorate’s institutions in accompanying and seeing them off, a scene that reflects the spirit of love and social solidarity that characterizes the city of Bethlehem.

Funded by the Municipal Development and Lending Fund, Bethlehem Municipality, through Shraim Contracting Company, paved a street branching off from Al-Saff Street (Al-Dakran) with a length of 120 meters and a width of 6 meters on Wednesday 5/14/2025 in the presence of the Mayor, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, and members of the Municipal Council, Mr. Hanna Hanania, Mr. Hisham Al-Kamel, Mr. Samir Abu Diya, and Ms. Rahab Abu Ahour, and the staff of the Projects Department in the municipality. The paving process was preceded by the rehabilitation of the water line, the extension of sewage subscriptions, and a new basecourse layer.

Father Issa Musleh, Spokesperson for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, delivered a congratulatory letter from His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III to Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati during his visit to Bethlehem City Hall.
In his letter, His Beatitude praised Canawati’s election, appreciating the trust placed in him by the people of the city and the Palestinian leadership. He wished him and the members of the Municipal Council success in serving Bethlehem and its people.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati has delegated Municipal Council Member Hisham Hassan Al-Kamel to oversee the city’s public cleanliness file. The mandate aims to raise the level of cleanliness and environmental services in the city, and to oversee all matters related to public cleanliness in the city. The mandate includes coordination with relevant departments, following up on citizen complaints, supervising workers, and participating in work plans and relevant meetings.

We wish our dear students continued success and extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the school’s administrative and teaching staff for their blessed efforts.

Bethlehem Mayor inspects Psychiatric Hospital and orders urgent measures after fire
Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati inspected the Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital following a fire that broke out in one of its departments. He checked on the health of doctors, nurses, patients, and hospital staff. He instructed municipal crews to immediately begin maintenance work in the affected department, including providing plastering and painting materials to conceal the effects of the fire. Coordination was also made with the electricity company to inspect the lighting network and check the integrity of the wiring to ensure safety.
Canawati also visited Beit Jala Governmental Hospital (Al-Hussein Hospital), where he visited patients suffering from suffocation and checked on their health. He emphasized that the municipality would spare no effort in providing all necessary support to ensure the continuity of medical care in a safe environment.

Bethlehem Municipality Holds Extraordinary Session, Elects Maher Nicola Canawati as Mayor and Lucy Grace Thaljieh as Vice-Chairman
Bethlehem – The Bethlehem Municipal Council held an extraordinary session No. (191) on Monday afternoon, May 12, 2025, in the presence of Municipal Council members Samir Abu Dayyeh, Daoud Salahat, Sandy Ballout, Nader Rahil, Lucy Thaljieh, Rehab Abu Ahour, George Ajha, Hisham Al-Kamel, Rami Kattaneh, Qasim Kanaan, Hanna Hanania, Maher Canawati, Muhammad Rizq, and Raed Salahat. The session aimed to complete the third phase of municipal consensus and appoint a new Mayor and Vice-Chairman for the Council.
The session was chaired by the oldest member, in accordance with the Palestinian Local Authorities Law No. (1) of 1997, Mr. Samir Abu Dayyeh. The session was attended by His Excellency the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Muhammad Taha Abu Alia, the Director General of the Local Government Directorate, Mr. Suleiman Abu Mufreh, and the Director General of the Governor’s Office, Mr. Saleh Subh. Abu Diya opened the session with a moment of silence for the souls of the martyrs. He extended his thanks to Attorney Anton Salman for his previous term as mayor, as well as to Mr. Hanna Hanania. He noted the implementation of the prior agreement, sponsored by His Excellency Major General Majed Faraj, to appoint Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati as mayor of Bethlehem and Ms. Lucy Grace Thaljieh as vice mayor, in implementation of the previously agreed-upon third phase.
After His Excellency the Minister of Local Government approved the resignation of Mayor Anton Salman and the vacancy of the positions of mayor and deputy mayor, the council decided to elect Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati as mayor of Bethlehem and Ms. Lucy Grace Thaljieh as vice mayor, effective May 12, 2025, in accordance with established procedures. The decision was submitted to His Excellency the Minister of Local Government for necessary action. In his speech, Bethlehem Governor Major General Mohammed Taha Abu Alia emphasized that what happened was the result of previous understandings and a moral commitment from all council members based on mutual respect. He pointed out that the election results, which produced six lists, reflect the national diversity represented by the Bethlehem Municipality as one of the most prominent local councils. He added that Bethlehem is not an ordinary city, but rather Palestine’s gateway to the world, and its position is internationally influential, making the unity of its council a national priority. He explained that Major General Majed Faraj’s intervention was an exception due to the circumstances to ensure consensus, emphasizing his respect for Mr. Anton Salman and Mr. Hanna Hanania as national figures. He congratulated Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati on assuming the mayoralty and Ms. Lucy Grace Thaljieh on assuming the position of vice mayor during this important phase.
For his part, the Director General of Local Government, Mr. Suleiman Abu Mufreh, praised the spirit of belonging and responsibility exhibited by the council members, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing teamwork and consensus during this difficult period. He considered what was achieved a trust in everyone’s hands, emphasizing the Ministry of Local Government’s confidence in the council members as leaders of the city. He called for the completion of the agreed-upon consensual procedures according to the rules, as teamwork is the best path to success.
For his part, Council member Mr. Hanna Hanania welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that they are part of a system working to serve the community. He thanked Mr. Anton Salman for his twenty years of service to the city of Bethlehem. He expressed his hope that the third phase would be better than its predecessors, wishing Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati success in his new mission, affirming his support for him and emphasizing the need to overcome differences and work in a spirit of consensus to serve the city. He also congratulated Ms. Lucy Grace Thaljieh on assuming the position of Vice President, wishing her success.
For his part, Mayor-elect Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati expressed his thanks to the council members, appreciating the role of Major General Majed Faraj in fostering consensus to protect the city’s interests. He specifically thanked Attorney Anton Salman for his past efforts, as well as Mr. Hanna Hanania, whom he described as a man who worked day and night to serve Bethlehem during his first term as mayor. He also thanked the Secretary of the Fatah Movement in Bethlehem, despite his apology for not being able to attend, affirming his determination to lead municipal work in partnership with his deputy, Lucy Grace Thaljieh, for the good of the city.
For her part, Deputy Mayor Lucy Grace Thaljieh emphasized that Bethlehem is everyone’s responsibility and called for solidarity and joint work within the council to ensure Bethlehem’s success and optimal service.
The session concluded with an exchange of congratulations among everyone.

Following the explosion of a diesel tank in a truck this afternoon on Karkafeh Street in central Bethlehem, and in the interest of public safety, the Bethlehem Municipality urges all drivers, especially heavy vehicle drivers, to avoid using Karkafeh Street on this day to avoid any potential hazards. The municipality also reiterates its call for regular vehicle maintenance and regular inspection of fuel systems to avoid similar accidents that could endanger lives and property.

Canawati Receives Delegation from French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Discuss Joint Cooperation Projects and Strengthen Development Partnership
On Thursday morning, May 15, 2025, Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received an official delegation that included Mr. Frédéric Cloy, Director of Decentralized Cooperation at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Lou Abramovich, Head of Decentralized Cooperation, Civil Society, and Sports at the French Consulate General in Jerusalem. The delegation was attended by former Mayor and current Council Member Hanna Hanania, Council Members George Juha and Hisham Al-Kamel, Ms. Carmen Ghattas, Director of Public Relations, Culture, and Media at the Municipality, Miral Jaqaman, Public and International Relations Officer, Engineer Ziad Al-Sayeh, Director of the Planning and Development Department, and Engineer Dina Al-Araj, Project Engineer.
The visit came as part of a follow-up on projects implemented in Bethlehem with support from the French government and within the framework of the FICOL program, which links the Bethlehem Municipality with partner French municipalities. The visit also aimed to discuss opportunities for developing joint cooperation, especially in light of the difficult political and economic conditions facing Palestine.

Kanawati welcomed the French delegation, emphasizing the strong relationship between the Bethlehem Municipality and French official and development agencies. He thanked the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its continued support through concrete projects that have contributed to promoting development in the city. He also emphasized the importance of continuing this cooperation, especially in light of the decline in tourism activity, which has negatively impacted the city’s economy and increased unemployment rates. He emphasized that the municipality seeks to implement projects focusing on children’s education and community empowerment. He also noted that the project to develop the children’s public library is one of the initiatives the municipality intends to implement with French support, as it will include educational and recreational spaces that will help mitigate the psychological impact of the current circumstances.

For his part, Mr. Frederic Cloy expressed his happiness to be visiting Bethlehem for the first time and emphasized the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to strengthening decentralized cooperation with the Bethlehem Municipality, emphasizing that this model of partnership is achieving tangible results and embodying the strong relationship between the French and Palestinian peoples. He also emphasized that the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs places great importance on cooperation programs with Bethlehem, particularly those related to civil society and sports and cultural activities targeting children and youth. She believes that these initiatives contribute to supporting social stability and building a more equitable future.
For her part, Professor Carmen Ghattas emphasized the importance of the Palestinian-French partnership and the need to strengthen it in light of current challenges. She highlighted the significant role played by French twin cities with Bethlehem in supporting the city and its cause through development and cultural partnerships. She noted that the “Grenoble and Bethlehem: Two Cities Living Together” project is a model to be emulated in utilizing heritage to enhance social cohesion. She also emphasized the importance of continuing to support projects that focus on children, youth, and women and contribute to preserving cultural identity as a component of resilience.
During the meeting, Engineer Dina Al-Araj presented projects implemented in partnership with the AFD, such as the Manger Square rehabilitation project and infrastructure projects in various neighborhoods. Proposed future projects were also reviewed, including a public children’s library and educational and health initiatives targeting groups affected by the aggression and blockade. The visit concluded with a field trip to the Peace Center and the Novel Museum, where the delegation met with the center’s director, Ms. Rania Al-Bandak, who explained the work of the Paris Project at the Peace Center. The delegation also viewed the work in Manger Square and the public library, and visited the Church of the Nativity, where the French delegation observed the results achieved on the ground. The municipality’s technical teams presented the implementation stages, the goals achieved, and the efforts made to overcome logistical and technical challenges. This demonstrated the municipality’s ability to transform international support into tangible projects that address citizens’ needs.