Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati visited the Salesian Industrial Institute in Bethlehem, accompanied by Nassar Stone Company Director Alaa Nassar. During the visit, they discussed ways to establish a partnership between the institute and Nassar Stone Company in the areas of training and employment for the institute’s students, contributing to developing their skills and preparing them for the labor market. The Mayor emphasized that these initiatives are part of the Bethlehem Municipality’s efforts to enhance youth opportunities, support educational institutions, and serve the local community.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received Mr. Osaid Salah, President of the General Union of Persons with Disabilities, Bethlehem Governorate Branch, and Ms. Aisha Radaideh, President of the Friends of the Palestinian Disabled Association, and an accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by Lucy Thaljieh, Deputy Mayor, and the Public Relations and Media Department staff.

The meeting reviewed the services provided to persons with disabilities in Bethlehem, the needs of institutions working in this field, and discussed the most prominent challenges and difficulties facing them, particularly regarding adapting streets and public facilities to standards that respect the rights of persons with disabilities.

During the meeting, they also discussed the need to allocate a permanent headquarters for the Union within the city to facilitate access for beneficiaries. They also discussed opportunities for cooperation with the municipality to implement community projects and programs that support this segment.

Canawati affirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to supporting the rights of persons with disabilities and developing public facilities to ensure they are safe and accessible. He praised the efforts of partner institutions in empowering persons with disabilities and promoting their integration into society.

The visit aimed to enhance joint cooperation to serve the people of Bethlehem Governorate. The chairman and members of the board expressed their wishes for the mayor’s success in carrying out his duties and serving the local community. During the meeting, the mayor praised the association’s rich history, emphasizing that it represents an integral part of the social fabric of Bethlehem and that the loyalty of its members reflects a spirit of love and commitment to the city. He also emphasized the importance of activating the association’s role and past activities, noting that the visit’s goal is to strengthen networking between various local institutions for the benefit and service of citizens.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati and the Public Relations and Media Department staff visited Bethlehem Bible College, where they were received by the College’s President, Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, the Administrative and Financial Director, Dr. Jihan Nazzal, and Ms. Shireen Hilal, Director of the Community Department. This visit came within the framework of strengthening institutional networking and exploring opportunities for future cooperation, as part of introductory tours aimed at building partnerships that serve the public good in the city.
During the meeting, the Mayor spoke about the challenges facing the Bethlehem Municipality, stressing that, despite its limited resources, the municipality works with a spirit of initiative and commitment to serving the city’s residents. He praised the role of Bethlehem Bible College, considering it essential in conveying the Palestinian narrative to the world from a Christian perspective. He emphasized the importance of establishing a specialized unit that contributes to defending the Palestinian cause and conveying the voice of the people to the international community.
For his part, Rev. Dr. Jack Sara explained the nature of Bethlehem Bible College’s work and role, noting the college’s endeavors to offer academic and spiritual programs that enhance the Christian presence and serve issues of justice and peace. He also reviewed existing cooperation with a number of local and international institutions, in addition to the college’s initiatives to raise awareness of the Palestinian cause among global church circles through conferences, educational visits, and outreach to churches abroad. Ms. Sherine also provided an explanation of the college’s Shepherd Association, its work in community service and strengthening partnerships with local institutions.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received Dima Jacaman, Economic Empowerment Program Manager at Qader for Social Development, and Nadine Nashashibi, Education Programs Coordinator at Finnish Church Aid, in the presence of Municipal Council Member Hisham Al-Kamel and the public relations and media staff. The two organizations’ programs in the areas of economic empowerment, inclusive education, protection from violence, and community development, particularly for persons with disabilities, were reviewed. The meeting also discussed prospects for joint cooperation to implement targeted community initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive education. The importance of community awareness of the right of students with disabilities to education was also emphasized.
During the meeting, Canawati affirmed the municipality’s readiness to cooperate and support initiatives that address the rights of persons with disabilities, praising the efforts of both organizations at the local and international levels.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati and the public relations team visited the French Cultural Association in Bethlehem, where they were received by the association’s president, Mr. Iskandar Kandou, and its director, Ms. Fayrouz Abboud.
The Mayor was briefed on the association’s history and its role in developing the linguistic and cultural skills of students in Bethlehem. The association annually receives dozens of students of all ages and offers diverse educational programs in cooperation with volunteer teachers from France. It also works with sister cities in France to promote cross-cultural cooperation. The association’s staff also reviewed their most notable achievements and the support mechanisms provided by the French Consulate and local and international partners, emphasizing the importance of continuing these efforts to preserve the presence of the French language and culture in the city.
At the end of the visit, Canawati affirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to providing the necessary facilities for such educational and cultural institutions, as they complement the municipality’s community-serving projects. He emphasized the municipality’s readiness to support future activities that contribute to developing the capabilities of youth and women and fostering a spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a high-level delegation from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Bethlehem and Hebron governorates, in the presence of Municipal Council members Hisham Al-Kamel and George Ajha. During the meeting, ways to continue joint cooperation between the Bethlehem Municipality and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) were discussed in a number of areas, particularly regarding sanitation issues in the city of Bethlehem and its camps, and the importance of improving waste collection services and maintaining a healthy and safe environment for refugees. The attendees also discussed the major challenges facing UNRWA and the need to support it to continue providing its health and social services. They also discussed the conditions of refugees, their numbers, and their needs within the framework of social affairs programs.

The Bethlehem Municipality participated in the “Peace for Palestine” conference, organized in the Italian city of Vicenza at the initiative of its municipality and in cooperation with its diocese. Political, religious, and cultural figures, as well as representatives of civil society organizations concerned with people’s rights and promoting the values ​​of peace, participated in the conference. The conference witnessed a notable presence of local organizations, most notably the Vicenza Peace Forum and the Salam – Children of Olives organization, a clear expression of growing popular solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The Bethlehem Municipality’s participation took place via Zoom due to the current circumstances in Palestine, which prevented the completion of the official visit. The visit was scheduled to include the signing of a new twinning agreement between the Peace Center in Bethlehem and the Beit al-Salam in Vicenza, as well as musical events by the Amwaj Choir in cooperation with the local music institute in Vicenza. This conference complements Vicenza’s official position, which was manifested in the adoption by its Municipal Council on June 10, 2025, of a memorandum recognizing the State of Palestine, which was later submitted to the European Parliament and the Italian government. The meeting was opened by the Mayor of Vicenza, Mr. Giacomo Bossamai, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of local communities at such critical moments. He considered what is happening in Palestine to be a flagrant violation of international law and called for a clear stance in defense of justice and human rights. For his part, the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, provided a detailed explanation of the current reality facing the Palestinian people and the systematic obstacles they face as a result of the repressive policies imposed by the occupation, in addition to the ongoing war of extermination targeting their existence and basic rights. He highlighted the extent of the daily suffering endured by Palestinians in light of the ongoing escalation. Canawati also expressed his deep appreciation for the position of the Municipality of Vicenza and its Municipal Council, considering this decision not merely a symbolic measure, but a sincere expression of the renewed European commitment to the right of peoples to self-determination and a consolidation of the principles of justice and peace in international relations. He added that such initiatives represent a glimmer of hope amidst the pain and send tangible messages of solidarity to the Palestinian people, who still believe that the voice of justice must eventually find its way. It’s worth noting that official relations between Bethlehem and Vicenza date back to a friendship agreement signed in 2018, and the Bethlehem Municipality continues to work to strengthen this cooperation with its Italian counterpart, emphasizing the shared values ​​of building peace and justice.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati visited the Bethlehem Police Directorate headquarters, where he was received by Brigadier General Murad Qandah, Director of the District Police, along with Municipal Council members Samir Abu Dayyeh, Mr. Daoud Al-Salahat, and Public Relations Officer Miral Jaqman. The meeting was attended by members of the Municipal Council, Mr. Samir Abu Dayyeh, Mr. Daoud Al-Salahat, and Public Relations Officer Miral Jaqman, to offer congratulations on the occasion of Palestinian Police Day.
The Mayor and members of the Municipal Council expressed their deep appreciation and pride in the important role played by the Palestinian Police Force, appreciating the continuous efforts of its personnel in maintaining security and order. They emphasized the importance of community solidarity with the police force to ensure the stability of the nation and the safety of citizens. They also praised the integrity and honesty that characterize the work of the police force in the Palestinian public, considering this force a fundamental pillar in protecting citizens and promoting a sense of reassurance. They also highlighted the grave challenges facing the Palestinian people, emphasizing the need to support the police force and enhance its capabilities to confront this critical stage. For his part, Brigadier General Murad Qandah, a lawyer, expressed his gratitude to the mayor and his accompanying delegation, appreciating the positive and complementary relationship between the municipality and the police force in serving citizens and improving the level of services provided to them.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati visited the Together for Life/L’Arche Bethlehem Association, where he was received by the association’s director, Ms. Mahera Nassar Gharib, in the presence of the municipality’s public relations officer, Ms. Miral Jaqaman.
During the tour, Canawati was briefed on the nature of the association’s work, which was founded in 2009 as a branch of the World L’Arche Federation. The association aims to create safe spaces for people with intellectual disabilities and enable them to integrate into society through vocational rehabilitation programs based on the production of various products using felting technology from natural sheep wool. The association’s director also reviewed the guest house project, which contributes to achieving sustainability and providing job opportunities for students with disabilities.
At the end of the visit, the Mayor affirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to supporting this organization and strengthening its role, emphasizing the importance of continuing its services to people with disabilities. He expressed the municipality’s willingness to provide the necessary facilities to expand its activities and maintain their continuity.