The Bethlehem Municipality participated in a Zoom meeting with the Italian Municipality of Assisi. The Municipality was represented by its Mayor, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, and the Director of the Public Relations, Culture, and Media Department, Ms. Carmen Ghattas. The Municipality of Assisi was represented by its Mayor, Mr. Walter Stubini, along with several Municipal Council members and municipal representatives.
The meeting included raising the Palestinian flag on the facade of the Assisi Municipality building, a symbolic gesture expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In his speech, Canawati expressed his deep gratitude to the Municipality of Assisi for its supportive stance on the Palestinian cause, most notably its Municipal Council’s recent decision to recognize the State of Palestine. He emphasized that this decision is an important step that reflects a commitment to the principles of justice and peace. He emphasized the depth of the historical relationship that has linked the municipalities of Bethlehem and Assisi since 1989, founded on shared human values ​​​​based on respect and solidarity.
He pointed to the difficult circumstances facing the city of Bethlehem as a result of the war, which has led to a near-total halt in the tourism sector, the city’s main source of income. He concluded his speech with an open invitation to the Italian people to visit Bethlehem, emphasizing that the city is safe and welcomes visitors with love, and that hope and international support are essential elements in strengthening the steadfastness of the Palestinian people. During the meeting, the Mayor of Assisi, Mr. Walter Stubini, expressed his full solidarity with the Palestinian people, noting his awareness of the magnitude of the challenges and obstacles imposed by the Israeli occupation. He affirmed his determination to strengthen cooperation between the two municipalities through practical steps on the ground that translate the statements into tangible results. He also expressed his willingness to visit Bethlehem and organize joint initiatives aimed at awakening the conscience of the international community and providing effective support to the residents. He believed that the cities of Assisi and Bethlehem, with their history and humanitarian message, are capable of addressing the world and decision-makers and calling for the voice of reason and life to prevail over hatred and destruction.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati visited the Bethlehem Music Academy, where he was received by the Academy’s President, Dr. Suleiman Al-Lousi, and several members of the administrative body. He was also attended by Municipal Council Member Hisham Al-Kamel and the Municipality’s Public Relations Director, Ms. Carmen Ghattas.
During the tour, Canawati was briefed on the educational and training programs offered by the Academy and toured its facilities and classrooms to view the level of equipment and available resources. Avenues of cooperation between the Municipality and the Academy were also discussed, including a proposal to relocate the headquarters to the city center, which would expand the scope of its artistic and cultural activities and facilitate student access.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Mayor affirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to supporting educational and cultural institutions, emphasizing its willingness to provide all necessary facilities to advance the Academy’s performance and enhance its role in the city’s cultural and artistic landscape.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Lions Club Bethlehem – City of Peace (Area 351), headed by Ms. Nahida Ghattas, with the participation of several club members and the presence of the public relations and media staff.
During the meeting, the club president expressed her wishes for the mayor’s success in his duties, emphasizing the importance of the club’s presence at events taking place in the city and its commitment to strengthening community partnerships with the municipality.
For his part, Canawati welcomed the visiting delegation, appreciating this visit, which reflects a spirit of cooperation and belonging. He emphasized Bethlehem Municipality’s full readiness to cooperate with the club on various initiatives that serve citizens, calling for proposals to develop joint work. He also addressed some of the challenges facing the Bethlehem Municipality at this stage, reviewing the nature of municipal work and the efforts being made under the current circumstances. He emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and cooperating with various components of society to enhance institutional and community work.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati and Municipal Council Member Hisham Al-Kamel participated in the graduation ceremony of students from the “Beit Al-Malaika” School, dedicated to the care and education of children with special needs.
The event was attended by the Director General of the General Administration of Public Affairs in the Bethlehem Governorate, Mr. Mohammed Al-Jaafari; the Director of the Social Development Directorate, Ms. Sa’ida Al-Atrash; and the President of the Al-Bailsan Charitable Society, Mr. Sami Al-Qurna, along with a number of official figures.
In his speech at the ceremony, the Mayor expressed his deep appreciation for the nuns and the staff of the institution, praising their noble humanitarian efforts in providing a safe and supportive environment for children. He affirmed the Municipality’s support for such initiatives, which embody the values ​​of care and community solidarity.

For his part, Canawati commended the national and humanitarian role played by Civil Defense personnel in protecting lives and property, appreciating their commitment and dedication to their duties despite the difficult circumstances. He also affirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s readiness to fully cooperate at all levels to provide a safe and well-equipped work environment, which will positively impact citizen service.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati paid an inspection visit to Al-Ikhaa Mosque, where he met with the mosque’s president, Engineer Dirar Abdeen, and the imam, Sheikh Alaa Amerin, to discuss developments in the mosque construction project and the needs of the surrounding area.
During the meeting, issues related to infrastructure and the legal aspects necessary to support the project were addressed. Canawati affirmed the municipality’s readiness to provide the necessary support within the available resources, praising what has been achieved despite the current challenges.
At the conclusion of the visit, the mayor stressed the importance of continuing cooperation with the project’s organizers, explaining that a clear action plan will be implemented to support the next phases of implementation.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati and several members of the Municipal Council received a delegation from the Popular Committee in Aida Camp, headed by Mr. Saeed Al-Azzeh, and several committee members. The delegation also included the Executive Director of the Aida Youth Center, Mr. Anas Abu Srour. The visit emphasized the depth of the historical relationship between the municipality and the camp, and emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation and coordination to address existing challenges and develop community initiatives that directly benefit citizens. The two sides also discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation on development projects that serve the city and enhance the resilience of its residents.

Based on the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to enhancing the role of women in public life and empowering them in various societal fields, Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati has assigned Municipal Council member Sandy Ballout to oversee the Women’s Committees in the municipality. This assignment comes within the framework of supporting efforts aimed at coordinating with institutions and entities concerned with women’s issues, and working to develop and activate programs and initiatives that address women’s economic, social, and cultural empowerment. Her role also includes submitting the necessary recommendations and proposals to the Municipal Council, which will contribute to enhancing women’s active participation in public affairs and advancing their societal role.