As part of strengthening cooperation between the Bethlehem Municipality and educational institutions, Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati visited the Bethlehem Education Directorate, where he met with the Director General, Mr. Mohammad Al-Froukh, and a number of educational staff.
During the meeting, Canawati emphasized the importance of integration between various local entities to support the educational process. He emphasized the need to network with specialized institutions, including the “Khatawat” Center, which specializes in learning difficulties and provides specialized treatment and rehabilitation services for children.
For his part, Mr. Mohammad Al-Froukh praised the ongoing cooperation of the Bethlehem Municipality, noting its prominent role as an active local entity in supporting the education sector, which contributes to improving the quality of education and serving the public interest. He also expressed his gratitude to the municipality for its logistical contribution, particularly through the implementation of comprehensive maintenance work on the high school examination halls and the correction center, in addition to its ongoing support in various organizational and technical aspects.

The Bethlehem Municipality, in cooperation with the Tourism and Antiquities Police, organized a dialogue meeting to support and develop the tourism sector, in light of the current challenges facing the city. The meeting was held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Bethlehem Municipality. The meeting was attended by the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, and a number of members of the Municipal Council, Brigadier General Abdul Hakim Abu Al-Rub, Director of the Tourism and Antiquities Police Department, Brigadier General Ali Abu Subha, Deputy Director of the Bethlehem Governorate Police, and Dr. Iman Al-Titi, Director of the Tourism and Antiquities Directorate in the Governorate. The meeting was also attended by Beit Jala Mayor Issa Al-Qassis, along with representatives from a number of official and tourism sector institutions, including: the Holy Land Inbound Tourism Association, the Arab Hotels Association, the Union of Traditional and Tourism Industries, the Arab Tourist Guides Association, the Oriental Souvenirs Shops Association, the Street Vendors Association, the Palestinian Affiliate Tourism Institutions Network, the Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management – ​​Bethlehem University, the Palestinian Association of Travel and Tourism Agents, the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Services Workers Union – Bethlehem, as well as tourism offices, tour guides, and hotel and souvenir shop owners in the Bethlehem Governorate. The meeting, moderated by Ms. Amanda Ballout, Project Manager of the Joint Services Council for Tourism Development in Bethlehem Governorate, began with a moment of pride and honor for the Palestinian national anthem, followed by a moment of silence in honor of the souls of the nation’s martyrs. The Mayor then opened the meeting with a speech in which he praised the initiative of the Palestinian Police Command, represented by Brigadier General Abdul Hakim Abu Al-Rub, to hold this consultative meeting aimed at bringing together partners in the tourism sector around one table. He emphasized that the goal of the meeting was not limited to mere words, but rather to engage in an effective dialogue that yields practical results that contribute to addressing the challenges hindering the development of the tourism sector, especially in light of the current exceptional circumstances. Canawati also expressed his appreciation for the presence of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, noting that it is a key partner alongside the Bethlehem Municipality and the private sector in advancing tourism development in the city. He emphasized the importance of issuing clear and implementable recommendations, affirming the Bethlehem Municipality’s readiness to provide all the capabilities and support required to ensure the success of any joint efforts aimed at promoting tourism and creating a safe and attractive environment for visitors. For his part, Brigadier General Abdel Hakim Abu al-Rub thanked the Bethlehem Municipality for organizing this important meeting, conveying the greetings of the Director-General of the Palestinian Police, Major General Allam al-Saqa, and expressing his hope for an end to the current crisis and the return of stability, which would positively impact tourism in Palestine and Bethlehem in particular. He pointed out that the tourism sector has been one of the hardest hit over the past five years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the recent escalations. He noted that the ongoing Israeli aggression poses a major obstacle to the efforts of the Palestinian National Authority, particularly the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourist Police, to support this vital sector. He added that data for the first quarter of 2024 showed an 85% decline in visitor numbers and a 55% decline in overnight stays, along with a 62% drop in recorded tourism security cases. The cultural heritage sector has also been significantly impacted by the current situation. Brigadier General Abu al-Rub affirmed the Tourism and Antiquities Police’s commitment to its plan to enhance tourism security by implementing programs that enhance response efficiency, developing electronic connectivity with the Ministry of Tourism, and linking surveillance systems with police operations rooms. He concluded by calling on all partners in the tourism sector to cooperate to ensure a safe and stable tourism environment.
Dr. Iman al-Titi conveyed the greetings of His Excellency the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Hani al-Hayek, and his appreciation for the efforts of the Bethlehem Municipality and the organizers of this dialogue meeting, emphasizing that this initiative reflects everyone’s commitment to supporting the tourism sector in the city of Bethlehem. Al-Titi pointed out the importance of highlighting the vital role played by the Tourism and Antiquities Police, the Bethlehem District Police, and the Bethlehem Municipality, alongside the Ministry of Tourism, not only in maintaining security, but also in representing the city in a respectable light to visitors. Their field presence around churches, tourist facilities, and shops contributes to promoting a positive image that reflects security and stability. She added that the current circumstances facing the tourism sector, particularly in the Bethlehem District, pose significant challenges, but such meetings provide a real opportunity for mutual listening and joint planning for safe and effective tourism. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and the participation of tourism sector workers in formulating practical solutions. In concluding her remarks, she affirmed the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ readiness, under direct instructions from His Excellency the Minister, to support any recommendations resulting from this meeting and work to implement them on the ground to serve the public good.
At the conclusion of the meeting, an interactive discussion panel was held, attended by representatives of official institutions, the private sector, tourism sector workers, and unions, with the aim of exchanging views and presenting challenges and solutions from various perspectives to enhance cooperation and develop the tourism sector.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Bethlehem Social Development Directorate, represented by its Director, Ms. Sa’ida Al-Atrash, and an accompanying delegation, at the Municipality Hall, in the presence of Municipal Council Member Hisham Al-Kamel.
During the meeting, Ms. Al-Atrash expressed the Ministry of Social Development’s appreciation for the efforts made by the Bethlehem Municipality in serving the community and emphasized the importance of partnering with the municipality and the Ministry of Social Development in supporting various segments of society. She also explained the work of the directorate, noting that it focuses on protecting and supporting the poor through various programs, protecting women and children, and providing services to the elderly, orphans, and people with disabilities. This is achieved through partnerships with the more than 110 charitable organizations and shelters it supervises in the Bethlehem Governorate.
The Mayor welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the importance of ongoing cooperation with government institutions, charitable organizations, and various centers, and the pivotal role they play in promoting social and humanitarian work in the city.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati and Public Relations Officer Miral Jaqaman visited the Salesian Monastery and Foundation in Bethlehem to learn about the institution and the programs and training courses it offers. They were received by Father Jesu dos Arroquiam, Head of the Salesian Monastery and Foundation, and Tony Ballout, Director of the Institute.
During the visit, the Mayor praised the distinguished educational and community role they play, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the existing partnership between the two parties and elevating it to higher levels, which will positively impact various segments of society. He also pointed to the possibility of leveraging the twinning relationships that connect Bethlehem with several cities around the world to develop joint cooperation projects in the fields of training and community support.
The visit included a meeting with the administrative body and teaching staff, where views were exchanged on ways to develop educational and vocational programs and discussed mechanisms for coordinating vocational training courses for youth, which would contribute to empowering them and enhancing their opportunities for a decent life within their community.

The visit aimed to gain a closer look at the center’s operations, learn about the programs and services it provides, and identify the challenges it faces in its continuity of operation.
During the tour, the Mayor viewed the center’s various therapeutic and rehabilitation departments, including psychotherapy, speech and communication therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, a sensory room, and a nursery for children.
The Mayor expressed his deep appreciation for the center’s humanitarian and educational role, emphasizing the importance of continuing this type of quality service and the need to strengthen cooperation between the Bethlehem Municipality and the center within the framework of shared social responsibility, especially in light of the current circumstances that require increased support for institutions working with vulnerable and most needy groups in society.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati visited the Orphan Care Society headquarters in Bethlehem, where he was received by the Society’s President, Dr. Nael Abdul Rahman, and Board Member Abdul Karim.
During the meeting, the Society’s President gave a comprehensive presentation on the programs and services it provides in the field of orphan sponsorship and education, emphasizing its humanitarian mission and its role in providing comprehensive care for this segment. He also reviewed the Society’s educational facilities, namely the Elite Kindergarten, the Elite School, and the Fatima Al-Zahra School, which aim to provide a safe and stimulating educational environment for growth and learning. The Society’s President then accompanied the Mayor on a field tour of the Society’s facilities to review the current work and the existing operational and development needs.
For his part, the Mayor praised the efforts of the administrative and educational staff in serving this important segment of society, commending the Society’s humanitarian and educational role and its good reputation in the city. He affirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s willingness to cooperate and provide all possible support, through its twin-city network and local and international relations, to implement projects that serve the association and enhance its mission. He also emphasized that the municipality considers itself a key partner in community work, noting that the absence of community partnership hinders any real achievement.

As part of strengthening its effective partnership with the local community and its official institutions, a delegation from the Bethlehem Municipality visited His Excellency the Minister of Education, Dr. Amjad Barham, to discuss several issues related to the city’s education sector.
The delegation included Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, his deputy, Sister Lucy Thaljieh, and members of the Municipal Council, Mr. Hanna Hanania, Mr. Samer Sobh, and Ms. Rehab Abu Ahour, in addition to Engineer Ziad Al-Sayeh, Director of the Planning and Projects Department.
The meeting addressed ways to meet the growing educational needs in Bethlehem, enhancing the quality of services provided and meeting the aspirations of students and residents.
During the meeting, the Mayor presented to His Excellency the Minister a project to establish a public park in the southern part of the city, funded by the Belgian Development Agency through the Local Authorities Development and Lending Fund. He explained the importance of the proposed site for the park, located on land belonging to the Education Tax Committee, emphasizing that the park will serve both the future adjacent school and the residents of the area, providing a public park and a safe and sustainable educational and recreational space. At the end of the meeting, both parties emphasized the need for joint cooperation in designing and establishing the park, as part of the Bethlehem Municipality and the Ministry’s vision to provide educational and community spaces that contribute to improving the quality of life and promoting comprehensive development in the city.

As part of efforts to promote local development in the city of Bethlehem, a delegation from the Bethlehem Municipal Council visited His Excellency Minister Nasser Qatami, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Arab and Islamic Funds, to discuss ways to support the city and its priority projects.
The delegation included Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, his deputy, Sister Lucy Thaljieh, and members of the Municipal Council, Mr. Hanna Hanania, Mr. Samir Abu Dayyeh, and Ms. Rehab Abu Ahour, in addition to Engineer Ziad Al-Sayeh, Director of the Planning and Projects Department.
The meeting addressed the economic challenges facing the city, especially in light of the decline in tourism. The importance of Bethlehem was emphasized, given its religious and national symbolism.
The two sides also discussed the priority of establishing a vocational school in Bethlehem to meet the growing needs in the vocational education sector and open new job prospects for youth. The Minister briefed the delegation on ongoing efforts to secure funding for this project in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. On the other hand, the Mayor stressed the importance of completing the model municipal slaughterhouse project, given its vital role in serving the Bethlehem Governorate and enhancing food safety standards. For his part, the Minister expressed his willingness to follow up on the matter and recommend providing additional funding from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, which funded the first and second phases of the project. The meeting concluded with the Mayor of Bethlehem presenting the Minister with a set of project proposals related to developing the city’s infrastructure and health sector, as part of the municipality’s vision to enhance the quality of life for citizens.

During a visit and tour of Aida Camp: Canawati and Al-Azzeh discuss programs and work projects between the Bethlehem Municipality and the Popular Committee in Aida Camp.
Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, accompanied by Municipal Council member George Ajha, visited the headquarters of the Popular Committee in Aida Camp, where he was received by Committee Chairman Saeed Al-Azzeh, committee members, and a number of representatives of institutions and organizations in the camp.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation between the Bethlehem Municipality and the Popular Committee, based on the close historical relationship between the city and the camp, particularly in light of existing partnerships such as the twinning relationship with the French city of Grenoble, the joint Armenian Monastery land project, and the cemetery of the Bin Rabah Mosque, which attendees emphasized the need to preserve.
During the field tour of the camp, several needs were highlighted, most notably: lighting at camp entrances, developing sports facilities, and establishing a public park and two basketball and volleyball courts. Canawati emphasized that the Bethlehem Municipality and the camp constitute “one entity,” emphasizing the importance of collaborative work to provide the best services despite the difficult circumstances. He also announced the municipality’s readiness to hold specialized meetings to develop practical plans for future projects in partnership with camp institutions and organizations. Camp representatives, including Mr. Marwan Fararjeh, Secretary of the Fatah Movement in the camp, and Messrs. Anas Abu Srour and Fadi Hammad, also praised the importance of developing the relationship with the Bethlehem Municipality, affirming the camp’s institutions’ willingness to cooperate to serve the public interest and preserve the shared social and cultural fabric.

The visit aimed to affirm the committee’s support for the mayor as he pursues further success and accomplishments. The visit also discussed ways to cooperate to implement proposed development projects that serve the city’s public interest.