Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary at the City Hall, represented by the parish priest, Father Boutros Nehme. The visit was to congratulate the mayor on his appointment as mayor of Bethlehem and to follow up on some parish affairs.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received the head of the Ma’sara Village Council, Ms. Fatima Breijieh, and an accompanying delegation at the municipality. The meeting was attended by Municipal Council member George Ajha. The purpose of this visit was to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation between the Bethlehem Municipality and the Ma’sara Village Council, serving the public interest and enhancing prospects for joint action between local authorities.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati paid a field visit to the Palestine Museum of Natural History, where he viewed the museum’s facilities and educational and research activities. He described the museum as an inspiring space that promotes the concepts of education, discovery, and environmental awareness.
The Mayor was received by the Museum Director, Dr. Mazen Qumsiyeh, who provided an explanation of the museum’s mission and areas of work, particularly in supporting scientific research and community service.
During the visit, the Mayor emphasized the museum’s importance in enriching knowledge about biodiversity in Palestine and its role in supporting environmental and development efforts. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the municipality and scientific and community institutions to advance scientific research and serve the local community.

During the visit, several issues of mutual interest were discussed, as well as ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides to serve the association’s social and humanitarian mission. The mayor was received by the association’s president, Mr. George Hanania, and several members of the board of directors.

The visit included a comprehensive overview of the Women’s Union’s mission, the social and humanitarian services it provides, and its most prominent charitable activities. During the meeting, the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Bethlehem Municipality and the Women’s Union was emphasized, contributing to the continuity of the association’s work. It was also suggested opening channels of communication with institutions in the twin cities, with the aim of sharing the Union’s experience and promoting the Palestinian heritage, particularly in the fields of embroidery and traditional cuisine.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Rotary Club of Bethlehem, headed by Ms. Hiam Tweima, and attended by a number of club members. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation with active institutions in the city.
During the meeting, the club president gave an introductory presentation on the club’s mission and activities, highlighting the most prominent projects implemented in recent years, as well as future initiatives planned to serve the local community. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening joint cooperation to serve the public interest of Bethlehem and enhance its historical status as a city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
For his part, the mayor expressed the Bethlehem Municipality’s readiness to provide all forms of cooperation, including facilitating communication and networking between the Rotary Club and international organizations involved in similar fields, especially in light of the current challenges facing the Palestinian people.

The delegation included Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, Vice Mayor Sister Lucy Thaljieh, and Public Relations Officer Miral Jaqaman. They were received by the Home’s Director, Father Sandro Tomasevich, and social worker Albert Hani. They provided a detailed explanation of the nature of the Home’s work, its services, and the challenges it faces. The visit came as part of the Bethlehem Municipality’s commitment to supporting active social and humanitarian institutions in the city. The aim was to closely examine the conditions of the Child’s Home and its daily and future needs. The delegation affirmed the Municipality’s commitment to supporting the Home’s mission and continuing to support this humanitarian endeavor aimed at serving children.

A delegation from the Bethlehem Municipality visited the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem. This visit comes within the framework of strengthening cooperation between the municipality and the city’s active health sector. Participating in the visit were Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, Deputy Mayor Sister Lucy Thaljieh, and Public Relations Officer Miral Jaqaman. They were received by Holy Family Hospital Executive Director Mr. Gil Norman and Administrative and Financial Director Mrs. Elizabeth Anastas.
The Mayor of Bethlehem expressed the municipality’s pride in its partnership with the Holy Family Hospital, affirming its readiness to provide all possible forms of support, whether through opening channels of cooperation with international institutions and organizations, or by supporting the hospital in confronting current health challenges, especially in light of the successive crises facing the city.
For its part, the hospital administration presented the most prominent challenges hindering its work, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the genocidal war being waged against the Palestinian people, which has negatively impacted citizens’ ability to afford treatment, despite the facilities provided. The administration also reiterated its commitment to providing the best possible healthcare services, noting that the current economic situation is an obstacle to the implementation of development and expansion plans. During the visit, the municipal delegation viewed the new building under construction and the departments it will house, as part of the hospital’s plan to expand its services and enhance its medical capabilities.

Bethlehem Municipality received a delegation from the “Khatawat” Children’s Center, including the center’s director, Mr. Munir Salsaa, and Sister Esther. This visit is part of the municipality’s efforts to strengthen community partnerships and support active educational and social institutions in the city. The meeting was attended by Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, along with Municipal Council members George Ajha and Samir Abu Dayyeh. The visit aimed to review the center’s activities and the challenges it faces, and to discuss possible cooperation mechanisms to ensure its continuity and develop the services it provides to children. This reflects the municipality’s commitment to supporting institutions concerned with childhood, education, and community care.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati participated in the closing day of the Science Exploration Exhibition, organized by the Bethlehem Education Directorate under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The event was held at the Rawda Government Hall. Canawati viewed the outstanding student science projects presented by a group of Bethlehem schools. He was accompanied by the Director General of Education, Mr. Mohammad Al-Froukh; the President of Bethlehem Bible College, Rev. Dr. Jack Sara; the Head of the Creativity and Excellence Department at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Lubna Abu Sarhan; ​​and the Head of the Creativity and Excellence Department at the Bethlehem Directorate and exhibition organizer, Ms. Kholoud Daras.
In his speech, the Mayor expressed his pride in these youth initiatives, noting that the students set a wonderful example of ambition and creativity. He emphasized the importance of supporting these unique projects and underscored the Municipality’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at empowering students and opening up new horizons for them.