Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, accompanied by his deputy, Sister Lucy Thaljieh, visited the House of Saint Martha, which cares for elderly women. This visit reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to supporting social and humanitarian institutions that work diligently to serve the city’s most vulnerable populations.
During the visit, the Mayor and his deputy expressed their pride in this humanitarian institution, praising the institution’s role and noble mission in providing care and support to elderly women. They also called on all honorable citizens of the city to provide all possible forms of support to ensure the continuity of this noble humanitarian work.
Ms. Laila Asfoura, President of the Ahdaf Foundation, to which the House of Saint Martha is affiliated, presented an overview of the organization’s goals, origins, and activities. She noted that the home is the first project launched within the organization’s programs and that it provides a safe and supportive environment for elderly women in need of care and community support. She also emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships and strengthening cooperation to ensure the sustainability of services. In a touching scene, the mothers expressed their happiness at this gesture, emphasizing that the foundation provides them with a source of psychological and moral support, giving them a sense of warmth and belonging. They also sent a message of thanks and love to everyone who stands by them and gives them a moment of joy and sincere care.

During the meeting, the Mayor emphasized that the Municipality of Bethlehem considers itself an integral part of this esteemed institution, expressing deep appreciation for its vital role in the health sector despite ongoing challenges and financial pressures. The discussion also explored opportunities for future cooperation, particularly in the field of solar energy, and ways to strengthen networking with partner cities and supportive institutions to enhance the Society’s services.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Bethlehem Municipality organized a workshop titled “Dealing with the Phenomenon of Stray Dogs and the Spread of Rats and Ways to Reduce Them.” The workshop was held at the municipality’s headquarters. The workshop was attended by the Director General of the Local Government Directorate, a number of mayors and local councils, representatives of governmental and civil society organizations, and popular committees. It also included relevant authorities from the Ministry of Health and the Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, media representatives, and several members of the municipal council. This workshop was held as part of the municipality’s efforts to discuss the growing challenges resulting from the spread of stray dogs and rats and propose sustainable mechanisms to address them, enhancing public health and community safety. The meeting began with a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs. The Mayor of Bethlehem, Mr. Maher Nicola Canawati, then delivered a speech in which he emphasized that confronting these phenomena cannot be achieved through traditional methods, but rather requires civilized and humane solutions that reflect Bethlehem’s status as a cultural and tourist city. He considered this meeting a starting point towards achieving tangible results on the ground, emphasizing the need to develop a clear implementation plan to address these phenomena. He also emphasized that this responsibility does not fall solely on municipalities, but rather is a collective one that requires the intervention and participation of all relevant parties. He expressed his hope that this issue would witness serious engagement and effective cooperation from all partners.
The Director of the Municipality’s Health Department, Dr. Yousef Musallam, gave a detailed presentation on the reality of the phenomenon, emphasizing that the law holds local authorities responsible for dealing with stray dogs. He pointed to the daily complaints received regarding bite incidents and the spread of diseases, especially after the recording of cases of rabies. He emphasized the importance of coordination with animal welfare associations to reach systematic and practical solutions.
For his part, the Director General of Veterinary Services in the Bethlehem Governorate, Mr. Kamel Abu Amria, explained that the problem is chronic and has been exacerbated by the absence of a clear national plan. He called for the establishment of a central shelter for dogs under the supervision of the relevant authorities, with the necessary funding provided by donor institutions.
Dr. Nabil Zawahra, Head of the Preventive Medicine Department at the Bethlehem Health Directorate, discussed the health and psychological dimensions of the stray dog ​​phenomenon, highlighting the seriousness of their bites to public health, especially among children. He emphasized that the absence of radical solutions has contributed to the worsening situation.
For his part, the Director General of Local Government in Bethlehem, Mr. Suleiman Abu Mufreh, emphasized the importance of developing a clear and implementable national strategy to address the phenomenon, emphasizing that financial constraints will not constitute an obstacle to implementing the required solutions. He also expressed the directorate’s readiness to provide full support to municipalities in taking the necessary measures to protect citizens, highlighting the pivotal role played by local authorities in this context.
For her part, Ms. Diana Al-Baabish, President of the Animal and Environment Society, emphasized the importance of building a true partnership between official institutions and civil society. She noted that her association provides medical care to injured dogs, but that it cannot address the mounting challenges alone. She called for the enactment of legislation and the implementation of effective programs in cooperation with municipalities. She then presented a comprehensive plan to combat stray dogs, which aims to protect citizens, promote public health, and reduce zoonotic diseases, while adhering to humane standards. The plan includes implementing a “Trap, Neuter, Vaccine, Release” (TNR) program, establishing temporary shelters, organizing awareness campaigns, and signing partnerships with relevant entities. The cost of the first phase of the plan is estimated at NIS 310,000, extending over six months. It includes field equipment, specialized teams, and periodic monitoring to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.
At the end of the meeting, a discussion was opened among the attendees, with the Municipal Council members and participants emphasizing the need to address the stray dog ​​and rat populations comprehensively and effectively. They emphasized that violence is not a solution and that the problem requires a clear implementation plan and cooperation from all parties. The importance of improving waste management and using closed containers to limit the spread of rats was also emphasized. The meeting concluded with an agreement to form a subcommittee from municipalities and the Health Directorate to develop an urgent and comprehensive plan to address these issues.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati visited Al-Barakah Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem, where he met with Rev. Danny Awad, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in the Holy Land, and Rev. George Awad. The visit was part of exploring possible cooperation and support between the municipality and the church, particularly in the humanitarian and community fields. During his tour of the church’s facilities, Canawati was briefed on its activities and services and praised its role in serving the local community. He affirmed the Bethlehem Municipality’s readiness to provide the necessary support and enhance cooperation with the church and related institutions, to serve the city’s residents and contribute to strengthening joint action.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received the Director of the Customs Police, Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Karim Al-Basaytah, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation between the two sides, particularly in the areas of health control and consumer protection.
The two parties agreed to conduct periodic inspection tours by a joint committee comprising the Bethlehem Municipality, the Customs Police, the Health Directorate, and several relevant authorities, to monitor the quality of food products offered in commercial stores, particularly restaurants.
The two sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination between the municipality and security agencies to ensure the safety of citizens and improve the level of services in the city.
The meeting was attended by Municipal Council members Hanna Hanania and Hisham Al-Kamel, along with the Director of the Health Department in the Bethlehem Municipality, Dr. Yousef Musallam.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Bethlehem Education Directorate, represented by the Director General of Education, Mr. Mohammad Al-Froukh, and an accompanying delegation.
This visit came within the framework of strengthening joint cooperation between the two parties, particularly in light of the ongoing preparations for the General Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (Tawjihi) for the 2024-2025 academic year.
During the meeting, several issues of mutual interest were discussed, most notably improving the school environment, promoting public health, and rehabilitating the city’s school infrastructure to ensure a safe and stimulating learning environment for students.
Mr. Al-Froukh praised the significant efforts made by the Bethlehem Municipality and its staff in supporting the educational process, appreciating the effective role they play in providing the necessary logistical and administrative support to ensure the exams proceed in a safe and conducive environment.
For his part, the Mayor affirmed the municipality’s commitment to continuing coordination and integration with the Education Directorate to enhance the quality of education and serve the interests of students in the Bethlehem Governorate. He emphasized the importance of consolidating partnerships between official institutions to serve the local community.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati signed a new support agreement with the Pontifical Mission for the municipality’s Mary Doty Children’s Park. The agreement stipulates a grant to cover the costs of holding events and carrying out necessary maintenance work during the current year.
In turn, Canawati expressed his gratitude and thanks to the Pontifical Mission for its continued support of the Mary Doty Children’s Park.
The attendees affirmed the Pontifical Mission’s interest in supporting the Mary Doty Children’s Park and expressed their continued willingness to cooperate.
The agreement was signed in the presence of the Regional Director of the Pontifical Mission in Jerusalem, Mr. Joseph Hazboun; Project Coordinator Ms. Abeer Zanbil; Municipal Council members George Ajha and Hisham Al-Kamel; and Park Director John Qara’a.

The Bethlehem Municipality held an important meeting at the municipality building, attended by the Bethlehem Health Directorate and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The meeting discussed the operating mechanism of the emergency center at the central station, funded by the Turkish International Cooperation Agency (TIKA), and developed an effective operational plan to ensure the center’s readiness.
This meeting comes in light of the current circumstances and challenges facing the city, which require strengthening the emergency system and raising the level of preparedness for rapid response to emergencies. This requires providing first aid services and immediate intervention for both citizens and tourists, with the aim of stabilizing their health until ambulances arrive and transport them to specialized hospitals.
Those present emphasized the importance of joint work and continuous coordination between the municipality and all partners to ensure the center’s full readiness and to serve the city’s residents with the highest standards.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, Municipal Council members Hisham Al-Kamel and George Ajha, Bethlehem Health Director Dr. Shadi Al-Lahham and his accompanying delegation, and the President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Bethlehem Branch, Dr. Mohammed Rizq.

The Palestinian Narrative Museum is a joint project between the Bethlehem Municipality, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the UNESCO Office in Ramallah, with funding from the Norwegian government. Located below the Peace Center opposite the Church of the Nativity, the Narrative Museum serves as a showcase for Bethlehem for visitors visiting the Church of the Nativity, allowing them to learn about the city’s history, heritage, and antiquities, which embody the Palestinian narrative.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, his deputy, Ms. Lucy Thaljieh, and several members of the Municipal Council participated in the celebratory mass held by the Antonine Charitable Society of Bethlehem on the occasion of the feast of its patron, Saint Anthony of Padua. The mass was held at St. Anthony’s Church at the Society’s headquarters. A large official and spiritual presence was present, with Father Rami Asakrieh presiding over the mass and a number of priests and dignitaries participating, amidst a faith-based atmosphere that expressed a spirit of hope and solidarity despite the difficult circumstances.