MoSD Tours Care Institutions in Bethlehem and Affirms that the Palestinian People Are at the Heart of Every Social Policy
Bethlehem – In a scene reflecting the depth of the government’s commitment to its responsibility toward the Palestinian people under all circumstances, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, continued her field tour in Bethlehem Governorate. During the tour, she visited a number of specialized social care institutions, affirming that the Palestinian social protection system refuses to retreat under pressure, and that the human being—across all groups and ages—remains at the heart of every intervention, every policy, and every decision.
Accompanying the Minister during the tour were the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, the Minister’s Advisor, Duaa Wadi, as well as a number of the Ministry’s staff and directorate personnel.
The tour began with a visit to St. Nicholas Home for the Elderly, where she was received by the Director of the Home, Mr. Nizar Al-Arja. She closely reviewed the conditions of the residents and the level of health and rehabilitation services provided. She expressed her appreciation for the great humanitarian efforts exerted by the staff, volunteers, and administrative board in ensuring a dignified life for the elderly, emphasizing that the Ministry views elderly care as a firmly rooted national and moral duty.
Dr. Hamad stressed that the Ministry’s interventions adopt a comprehensive approach that accompanies individuals throughout the various stages of life, from childhood to old age, noting that the most vulnerable groups are given the highest priority within the social protection system. She also expressed solidarity with members of the Christian community in the Gaza Strip, affirming that the Ministry will not cease communication with them and will exert every possible effort to support their steadfastness.
The tour also included a visit to the Mahwar Center “Safe House” for the care of girls and women in Bethlehem, where she was welcomed by the Center’s Director, Ms. Arwa Al-Houdali. She reviewed the nature of the services provided to the girls, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a safe and supportive environment that preserves their dignity and strengthens their ability to face life’s challenges.
During the visit, the “Yes for Children Association – Mr. Okie Theater,” operating within the Mahwar Center under a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry, was honored. The Minister praised the association’s distinguished humanitarian and educational role. This non-profit charitable organization focuses on supporting children and improving their conditions through its recreational and educational theater “Mr. Okie,” working to develop their creative skills, provide psychological and health support, deliver training courses for professionals working in the field of childhood, and coordinate between governmental and civil society institutions concerned with this sector.
The Minister particularly highlighted the association’s efforts since the outbreak of the aggression on the Gaza Strip, noting its continuous support to the families of sick children coming from Gaza and residing in Bethlehem. The association covers their medical and pharmaceutical needs, food supplies, accommodation and transportation costs, as well as school fees. Its efforts also extended to assisting families of elderly individuals arriving from Gaza and providing all their needs until they were transferred to the Grandparents’ Home in Jericho.
For his part, Undersecretary Mr. Taha Al-Irani affirmed that the Ministry continuously works to develop its services and improve response mechanisms to meet citizens’ needs, stressing that partnership with civil society organizations is a strategic pillar that is indispensable in building an integrated and just social protection system.
At the conclusion of her tour, Dr. Hamad affirmed that the inspiring humanitarian models she witnessed reinforce the belief that the Palestinian people are capable of resilience and rebuilding despite all obstacles. She emphasized that coordination and integration between the Ministry and its partners will remain the optimal path toward improving the quality of services and strengthening citizens’ steadfastness in the face of current challenges.