Bethlehem, West Bank /PNN/
In line with its humanitarian and relief programs aimed at supporting the most vulnerable families, Life for Relief and Development delivered 200 food parcels to families in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, highlighting the city’s tradition of Muslim-Christian solidarity as believers from both faiths observe fasting periods.
The food parcels were handed over to the Bethlehem Governorate in a ceremony attended by Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, Deputy Governor Brig. Suleiman Al‑Hamari, and Director General of Public Affairs Mohammad Al‑Jafari.
During the event, 50 parcels were immediately delivered to Father Issa Thaljieh at the Greek Orthodox Society of Bethlehem, while the remaining parcels will be distributed by the governorate to families in need through its social development programs.
Governor Abu Alia welcomed the delegation from Life for Relief and Development and thanked the organization for supporting Bethlehem, which he said faces mounting challenges due to Israeli policies and settlement activity, particularly given its proximity to Jerusalem.
He said humanitarian assistance and development initiatives are especially important as Palestinians face exceptional economic and social hardships.
“These difficult circumstances require exceptional solutions and stronger cooperation between government institutions, international and local humanitarian organizations, and the private sector,” Abu Alia said, adding that the governorate’s doors remain open to all organizations seeking to assist Palestinian communities.
For her part, Doaa Issa, programs manager at Life for Relief and Development, thanked the Bethlehem governorate for its cooperation and hospitality. She said the distribution in Bethlehem marks the conclusion of the organization’s Ramadan food parcel campaign across the West Bank.
Issa noted that Bethlehem represents a model of Muslim-Christian coexistence, particularly during this period when Muslims observe Ramadan while many Christians mark the Lent fast.
“This shared moment of fasting reflects one of the most meaningful examples of coexistence that our organization is proud to support,” she said.
Issa added that the organization hopes to expand its work in Bethlehem through additional humanitarian and development programs in the future.
She also expressed hope for broader partnerships aimed at reaching a larger number of Palestinians in need and strengthening community resilience.
Following the ceremony, Al-Jafari organized a field visit for the Life for Relief and Development delegation that included the Greek Orthodox Society and several neighborhoods where families facing economic hardship are expected to receive assistance.
Al-Jafari welcomed the organization’s support for Bethlehem and other Palestinian areas, saying the food parcels will be distributed to families in need through local community institutions.
Father Thaljieh thanked Life for Relief and Development for assisting families during what he described as a difficult period marked by economic hardship and movement restrictions.
He said the support carries symbolic meaning beyond the humanitarian aid itself.
“This gesture reflects the spirit of unity, love and solidarity between Muslims and Christians in Bethlehem,” he said, noting that both communities are observing important fasting periods at the same time.
He expressed appreciation for the organization’s continued support for vulnerable families and for the efforts of all institutions working to assist residents of Bethlehem and other Palestinian communities facing challenging conditions.
