Abbas Visits Bethlehem’s Sick Children

Palestinian president Machmud Abbas paid a visit to the Caritas Baby Hospital on the day before Christmas Eve. Mr. Abbas was impressed by the aid that Children’s Relief Bethlehem provides to the region’s children and mothers, irrespective of religion, nationality or social standing. Having come for the Christmas celebrations, Mr Abbas used his visit to form a picture of the health services available to children born in the Bethlehem of today. He thus followed in the footsteps of many, pilgrims as well as tourists who, in addition to visiting the Church of the Nativity, also find time to inquire into the cares and needs of Bethlehem’s families.

It has become a tradition for the Palestinian president, irrespective of religion, to spend Christmas in Bethlehem. Machmud Abbas used his visit to the birthplace of Christ not only to participate in the official celebrations, but also to talk with the doctors and nurses at Caritas Baby Hospital. “For us, it is a very important indication that the political leadership is aware of the aid we provide,” says Medical Director Dr. Hiyam Marzouqa. She guided President Abbas through the wards and afterwards showed him the progress being made on the expansion of the mothers’ training school and the new out-patient clinic.

“More and more children become ill due to the conditions under which they live,“ explains Dr Hiyam Marzouqa, Medical Director of the Caritas Baby Hospital. “They fall victim to malnutrition or contract respiratory infections due to the cold, damp housing.” The hospital in Bethlehem is a unique institution, providing aid to children whose parents cannot afford a doctor. “We are a part of this society because we are there for the people,” says Dr. Marzouqa. “The president’s visit is a particular honor.“ After his visit to Bethlehem‘s sick children, President Abbas returned to the official holiday program.