Ensuring continued support for Bethlehem’s children
“The children, mothers and families of Bethlehem still depend on the medical and social services that Children’s Relief Bethlehem provides,” says Barbara Schmid-Federer, vice president of the Lucerne-based organization and member of Switzerland’s National Council. She bases her conclusion on reports and statistics presented at the organization’s annual meeting in Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany. President Michael Schweiger called upon members to strengthen their commitment and show Bethlehem’s families that they can count on Children’s Relief Bethlehem even in difficult times. The visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Bethlehem and the Caritas Baby Hospital only a few weeks previously had provided vital momentum, he said, and it was important to maintain this and transform it into action.
The annual meeting, continued Mr. Schweiger, would concentrate on the increasingly challenging environment which “is making our work more and more difficult.” Palestine’s economy had been flattened, he said. The traditional social systems were breaking down and the political situation was escalating with no end in sight. This made the services provided by the Caritas Baby Hospital even more vital, as they are open to all children irrespective of social origin, religion or nationality. Dr. Hiyam Marzouqa, Medical Director of the Caritas Baby Hospital, said that “employees in all departments are going to the limit to help the children.” She is grateful for the CHF 13.7 million in donations that supported the work of the hospital during the past year.
The Pope’s visit in May focused special attention on Children’s Relief Bethlehem. Michael Schweiger reviewed the events of this momentous day and emphasized its importance for the organization. “For us, it was a extraordinary pleasure and honor for the Pope’s visit to turn the eyes of the world onto the sick children and mothers of Bethlehem.”
The new director of the Caritas Baby Hospital was also introduced at the meeting. The appointment of Maher Turjman marks the first time that this important post has been entrusted to a Palestinian rather than a European. Turjman has set himself the goal of consolidating and expanding the Caritas Baby Hospital’s new social and medical services, paralleling the current renovation and expansion of the hospital building. This large construction project will be seen through to its completion by Turjman’s predecessor, Ernst Langensand. “The course for the future has been set, so that the children and their mothers will be able to rely on our commitment in years to come as well,” says Turjman, who will also represent Children’s Relief Bethlehem in the Holy Land. “We’ll be there!”
The members of Children’s Relief Bethlehem expressed their satisfaction at the work accomplished. They extended a vote of confidence to the organization’s officers and announced further support initiatives.
