Life for Relief and Development provides food aid to vulnerable families in Bethlehem, supporting the city's tradition of Muslim-Christian solidarity.
Life for Relief and Development, as part of its mission to aid vulnerable populations, recently provided 200 food parcels to families in Bethlehem, located in the West Bank. The delivery highlights the city's unique tradition of Muslim-Christian unity, with both faiths observing fasting periods concurrently.
The food parcels were officially handed over to the Bethlehem Governorate in a ceremony. Key figures attending included Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, Deputy Governor Brig. Suleiman Al‐Hamari, and Director General of Public Affairs Mohammad Al‐Jafari.
During the event, a portion of the aid, 50 parcels, was immediately given to Father Issa Thaljieh at the Greek Orthodox Society of Bethlehem. The remaining parcels will be distributed to families in need by the governorate through its established social development programs.
Governor Abu Alia expressed his gratitude to Life for Relief and Development for their support of Bethlehem. He emphasized the significant challenges the city faces, including those related to Israeli policies and settlement activity, particularly due to Bethlehem's proximity to Jerusalem.
He further noted the importance of humanitarian assistance and development programs in light of the severe economic and social difficulties experienced by Palestinians. "These difficult circumstances require exceptional solutions and stronger cooperation between government institutions, international and local humanitarian organizations, and the private sector," Abu Alia stated, reassuring that the governorate remains open to all organizations aiming to help Palestinian communities.
Doaa Issa, programs manager at Life for Relief and Development, thanked the Bethlehem governorate for its collaboration and hospitality. She highlighted that this distribution concludes the organization’s Ramadan food parcel campaign across the West Bank.
Issa pointed out that Bethlehem stands as an example of Muslim-Christian coexistence, particularly during this time when Muslims observe Ramadan and many Christians observe Lent. "This shared moment of fasting reflects one of the most meaningful examples of coexistence that our organization is proud to support," she said.
She also shared the organization's aspirations to expand its work in Bethlehem through additional humanitarian and development programs in the future. Issa expressed her hopes for broader partnerships to reach more Palestinians in need and to strengthen the overall resilience of the community.
Following the ceremony, Al-Jafari organized a visit for the Life for Relief and Development delegation, including stops at the Greek Orthodox Society and neighborhoods where families facing economic hardship are expected to receive assistance.
Al-Jafari welcomed the organization's support for Bethlehem and other Palestinian areas, assuring that the food parcels will be distributed to families in need through local community institutions.
Father Thaljieh conveyed his appreciation to Life for Relief and Development for assisting families during a period marked by economic hardship and movement restrictions.
He underscored the symbolic significance of the support beyond the tangible aid itself. "This gesture reflects the spirit of unity, love and solidarity between Muslims and Christians in Bethlehem," he said, mentioning the concurrent fasting periods observed by both communities. He reiterated his gratitude 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.
