Bethlehem Mayor Meets Senior German Delegation to Strengthen Cooperation and Support Cultural and Development Projects

Bethlehem Mayor Mr. Hanna Hanania welcomed Ms. Christina Beinhoff, Director-General for Culture and Society at the German Federal Foreign Office, and her accompanying delegation at Bethlehem City Hall. The meeting focused on the current situation in Bethlehem, the economic and social challenges facing the city, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in cultural and development initiatives.

The German delegation included Mr. Simon Kossler, Advisor in the Cultural Department at the German Federal Foreign Office; Mr. Konstantin Klammert, Head of Culture and Protocol at the German Representative Office; Mr. Raul Silke, Advisor in the Middle East Department at the German Federal Foreign Office; and Mr. Wasim Rashmawi, Local Liaison and Protocol Officer at the German Representative Office in Ramallah.

The meeting was also attended by Bethlehem Deputy Mayor Mr. Jeries Qara'a; Municipal Council Members Ms. Lorette Abu Jaber, Mr. Thaer Obeidat, and Mr. Ibrahim Nawawra; and Director of Public Relations, Culture, and Media Ms. Carmen Ghattas.

Mayor Hanania welcomed the delegation and outlined the realities of daily life in Bethlehem amid the current political and economic circumstances. He highlighted the challenges resulting from the ongoing war and the suspension of tourism activities, explaining their impact on various economic sectors, employment opportunities, and residents' livelihoods.

He noted that these conditions have created significant economic hardship and contributed to increasing emigration, particularly among Christian families.

Mayor Hanania also provided a detailed overview of the challenges facing Bethlehem due to Israeli settlement expansion, repeated incursions, road and crossing closures, and restrictions on the movement of residents, goods, and workers.

He particularly addressed the separation of Bethlehem from Jerusalem, its spiritual and historical twin, emphasizing the profound impact of this separation on the religious, economic, and tourism connections between the two cities, which share a deeply intertwined history and Christian heritage.

He further noted that the Bethlehem crossing has remained closed since the beginning of the year, imposing additional restrictions on residents' movement, employment, and economic activity.

For her part, Ms. Beinhoff expressed interest in gaining a deeper understanding of daily life in Bethlehem, particularly the circumstances of Christian residents and the challenges affecting their continued presence in the city.

She inquired about the causes and consequences of emigration, the condition of the tourism sector, the local economy, and education, as well as opportunities to develop new technology-related projects that could create economic and professional opportunities, particularly for young people.

Ms. Beinhoff also expressed interest in Bethlehem's cultural life and the activities and initiatives organized by the Municipality. Discussions explored opportunities for cooperation in supporting cultural and development projects aimed at revitalizing cultural activities, strengthening the resilience of local communities, and preserving Bethlehem's identity and historical and cultural heritage.

In this context, Mayor Hanania expressed Bethlehem Municipality's pride in its longstanding friendship and cooperation with the German city of Cologne. He emphasized the importance of building on these historical ties, expanding cooperation with German partners, and developing meaningful partnerships and projects that respond to the city's needs, particularly in the cultural, educational, and economic sectors.

He also highlighted opportunities for German cooperation in supporting cultural and development initiatives, including the Christmas activities and celebrations organized by Bethlehem Municipality throughout December.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Hanania presented Ms. Beinhoff with a commemorative gift in appreciation of her visit, reaffirming the importance of strengthening friendship and mutual cooperation between Bethlehem and its German partners.