Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, West Bank, just 1,500 steps away from where Jesus was born, is a beacon of hope for locals seeking quality maternity care in a region where such services are in short supply. Operated by the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, commonly known as the Order of Malta, the hospital provides state-of-the-art care comparable to prestigious U.S. hospitals.
Despite the grim economic and political situation in the West Bank, the Holy Family Hospital remains committed to its mission of ensuring that no newborn baby in the Holy Land is denied a bed. The hospital, which has delivered over 100,000 babies since its establishment in 1990, strictly follows Catholic ethics regarding medical care and offers its services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
Ambassador Michèle Burke Bowe, who heads the Representative Office to the State of Palestine for the Order of Malta, highlighted the importance of the hospital in providing hope to families in Bethlehem. She emphasized the hospital’s commitment to providing care to all patients, even offering subsidies and free treatments to those in need.
The Order of Malta, an ancient order of Catholic knights, operates the hospital and relies on private donations to fund its operations. Despite financial challenges, the hospital continues to provide high-quality care to its patients, including those with high-risk pregnancies and newborns requiring intensive care.
In the midst of ongoing conflicts in the region, the Holy Family Hospital stands as a symbol of unity between Christian and Muslim communities in Bethlehem. The hospital employs over 220 local Palestinians, providing stable jobs and security to many families in the area.
As the hospital faces obstacles in providing care to remote communities due to recent security measures, the Order of Malta remains committed to its mission of delivering healthcare to those in need. Ambassador Bowe urged support for the hospital’s efforts and emphasized the importance of prayer for peace and reconciliation in the region.
Despite the challenges, the staff at Holy Family Hospital remains dedicated to their work, finding hope in the new families formed within its walls. As Ambassador Bowe aptly stated, “When you have a job, and you have a newborn baby, you have hope.”
