Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, led a field tour in Bethlehem Governorate to review the final preparations ahead of the Christmas celebrations according to the Eastern calendar. The tour was attended by Dr. Samir Hazboun, member of the Committee, and Raed Hanania, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Committee.
During the visit, Dr. Khouri met with the Governor of Bethlehem, Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, in the presence of the Commander of the Bethlehem District, Colonel Bahri Mohammad Zaqzouq, the Deputy Governor, and the governorate’s staff. Discussions focused on holiday arrangements and strengthening coordination among the relevant official, security, and service institutions to ensure the smooth organization of the celebrations.
The tour also included a meeting with the Mayor of Bethlehem, Maher Qanawati, during which the municipality’s final service and organizational preparations were reviewed, along with efforts to prepare the city to welcome visitors and pilgrims during the Christmas season.
The visit concluded at the Church of the Nativity, where Dr. Khouri met with Metropolitan Venediktos, Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, in the presence of several priests. The meeting addressed church preparations within the Church and its surroundings, with emphasis on preserving the spiritual and religious character of the Christmas celebrations.
Dr. Khouri stressed the importance of integrated coordination among the Higher Presidential Committee, the governorate, the municipality, church institutions, and the security and police services. He emphasized that such cooperation reflects Bethlehem’s historic and civilizational image as a city of peace and reinforces its enduring message to the world, despite the challenges and hardships facing the Palestinian people.
