Dr. Ramzi Khouri, Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, on Thursday presided over the offical inauguration of the new facilities of the Arab Orthodox Club in Beit Jala. The event was attended by prominent church, national, and official figures, representatives of local institutions, and members of the city’s community.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Khouri conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, to the club’s administration and members, wishing them continued success. He reaffirmed the Palestinian leadership’s steadfast commitment to supporting national and church institutions and strengthening their role in serving the Palestinian people.
Khouri underscored that the inauguration of the club’s new facilities represents an investment in people, particularly the younger generation, and in the future of Palestinian society. He noted that the project reflects the longstanding contribution of Palestinian Orthodox institutions to community development, the promotion of national identity and belonging, and the preservation of the indigenous Christian presence in the Holy Land.
He further stressed that advancing and strengthening national institutions despite the challenging circumstances confronting the Palestinian people sends a powerful message of hope and resilience. It embodies a firm commitment to life, continued development, and the safeguarding of Palestine’s rich spiritual, cultural, and national heritage.
Khouri also emphasized that the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs remains committed to supporting both church and national institutions, guided by its conviction that safeguarding the Palestinian Christian presence, reinforcing its institutions, and preserving its historic legacy are integral to the broader Palestinian national project.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Khouri congratulated the administration of the Arab Orthodox Club and the people of Beit Jala on this significant achievement. He expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed to bringing the project to fruition and voiced his hope that the club will continue to serve the community as a vibrant center for cultural, athletic, and social engagement, while nurturing future generations and advancing its longstanding national and community mission.
