The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) organized a Christmas dinner in honor of the Birzeit Senior Citizen Center (BSCC) on Sunday, December 18th. The event was coordinated under the auspices of the Latin Parish of Birzeit and their priest, Fr. Louis Hazboun. Guests were treated to a concert by the Holy Land Choir of the Palestinian National Security Forces.

On this joyous occasion, Fr. Hazboun pointed out the importance of the Christmas season as a time for reaching parishioners and enhancing the spirit of hope. Fr. Hazboun also emphasized the role HCEF plays in bringing hope to the elders of Birzeit, stressing the continued support that the center has brought to the Birzeit community.

HCEF Regional Director Eng. Anthony Habash expressed that this event would become an annual Christmas tradition, and also thanked the institutions that consistently support HCEF’s work with the elders of Birzeit, including the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Latin Parish of Birzeit, the pontifical Mission of Jerusalem, Birzeit Municipality, the National Presbyterian Church – USA,  World Vision, the Association of Christian Women of Birzeit, and the Christian Youth Committee and  HCEF/BSCC Birzeit Volunteer Network, all of whom have worked tirelessly for more than 10 years in service to their community.  HCEF Regional Director, Eng. Anthony Habash, pointed out the importance of renewing community relationships at Christmas time in order to better honor and serve the elders of Birzeit.

The theme of hope permeated the evening hymns (both religious and national) performed by the Holy Land Choir, and was generously shared by all who attended. Indeed, the elders’ steadfast commitment to their faith and nation is a source of hope for all Palestinians.

This evening was organized for the benefit of BSCC, and is a part of the Bethlehem Heart of Christmas program (BHC). The BHC Program is based on building relationships and community between Palestinian cities during the Christmas season.

To learn how to get involved at BSCC, click here.