The Birzeit Social Development and Cultural Center (BSCC) organized a recreational trip for its elder citizens to the neighboring town of Atara — site of the beautiful Qatrawani Park — on August 12, a most welcome outing after months of isolation due to Covid-19 and the occupation.
Men, women and some small children who were accompanying family members spent their day outdoors playing bingo and a game of “Distress,” working puzzles and riddles, singing and dancing. Elderly residents of Atara joined them for hours of relaxation and conversation. Joy was in the air and big smiles on everyone’s faces. A highlight of the day was a delicious luncheon, where the elders received gifts and special sweets provided to them in their honor.
BSCC coordinated with Atara Municipality and its Community Committee to plan this excursion to Qatrawani Park, a popular historical and tourist landmark, where the beautiful nature of the mountain heights, dominated by waterfalls and gardens, are frequented by visitors from all over the country.
Due to the Corona pandemic, activities of the BSCC have been adjusted to take place in open spaces, following health protocols established for all villages in that geographical area.
“Our elders provide a great contribution to preserving Palestinian heritage and teaching history to new generations,” says Rateb Rabie, President and CEO of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), which oversees the operations of the Birzeit Social Development and Cultural Center. BSCC encourages those who can offer support — from within Palestine or abroad — to donate on the HCEF link so that they can continue to serve the community of Birzeit. To support the Center, please go to: https://hcef.org/pr
The Birzeit Social Development and Cultural Center is a program of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation. The Center follows the objectives of the Foundation in supporting women, elders and youth in order to advance their work in the local community and to enable them to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them in the fields of social, cultural, health and recreational services. For more information, https://hcef.org
