HCEF
Prime Minister Salam Fayyad visited The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation’s (HCEF) Birzeit FR. Anton Buzo Senior Citizen Center last Friday, January 15, 2010. He was impressed with the operation of the Center and how HCEF contributes to the needs of the elderly in the center, as our senior citizens desperately need our support.
HCEF representatives received Mr. Fayyad and explained to him the services the seniors receive at the Center. The senior citizens of Birzeit have contributed immensely to the Palestinian and Christian community, and they continue to desire to do so. As a tribute to their courage and resilience throughout their turbulent history, HCEF has created a place where they will be able to leave their homes and enjoy social and cultural activities with one another, including health awareness, sports and recreational activities.
Jamileh Aranki one of the Seniors in Birzeit, delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of HCEF, expressed to the prime minister how much his visit meant to them and thanked him for coming.
The Birzeit Senior Citizens’ Daycare Center has been a work in progress for five years, and thanks to the help of HCEF partners, it is a vibrant place of welcome and enjoyment. A special thanks goes to the generosity of the National Presbyterian Church (who has a Parish Partnership with Birzeit), the Pontifical Mission, Caritas, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. This project testifies to the ability of organizations and churches to work together for the common good of another.
Prime Minister Fayyad made this statement to the residents of the Birzeit, “It is the project of the Palestinian Authority to create new and positive facts on the ground in efforts to achieve a Palestinian state that meets the needs of its people.”
Fayyad was in Birzeit to inaugurate the restoration of an ancient building in the heart of the village, supported by the Swedish Development Agency and the Dutch government and in cooperation with the Birzeit municipality. He also noted several other restoration projects would be soon underway, supported by the United States. 
The Mayor of Birzeit, Dr. Yousef Nasser supports the growth as it will raise the standard of living for many of the citizens of Birzeit.
