The usual sleepy town of Birzeit erupted with laughter and music on Monday, as Elders gathered at Birzeit Senior Citizens Center (BSCC) to celebrate Palestinian Mother’s Day. The celebration has special significance to the elders at BSCC, many of whom have children living abroad as economic migrants.
Community groups from all over Birzeit came out to pay their respects to the mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers who, every week, grace the halls of BSCC. Om George, the Center’s eldest member, and one of the eldest people in Birzeit at 91 years old, was especially in good spirits, carefully making her rounds in the hall with her cane, greeting the Center’s guests and giving each person their Mother’s Day kiss.
As part of the festivities, the women of BSCC were treated to a complimentary manicure, dance performances from local schools and a special Mother’s Day lunch sponsored by BSCC. Participating were the Latin Patriarchate School in Birzeit, St. Mary Sisterhood Convent, Rania Nails and Salon, and Birzeit Orthodox Scout Troop. Each elder received a flower as well as a special prayer and blessing by Fr. Hazboun, the local parish priest, who highlighted the important role that mothers play in the family and society.
Mrs. Naifeh Burbar, a BSCC Elder, commented: “Tears filled my eyes, first because I miss my mother, and secondly, because I have no children to celebrate this event with, but I consider all these people who came to celebrate with us today as my children, and I love them all.”
The celebration was alive with dancing, music, and games, proving yet again that age is just a number.
To learn more about HCEF’s Birzeit Senior Citizen Center visit:
https://hcef.org/programs/bscc/
Photos Album for the Mother’s Day
