We were pleased yesterday June 2nd, at Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem, with the visit of a high-ranking German delegation headed by Dr. Peter Tschentscher; first mayor of city of Hamburg and President of the Senate (Bundesrat), and Mr. Oliver Owcza; representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the State of Palestine.
The delegation was received at the hospital by the acting CEO, Mr. Atallah Al-Araj, and the medical director, Dr. Hiyam Marzouqa Awad, who briefed the guest and the accompanying delegation on the history and services of the hospital, which was established in 1953 with joint Swiss and German funding.
In his welcoming speech, Al-Araj indicated that the visit of the President of the German Federal Council is a treasured gift because it highlights the importance of the work of Caritas Baby Hospital and reflects international solidarity with the Palestinian health sector. Al-Araj also expressed his deep gratitude for Germany's support of the hospital's endeavours. He also acknowledged the contributions of German organizations and individuals that played a huge role in the hospital’s continuity and in improving the lives of the children it serves.
In turn, the President of the Senate expressed his pleasure at visiting Caritas Baby Hospital, which offered a new aspect to his visit to the occupied Palestinian territories by identifying the health situation in Palestine and the strategic importance of developing this sector.
This visit comes within the framework of the German President of the Senate first tour in the Palestinian territories, which involved meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh, in addition to visiting holy and historical places including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
