Charitable Work
The Bethlehem Arab Women’s Union is deeply committed to supporting underprivileged families through year-round charitable initiatives. These efforts include food distribution, Ramadan iftar events, elderly care, child support, financial aid, and back-to-school donations.
Highlights of our charitable work:
- Distribution of food parcels in partnership with organizations like Bank of Palestine and Caritas.
- Hosting Ramadan iftars and offering clothing vouchers for children.
- Celebrating International Day of Older Persons with meals and gifts.
- Supporting institutions that serve people with disabilities and the elderly.
- Organizing weekly women’s social events whose proceeds support charitable causes.
- Providing school bags and supplies to children from low-income families.
Driven by compassion and solidarity, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Culture and Arts
The Bethlehem Arab Women’s Union plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Palestinian culture through meaningful artistic and heritage-based initiatives.
The Union revives national identity through embroidery, traditional cuisine, museums, and diverse cultural activities.
Key cultural initiatives include:
- Embroidery and Sewing Project: Established in 1969, this initiative empowers women while preserving the rich tradition of Palestinian dress and handcrafts.
- Traditional Food Production: Launched in 1987, the project teaches traditional cooking techniques and creates employment, all while preserving ancestral recipes.
- Our Bethlehem Home & Bethlehem History Museum: Two cultural spaces showcasing Palestinian heritage through artifacts, traditional garments, documents, and historic photographs.
- Organizing local markets and exhibitions that celebrate handmade art and connect heritage to daily life.
The Union believes that preserving culture is a form of resilience and a lasting message for future generations.
Social Activities
The Bethlehem Arab Women’s Union actively engages the community through diverse social activities aimed at children, women, and the elderly.
These events create safe and joyful spaces for connection, celebration, and shared humanity.
Key social activities include:
- Hosting holiday celebrations (Easter, Christmas, St. Barbara’s Day) with gifts and fun for children.
- Weekly women’s gathering every Tuesday featuring games, social time, and fundraising for charitable causes.
- Organizing events for International Day of Older Persons, with meals and symbolic gifts.
- Launching handicraft fairs and heritage markets, such as the “Naba’ Al-Khairat” market, to support local women’s products.
- Participating in official visits and meetings with partners like Bethlehem Municipality and national institutions.
Through these social efforts, the Union strengthens community bonds and spreads joy, inclusion, and solidarity.
Traditional Food
The Traditional Food Project is one of the cornerstone initiatives of the Bethlehem Arab Women’s Union, combining women’s empowerment with the preservation of Palestinian culinary heritage. Launched in 1987, the project has grown steadily in quality and scale.
Project goals include:
- Creating employment opportunities for women in a safe, productive environment.
- Teaching authentic Palestinian cooking techniques to new generations.
- Supporting local farmers by sourcing ingredients from their produce.
- Offering traditional Palestinian dishes to restaurants, shops, and the local community.
Equipped with modern appliances, the kitchen is operated by skilled women who keep the taste and spirit of Palestine alive in every dish.