News

Grand Hospitaller in DC to meet Holy Family Hospital Foundation

The Grand Hospitaller, Josef Blotz, participated in the Federal Association’s Annual investiture activities and celebrations over the past weekend in Washington DC. This was an opportunity to meet the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem members during the reception hosted by Ambassador Michele and Mr.Jim Bowe and to receive an update on the Foundation’s recent work.

The Foundation has existed since 1997 to support the inspirational work of the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem, located just 1,500 steps from the birthplace of Christ. This Order of Malta Catholic teaching hospital is a state-of-the-art maternity and neonatal critical care centre serving women, infants, and children throughout the Holy Land.

A beacon of hope

The Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for poor and at-risk families in the Bethlehem region, nearby desert villages and refugee camps.

Since his election earlier this year, the Grand Hospitaller has made three visits to the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, recognising it as the Order’s crown jewel. At the event, he outlined the achievements and the ongoing plans to ensure best practices and quality care for mothers and babies in Bethlehem.

Describing his visits to Palestine and Israel, he focused on both the past and present works of the Order in the region and emphasised the collaborative project with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which provides food, supplies, and healthcare in Gaza City. This project has been a lifeline for both the Christian community and its Muslim neighbours in the surrounding area.

Ambassador Bowe noted that, in recent years, to meet fundraising goals Order Associations from around the world – Australia, Malta, Britain, Hong Kong, Spain, and the Federal, Western, and American Associations – have united with the Foundation to bring life, peace, and hope under the region’s challenging economic and political conditions. Together, Order of Malta members work to bring hope to the families of Bethlehem.

Since 2012, the Foundation has sent over $28,000,000 to the hospital for operations, equipment, construction, and special projects and has consistently increased its fundraising goals, enabling better care for the families of Bethlehem. Ambassador Bowe assured guests that, once circumstances allow it, the Foundation will organise a pilgrimage of thanksgiving to return to the land where the Order was founded and to the very Birthplace of Hope. This pilgrimage will serve as an opportunity for members of the Order to pray and serve in community and, most importantly, to thank the staff of the hospital for their dedication and sacrifice in remaining in Bethlehem despite the current emigrations. They stay to serve and to continue the work among the voiceless and forgotten.