In Bethlehem, just steps away from where Jesus was born, the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta operates the Holy Family Hospital. This facility provides quality maternity care to locals of all races and creeds in the West Bank, where such care is scarce. The hospital, which boasts state-of-the-art technology and elite medical programs, offers the same level of care found in prestigious U.S. hospitals. The facility is the most advanced maternity ward and neonatal intensive care unit in the Palestinian territories, often referred to as the “jewel” of the Order of Malta. The hospital is a beacon of hope for Bethlehem residents amidst hostilities between Hamas and Israel.
Head of the Representative Office to the State of Palestine for the Order of Malta, Michèle Burke Bowe, oversees the management of Holy Family Hospital. Despite the financial challenges, the hospital strictly adheres to Catholic ethics in medical care and offers its services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. The hospital employs over 220 local Palestinians in various roles, providing reliable salaries and job security in the area. The positive impact of a Catholic institution in Bethlehem has helped maintain goodwill between local Christian and Muslim communities.
Holy Family Hospital is committed to never turning away patients due to an inability to pay for care. Subsidies and free treatments are offered to patients, with a recent increase in subsidies to 75% to ensure families can access proper healthcare without financial hardship. The hospital relies on private donations to continue operating and providing care. The financial challenges of operating a non-profit hospital are ongoing, with the main focus being to maintain quality care without cutting staff salaries.
The Order of Malta, with its origins dating back to the 11th century, operates as a unique international institution with diplomatic relationships with over 120 countries. Membership in the order is by invitation only, involving spiritual formation, public service, and fidelity to the Catholic faith. The Order of Malta maintains its own passports, stamps, and currency, with its highest authority being the Grandmaster. The organization’s traditional spot in Bethlehem where Jesus was believed to have been born is located near the Church of the Nativity.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to economic stagnation in Bethlehem, impacting the local Christian population and the tourism industry. The Order of Malta’s humanitarian work has also been affected, with restrictions on the hospital’s mobile care unit limiting access to prenatal check-ups for communities outside the city. Despite the challenges, the Order of Malta remains committed to providing healthcare in the region, with an emphasis on prayer for peace and reconciliation.
Bowe remains optimistic about the future of Holy Family Hospital, citing the hope she sees in the new families formed at the facility. The hospital’s mission to provide quality maternity care to all, regardless of their ability to pay, continues to be a source of hope and inspiration amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. The commitment to serving the community and upholding Catholic values remains at the core of the hospital’s operations, ensuring that generations of families in Bethlehem can continue to celebrate the gift of new life.
