The history of the Orthodox Scout Group in Beit Jala stands as a living testament to our steadfast commitment to faith, tradition, and community service. Our journey began in 1956 when the Orthodox Religious Committee gathered with around 20 enthusiastic young men who shared a common vision: to establish a scout group that would serve the church and maintain order during significant religious events. Despite limited members and resources, we embarked on this path with determination and resolve.
By 1962, our scout groups had experienced significant development, expanding their influence across the Bethlehem area. This growth led to the founding of the Orthodox Scout Union, which was equipped with internal regulations and comprehensive training programs for our members.
However, the war of 1967 posed a serious challenge, temporarily suspending our activities. In 1970, the Orthodox Arab Scout Groups in Beit Jala reopened their doors to youth of both genders in the city. By 1984, our members had grown to nearly 250 individuals devoted to community service.
The scouting movement in Palestine—including the Beit Jala scout groups—has always played an active role in community service. We have developed ongoing programs aligned with our core principles and goals, with a strong focus on religious occasions. Our scout camps, which included recreational activities and volunteer work, along with participation in external events and training sessions, have been central to our lasting commitment.
We take immense pride in our pioneering role in scout leadership training. Through local and national training camps, we have nurtured the skills and leadership potential of many individuals. Our musical band has participated in numerous national events, reflecting our dedication to preserving Palestinian cultural and musical heritage.
One of our most significant achievements was the founding of the Orthodox Scout Bagpipe Band in Beit Jala, generously funded by the Palestinian diaspora in Chile. This band, named in honor of its supporters, has become a vital part of the national musical scene. It has represented us in numerous musical events across Palestine and has played a key role in developing the social and behavioral skills of our youth.
At the heart of our mission lies the belief that scouting is not merely a pastime but a way of life. We encourage our youth to embrace their role as active, engaged members of society. Through volunteer work in various social activities, our scouts learn the true meaning of giving and contributing to the well-being of their city and their homeland.
We invite our local community and the people of Beit Jala living abroad to explore our rich history, vibrant social and religious activities, and the essential role our scout group plays in building a stronger future for Beit Jala. Join us on this ongoing journey of tradition, faith, and community service. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our beloved city and our cherished Palestine.
Together We Work, Grow, and Support a Stronger Community
The Orthodox Scout Group
Our Proud Legacy
Our Contribution to the Community
The Pulse of Our Community
Volunteering for a Stronger Beit Jala
In 2005, the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society established the Patient Committee in Beit Jala, which over the years has become a leading humanitarian initiative supported by numerous other charitable organizations in the city. Today, we take you behind the scenes to shed light on the invaluable work carried out by the Patient Committee and its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable groups in our community.
The Patient Committee operates from the heart of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society’s headquarters, ensuring financial transparency and facilitating regular meetings under structured internal regulations. These meetings are held monthly or as needed, where plans and strategies are developed to improve the lives of needy patients and provide them with assistance in the most effective ways possible.
The Patient Committee adheres to a set of principles that ensure aid reaches those most in need, without any discrimination. Strict standard operating procedures are followed to assess eligibility for assistance with precision and transparency. Every three years, committee members are carefully selected by the founding institutions to ensure a dedicated and specialized team aligned with the humanitarian goals of the committee.
The Patient Committee does not work alone in this noble mission but is supported by several charitable organizations in Beit Jala, including the Elderly Care Society, the Women and Children Care Society, St. Nicholas Home for the Elderly, the Trustees of Orthodox Churches, the Ladies’ Committee of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church. These institutions contribute annually to the Patient Fund, yet the available resources remain limited compared to the growing number of requests for assistance.
The Patient Committee invites all kind-hearted individuals and benefactors, whether local or abroad, to contribute to supporting this humanitarian cause. The demand for aid far exceeds the available resources, making every contribution—no matter how small—a significant lifeline for those in need.
In most cases, the Patient Fund can provide partial support to ensure as many requests as possible are addressed. All health and social cases are carefully evaluated by professional social workers and then thoroughly reviewed by the committee before a decision is made to grant assistance.
In the heart of Beit Jala, a group of extraordinary women has emerged as a cornerstone of support and compassion within the community. Despite limited resources, the Women’s Committee of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society has tirelessly committed itself to the path of charitable work.
The Women’s Committee consists of dedicated and passionate individuals who champion the society’s mission to improve people’s lives. Their work primarily focuses on supporting families facing health or social challenges, often from the most vulnerable segments of society. These women are distinguished by their deep-rooted connections within the Beit Jala community, granting them a unique ability to assess families' needs and advocate for those enduring difficult circumstances.
The strong bonds between the Women’s Committee and the Beit Jala community are key to their success. Over the years, the committee has built trust through active participation in various community initiatives. These deep relationships allow them to discreetly identify families in need, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most. Their role extends beyond distributing assistance—they also provide emotional support, standing by people in times of hardship.
Beyond humanitarian efforts, the Women’s Committee plays a vital role in the spiritual and educational development of the community. They are responsible for organizing Sunday School, where Christian values are instilled in the hearts of the younger generation in a land full of challenges. By nurturing faith and fostering noble principles, their work strengthens the moral and spiritual foundation of youth, reinforcing the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.
In addition to their crucial social and religious roles, the Women’s Committee is known for organizing numerous social events on behalf of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society. These gatherings bring joy and recreation to the people of Beit Jala, fostering unity and solidarity among them. Through celebrations and communal activities, they infuse hope and positivity into people’s lives, reminding everyone that even in difficult times, there is always room for happiness and festivity.
The Women’s Committee of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society in Beit Jala stands as a shining example of the transformative impact a devoted group of individuals can have on their community. Their unwavering commitment to supporting needy families, strengthening community ties, and actively participating in religious and social activities is a testament to their remarkable character. Through their actions, they alleviate suffering and build a strong, cohesive society rooted in solidarity and faith. They are beacons of hope in a world that can often be turbulent, embodying the spirit of service and community-building.
Established in 2002, the Orthodox Cultural and Educational Center stands as the cornerstone of our commitment to fostering deep Christian faith in our children and raising them with sound spiritual values.
Located near St. Nicholas Church in Beit Jala, the Center occupies a historic building that once belonged to the family of the late Father Constantine Ziadah. Today, this space - now dedicated to the intellectual and spiritual growth of new generations - reflects our dedication to providing an inspiring educational and faith-based environment.
The Center began with a clear vision: to empower our children with a profound and meaningful understanding of Christian faith that would guide them throughout their lives. This vision became reality through the generosity of our diaspora community members who not only purchased this historic building but also funded its restoration, making it a testament to our community's unity and devotion to future generations.
At the heart of the Orthodox Cultural and Educational Center lies a noble mission: instilling the fundamental principles of Christianity in our children's hearts. By building strong faith foundations, we're not only shaping better individuals but also supporting our small Christian community and strengthening its role within the broader Palestinian society.
We invite you to explore our offerings - from enriching religious studies to community initiatives that strengthen social bonds. Together, we can raise a generation of faithful, responsible citizens capable of making positive contributions to both our Christian community and Palestinian society at large.
At the Orthodox Cultural and Educational Center, we nurture not only young minds but also the future of our community and nation. Welcome to a place where faith, knowledge and civic responsibility converge to create a brighter tomorrow.
