Enhancing the cultural scene in Bethlehem Governorate: The municipalities of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour adopt the publication of “The Collection of Bethlehem Cultural Figures""

The Mayors of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour cities signed a memorandum of Understanding with Dr. Saeed Ayyad and Dr. Ziad Bani Shamsa to publish “The Collection Bethlehem's Cultural Figures", to publicize the Palestinian cultural figures of the last hundred years from Bethlehem governorate.

The memorandum comes within the three municipalities' vision to emphasize the creative output of these cultural figures from Bethlehem who enriched the Palestinian culture with intellectual and literary creativity throughout the generations.

The Mayor of Bethlehem Adv. Anton Salman said that this memorandum is part of Bethlehem municipality's preparations for "Bethlehem Capital of Arab Culture 2020" project which was postponed due to Covid-19. He added that the municipality of Bethlehem considers issuing this collection as part of its responsibilities to spread its cultural figures on a local, Arab and international level.

Salman assured that this collection will recognize writers, intellectuals, artists, musicians, cinematographers, thinkers and researchers who, with their creative output, formed an intellectual and creative path not just for the Palestinians, but also extended their influence and reached the world.

Salman thanked the Director General of the Palestinian National Fund, His Excellency Dr. Ramzi Khoury, for supporting this important publication.

The Mayor of Beit Jala Mr. Nicola Khamis expressed his eagerness to be part of this publication, emphasizing that this collection will include figures from the cities of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour and it will be a tribute to their efforts and giving to this Holy Land.

The Mayor of Beit Sahour Jehad Khair said, "We aim to show the cultural, militant and social aspect of our three cities through this cultural publication", adding that the efforts and creativity of Dr. Saeed Ayyad and Dr. Ziad Bani Shamsa are appreciated.

Dr. Saeed Ayyad asserted that the collection is crucial, as it is the first of its kind on the scientific and systematic levels in Palestine. He added that signing this agreement will contribute to highlighting the cultural dimension of the writers in Bethlehem and their influence on the Arabic and international culture.

Dr. Ziad Bani Shamsa thanked the Mayors of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour for their support and embrace of this cultural production, stressing their role in supporting Palestinian culture, which is an essential part of Bethlehem's identity.