The Order of Malta's Holy Family Hospital: A Beacon of Hope in Bethlehem

Amidst the turmoil of the Holy Land, the Order of Malta's Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem stands as a symbol of hope, providing state-of-the-art maternity care to all, regardless of their ability to pay.

In the heart of the Holy Land, just a short distance from where Jesus is believed to have been born, a chivalric order of Catholic knights is working to ensure that no newborn baby is denied a quality start to life. The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (commonly known as the Order of Malta) operates the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, West Bank, where locals of all races and creeds receive exceptional maternity care.

The Holy Family Hospital is the most advanced maternity ward and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the Palestinian territories, offering a level of care comparable to that of prestigious medical facilities in the United States. It is a beacon of hope for Bethlehem natives caught in the crossfire of hostilities between Hamas and Israel.

The Order of Malta's Holy Family Hospital: A Beacon of Hope in Bethlehem

"Each baby who is born is a great sign of hope. Every family rejoices, no matter what their economic situation is," said Ambassador Michèle Burke Bowe, Head of the Representative Office to the State of Palestine for the Order of Malta. "Palestinians love children. They celebrate children."

The Order of Malta's commitment to Catholic ethics means that the hospital strictly adheres to ethical medical practices and offers its services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Religious imagery adorns the hospital's walls, and each newborn is swaddled in a blanket bearing the Order's cross and shield.

The Order of Malta's Holy Family Hospital: A Beacon of Hope in Bethlehem

The hospital employs over 220 local Palestinians as medical professionals and staff, providing reliable salaries and security in a region often marked by economic instability. The positive impact of this Catholic institution has fostered longstanding goodwill between Christian communities and their Muslim neighbors.

"We have two social workers at the hospital that work with the patients [regarding] their psychosocial needs, but these social workers can also adjust the expected family contribution all the way down to zero," explained Ambassador Bowe.

The Order of Malta's Holy Family Hospital: A Beacon of Hope in Bethlehem

Despite the high cost of providing free and subsidized care, the Order of Malta remains committed to its mission. The organization relies heavily on private donations to cover expenses, with contributions coming from its offices in the United States, Europe, Hong Kong, and Australia.

The operation of Holy Family Hospital presents constant financial challenges, but the Order's focus remains on maintaining the high level of care and supporting its employees. "Right now, I believe that making sure that we can continue to pay our doctors, our nurses [is most important] — our staff is all Palestinian, and they are feeding their extended families," said Ambassador Bowe.

The Order of Malta's Holy Family Hospital: A Beacon of Hope in Bethlehem

The Order of Malta, with its history dating back to the Crusades, continues its mission of providing care for the sick and poor. Members of the order take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and come from various walks of life, united by their commitment to serving others.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Bethlehem, the Order of Malta and Holy Family Hospital remain steadfast in their mission. "As a member of the Order of Malta, the first thing I would say is to pray for peace and reconciliation and understanding," said Ambassador Bowe. "And to pray for our efforts at the hospital, which are really so beautiful because they are an ecumenical effort."

The Order of Malta's Holy Family Hospital: A Beacon of Hope in Bethlehem

The Holy Family Hospital stands as a testament to the power of hope and compassion, offering a lifeline to new families and fostering a spirit of unity in a troubled region. Through the unwavering dedication of the Order of Malta, the legacy of caring for the sick and the poor continues to live on in the Holy Land.