Palestinian Learning Disabilities Showcase at Bethlehem Hotel

In the heart of Bethlehem, situated in the occupied West Bank, a new boutique hotel is making waves by prominently featuring the talents of Palestinians with learning disabilities. This initiative aims to elevate social inclusion and community development while welcoming guests from around the globe.

By showcasing the skills of individuals with disabilities, the hotel seeks not only to increase their visibility but also to transform community perceptions, fostering a more inclusive environment.

Located near the Church of the Nativity, a site of immense significance believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus, the hotel attracts numerous pilgrims who wander the area each summer.

Mahera Nassar Ghareeb, the community leader of Maan lil-Hayat (Together for Life), an organization supporting Palestinians with intellectual disabilities, expressed optimism for societal change. She noted, "Slowly, slowly, we can change the idea in the whole society, in the whole world, because here in Bethlehem we receive guests from the whole world."

Founded in 2009, Maan lil-Hayat recently embarked on its hotel venture within a beautifully restored 19th-century house. The organization aims to empower individuals with varying disabilities by enabling them to take on tasks such as laundry service and food preparation.

From the upper floors of the hotel, where original stonework and tiles have been carefully preserved, Ghareeb articulated the vision of identifying and enhancing the unique skills of participants, stating, "We aim to allow them to utilize their skills while providing some training to enhance their capabilities."

The initiative includes around 40 Palestinians from the Bethlehem region, with some members having Down syndrome, autism, or disabilities related to head injuries. A select group will work at the hotel, collaborating with an equal number of staff members without disabilities.

One of the hotel workers, Mariam Kansan, expressed that forming friendships was her favorite aspect of the organization, which she joined as a teenager. Currently busy preparing a room with a view of the southern Bethlehem hills, she said, "I grew up at Maan." Her daily tasks also involve serving guests and maintaining the hotel's ambiance.

Guests have praised the unique project. Tisserand, a French visitor, found the hotel extraordinary due to the historic frescoes depicting large cats and an angel. His fellow traveler, Gandon, who was unaware of the project when making their reservation, noted, "It's a good idea if it can help the association to have more revenue... It’s also a way to make their association known."

The quest for sustainable income was a key reason for opening the hotel, according to Ghareeb. The organization has historically received donations and generated revenue through the sale of wool products, but she emphasized the challenge of achieving consistent funding to support their efforts.

The hotel renovation, costing approximately $200,000, was funded by donors from countries including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Canada. Collaborative efforts with the Italian organization Albergo Etico, which also employs disabled staff in its establishments, have further strengthened Maan's mission.

Antonio de Benedetto, founder of Albergo Etico, articulated the goal of preparing staff for independent living through skill-building. He aims to connect Palestinian parents with their Italian counterparts in an effort to alleviate fears and enhance community support.

Statistical estimates indicate that around 5 percent of Palestinians in the West Bank have learning or physical disabilities. In contrast, approximately 15 percent of the global population lives with disabilities. Ghareeb highlighted the necessity of transforming the societal perception and context surrounding disabilities, stating that the hotel project aspires to change reality and improve societal attitudes.