BETHLEHEM, West Bank (OSV News) – In the city where the Prince of Peace was born – peace feels heartbreakingly distant – especially for children.
Amid the Israel-Hamas war in the nearby Gaza Strip, one Catholic-run orphanage in the West Bank offers a refuge of love and stability.
Polish Sister Szczepana Hrehorowicz of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth has been sharing her life with children who have no one else for several years now. For them, she becomes a mother, a nurse, a teacher and – perhaps most importantly – someone who looks at them with love.
"I came to the 'House of Peace' in Bethlehem in February 2014. Before that, I worked on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, where I also took care of children from families in need. However, the situation of Palestinians living in the autonomous region is definitely more difficult," Sr. Szczepana told OSV News.
When Israel built a wall separating the country from the Palestinian territories in 2003, poverty, lack of jobs and separation from their own cultivation areas started to affect the Palestinian community. In 2010, the sisters decided to open a place of shelter for children from dysfunctional families, or those simply too poor to bring them up.
The house hosts children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Most of them are Muslims. They come from families often affected by violence. Some have been abandoned by their parents, others taken away by the court. There are also orphans – children who have lost their loved ones during the war.
For many of them, life has brought only suffering. The orphanage is the first home where they are safe. And the first where they can fall asleep without fear, Sr. Szczepana told OSV News.
The children have their own home-like daily routine here: shared meals, school, play, learning, but above all, they receive presence, stability and tenderness.
"Every day, we care for 45 children aged 4 to adulthood. We give them love, a sense of security and self-esteem. We do everything in our power to ensure that our pupils are as well-educated and prepared for their future lives as possible. They have the opportunity to develop their abilities and interests," Sr. Szczepana explained to OSV News.
The situation of Palestinian children today is dramatic. Bethlehem, although considered a city of spiritual significance, is one of the places most affected by the effects of years of conflict. The separation wall is not only an obstacle to travel – it is a symbol of isolation and hopelessness, the sisters emphasize.
Children who have seen poverty and violence often deal with trauma and a sense of rejection and are frightened with the heavy military aircraft flying to Gaza overhead during the day, the sisters pointed out.
They first teach them how to trust an adult. Only then can they learn to talk, hug and enjoy themselves.
"The children who come to our home are very emotionally disturbed, have great difficulty in education, are distrustful and often very aggressive. There are also those who scream at night, wet themselves ... they are afraid. In many cases, it takes time and boundless love to help them open up and trust," Sister Szczepana said.
"It is a huge success for us and we are grateful to God when we see the transformation of these children, who at some point begin to treat us like their closest relatives, sleep peacefully through the night, willingly play, learn. ... They are simply happy," she said.
The activities of the sisters are not limited to religious service. The orphanage is a full-scale humanitarian mission – focused on helping others regardless of their origin or religion.
"In the orphanage, there is no talk of politics – there is talk of children who need to be washed, fed, dressed, and listened to," the sister emphasized.
"Our presence in Bethlehem is viewed very positively by the residents. People know that in our home they can receive not only a piece of bread, medicine, clothing, or other material assistance -- we also try to enable them to work so that they can earn at least a little money for themselves. We also open ourselves to people with problems, giving them good advice and support to the best of our ability," Sr. Szczepana said.
"Our help is mainly used by Christians, but we are open to everyone who needs us," she said.
The "House of Peace" is mainly supported by donations. The sisters do not run a commercial business and do not have regular funding. Help comes from private individuals and religious communities, also from their native Poland. But the needs are greater than the resources.
Each new child means a new crib, clothes, medical care, food, and education. Sometimes they have to decide what to buy and what to give up. Despite limited resources, the sisters never turn a child away.
"What are we supposed to tell the child? That we don't have room? There is no such answer," the sisters say.
"Every child who smiles, who hugs, who trusts – that's a sign for us that it's worth it. It's a great joy and motivation to keep going, despite the difficulties. That's our purpose," Sr. Szczepana concluded.
