Bethlehem: Day centre brings hope to isolated elderly people

Just two steps away from the Bethlehem checkpoint, there is a place that represents hope and newfound tranquillity for many elderly folk. In this town, many find themselves living on their own in their old age, and experience poverty, deprivation and solitude.

The Antonian Charitable Society's Day Centre for elderly people, the 'Nadi' supports around fifty people three times a week. They meet to spend their mornings in good company, to take part in recreational activities, play cards and chat about the old times. They also find hope, care and love, offered by the nuns and volunteers.

On Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, early in the morning, drivers from the Antonian Society go out to the streets of Bethlehem and door to door to pick up the elderly guests.

Some of them do open air exercise, some do crafts or crochet, and others play cards. The local and international volunteers also give their support.

Apart from working with their imagination and creativity, they also enjoy traditional Palestinian folk dancing and music.

"They travel back in time and remember the times when they were young... They have the rhythm in their blood and dance much better than me," said Noor, a young local volunteer who comes to help the nuns every week.

When you are busy, time flies, and after some exercise and a few games in teams, lunch time arrives quickly. Then they have time to enjoy the amazingfcooking of Sister Caterina. The volunteers set the table and make sure that the guests are not missing anything. They end their morning with some fruit and sweets, before the bus drivers take everyone back home.

"I never miss it" said Milade, one of the women who attend the Day Centre. "Some of my children migrated a few years ago, together with my grandchildren. Some others live in other cities in Palestine, but even if I don't have anyone here, I wanted to stay in Bethlehem, where I was born and raised. My roots are here. These three mornings every week are a breath of fresh air in my lonely life. I spend time with other elderly people who, like me, used to be on their own. Now we have a new family, the Nadi one."

For more information, to see a film and support the project visit: www.proterrasancta.org/en/help-bethlehem-elderly/