School for the Deaf. On Thurs., 5/12/11, we attended the 40th anniversary celebration of this unique Catholic school for deaf children in Bethlehem. It serves 142 kids ages 2 to 16. "Ephpheta" (Aramaic for "to open") comes from the Lord's healing of a deaf & mute man. He touched the man's ears "and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is "be opened" (Mark 7:34).
The program was conducted by two instructors -- one of whom (in red) was completely deaf. But she spoke so clearly it could not be detected
One scene depicted how a creative but firm teacher handled her class.
A teacher there for 25 years was honored by Sister Carmela and a school poem was read by a beautiful teenage deaf student.
Below with them is the Director, Sis. Carpenedo (in dark glasses. She came to our Christmas program). We left the school very impressed.
On 10/22/11 we returned for a more formal celebration, this time in their chapel. It was a service with the Eucharist by Archbishop Fouad Twal (Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem) -- assisted by 4 bishops & many priests.
Outside the chapel by the main entry, Archbishop Twal (top Catholic official in the Holy Land) unveiled & blessed the school's new mosaic logo. The logo was enhanced by Doris in her very stylish suit.
Afterwards, the crowd reconvened in the reception hall to see the DVD we had funded. It showed past successes & future plans of the school, in 3 languages -- Italian, Arabic & English.
On 5/12/11, while we waited for our JC taxi, we surveyed the area -- starting with HQ of the U.N. Relief & Works Admin.
In contrast, the vacant lot next door was in serious need of an upgrade. But in spite of such conditions, and the continuing Separation Wall, Bethlehem is possibly poised to grow, thrive & prosper in the modern age.
Founded in 1971, it is named for Pope Paul VI -- (also its street, formerly the "Yasser Arafat St."). He urged its creation after his 1964 Holy Land pilgrimmage.
It was staffed by the Sisters of St. Dorothy monastery next door. Their shared coat of arms denotes both French & Italian origins.
Inside it is bright and cheery, with some lovely artwork showing Christ opening the ears of a hearing-impaired child.
Our support came after two of their head nuns attended our student Christmas program in Dec. 2010. We then provided funds to produce, edit & translate a promo DVD to celebrate the school's 40th Anniversary in 2011.
This gala event was done by their children -- in their large auditorium.
There was a scripture read, the Palestinian nat'l anthem, speeches by school leaders & Minister of Education. (Minister of Tourism also came.)
Then began the program. We were amazed! All 140 hearing-impaired school children (ages 4 to 16) sang & danced to lively music, in very colorful costumes.
Starting with the youngest ages, each grade put their "best feet forward."
Notice how all performers -- especially the youngest -- carefully watched their instructors standing in the middle aisle for direction.
Perhaps most enthralled of all were the grateful parents.
Then a DVD (not ours) showed the school's history & future plans.
Finally came graduation of the 3 Kindergartens & 10th grade students
A light lunch followed, for school personnel & dignitaries.
Our main contact was Doris Skafi, an English-speaking social worker, along with the only nun who spoke any English.
It was also the feast day of St. Maria Bertilla Bascardin -- a humble nun who devoted her live to serving the ill & needy children.
The ceremony was witnessed by an overflow audience (over 300).
There followed a reception, largely arranged by Doris & Sis. Carmela -- the same two who picked up 140 hygiene kits at the JC last week.
As we departed, we enjoyed more hallway art by the children.
This was a lovely anniversary celebration we shall long remember.
This was no longer "O Little Town of Bethlehem." A block away was this upscale new hotel, gallery and mall -- La Fontana.
Inside was an elegant lobby and automobile showroom.
We are a Honda family. But this chrome-laden, gleaming new 2011 Civic was unlike any we had ever seen!
In contrast, the vacant lot next door was in serious need of an upgrade. But in spite of such conditions, and the continuing Separation Wall, Bethlehem is possibly poised to grow, thrive & prosper in the modern age.
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