Throughout the Christmas holiday period, Catholic Action in Bethlehem organises play days and educational moments for the children of the City. In support of families, who often have to cope alone with the stress that children experience in this delicate phase of Palestinian history. David Tabash has four children. He tells us about his mission and his connection with Catholic Action since childhood. DAVID TABASH Lead member of Catholic Action Bethlehem I have been a member of Catholic Action since I was seven years old. I'm 41 now. I used to play basketball, spend hours, whole days here. This is where I met my wife. She would watch me play and then we would meet here. I want to say that thanks to Catholic Action, we built a Christian family. Now we are a big family and we have four children. For us, the mission of this institution in Bethlehem, which is Catholic Action, is to create a healthy and safe space for young people and children. But also to give parents the opportunity to take some time for themselves. Everyone here always sees the news, the violence, the killing of children. We want to give them hope. The importance of building places like these is undervalued. Especially in the West, despite the great legacy of Don Bosco, Philip Neri, and so many holy educators. Yet the parish is called to be a place where life flows, serene and dynamic. The young Haya Nasser, coordinates the girls who in the mornings look after the youngest children, from three to eight years old, and in the afternoons the teenagers, up to fifteen years old. HAYA NASSER Lead Educator of Catholic Action Bethlehem We are trying to create a joyful atmosphere this Christmas season. A festive atmosphere, in spite of everything that our context dictates, the children are entitled to it. Today we are doing Christmas work with them, and then we let them play. It's the same in the afternoon with the older ones. We try to do what we can so that the children can keep the Christmas spirit. I hope that all the families will soon have a better situation, and return to a life of peace, a normal life. Read More