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NewsBeit Sahour continues to feel the adverse effects of its occupation by Israel. Already in 2010 the Israeli daily Haaretz reported that Israel occupied 17 percent of Beit Sahour land, and new settlements continue to be built. All Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law. Israel also imposes restrictions on the movement and access of Palestinians. Many parents and employees of Al Malath community have to travel long distances to maintain their jobs and care for their children.

Update Al Malath Center is growing! Yusef is another new client with autism who arrived in January, and the center is constantly seeking funding for special projects. Student occupational therapists provide valuable knowledge and help for Al Malath clients, who need of personal care and instruction.

New energy at Al MalathLina rarely sits in the chair provided for group gatherings. She is usually up and socializing with others. She is one of two new clients at Al Malath since September. Her joyful spirit has added a spark to the Center and her first year has brought a number of successes.

Lina comes from Hebron. She has a 20-year-old brother and a sister who is 11. Her father, Jawad, and mother, Suzan, could not find a place for Lina to get special education in their area now that she is older. So the family decided to rent a house in Beit Sahour where Al Malath was ready and waiting. Jawad travels to Hebron every day to continue his job producing milk and yogurt. Suzan misses Hebron but is happy that Al Malath had a spot available for Lina.

Hadil—a student at Bethlehem University performing her practicum at Al Malath—is working with Lina on occupational therapy. Hygiene exercises teach Lina how to care for herself. Independent living skills overlap with visits to the nutritionist who teaches about diet and healthy eating.

Physical therapist Issa Khoury is pleased with Lina’s progress on the treadmill during movement skills activities. She has increased her running speed from 2 to 7 kilometers per hour.

Lina loves: dancing, laughing, joking, eating all foods and learning English numbers through music on the xylophone.

Clockwise from top: Abdallah, Lina, Anton, Jerius, Mohammed and Rita.

Lina practices good hygiene.

Spring 2015—PalestineAl Malath Special Education

Photos by Issa Khoury Story by Dan Bergen