Initiating with the National Anthem, Mrs. Eleen Qassis, MC and Director of the Elderly Club pointed out the necessity of providing services for the people with disabilities ensuring them job opportunities, and thanked the partner organizations especially the CCHP and Beit Sahour Municipality for their supportive efforts.

Mayor of Beit Sahour Mr. Hani Al-Hayek declared the attention of Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad, in implementing projects for people with disabilities and being fully prepared to provide material and moral support in Beit Sahour, aiming at creating employment opportunities for them in all areas.  Moreover, Mr. Hayek emphasized the serious and continued efforts of the municipality to support the projects of the society.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Daibes thanked Sida for their continued support for conservation projects of old buildings and especially for people with disabilities to engage in socio-economic development, pointing out to the fact that the town of Beit Sahour won the first prize among Arab cities in the maintenance of heritage buildings.

Governor of Bethlehem, Minister Hamayel pointed out that these buildings are important mark in the history, authenticity and civilization of the city and its people, assuring that the government will support such projects, especially those serving the people with disabilities in an attempt to proceed with the process of building and development which could lead to an independent Palestinian state.  Moreover, he noted that President Abbas has always emphasized that one of the conflict's solutions is to build the society's institutions and develop them.

Arch. Issam Juha, Director of CCHP called for the integration and cooperation of public and private institutions intensifying the efforts of the community in the rehabilitation and preservation of our heritage.  In addition, it was worth mentioning that the CCHP was able to provide headquarters for more than 17 institutions in the District, which contributed to the creation of more than 80,000 working days for workers and technicians.

Sweden's Consul-General Mr. Nils Eliasson confirmed his country would continue supporting the Palestinian people to build a strong economy and job creation and completion of projects in various fields, expressing his admiration of the art works and embroidery of the people with disabilities through their full integration in society.

Director of Rafiq Al-Darb, Mr. Michael Hilal expressed his thanks and grateful to the institutions that have supported the idea of establishing the Society, and helping it to achieve its objectives of productivity, cultural and social and provide a decent life for its members.

Dr. Walid Al-Shomali, owner of the building, in turn pointed out that the building exceeded 100 years old stressing on the importance of preserving such heritage to face the challenges and sustain the Palestinian existence and steadfastness on this earth.  At the end of the event, Rafiq Al-Darb Society awarded olive wood carvings made by the people of disabilities for the guests, as an appreciation for their efforts and support.