Healthcare has been an important ministry and mission of Christianity since its earliest days. The Council of Nicea in 325 advocated for care of the poor, widows, strangers, and the sick. So it is only fitting that in the land where Christianity was born, healthcare is among the most active ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

The Diocese operates healthcare institutions throughout the Diocese in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, and Lebanon. These institutions provide care and services for more than 50,000 patients every year. These patients span all ages, from conception to the end of life; and the healthcare services they receive are comprehensive, from routine checkups to the most complicated and sophisticated surgical procedures. But common to all the institutions and varied services is one overriding commitment: to provide the best care possible to anyone who needs it, regardless of age, gender, religion, political affiliation, or ability to pay.

In this land, which is holy but also often troubled, such a commitment requires constant care and attention. This is made possible by the leadership of Bishop Suheil Dawani. Immediately after his installation in April 2007, Bishop Suheil recognized the importance of the healthcare ministries in the Diocese by establishing a new Healthcare Department, and appointing Dr. Hisham Nassar to be his Consultant for Healthcare Services and Institutions. The Department will oversee all healthcare institutions and ensure the successful operation of this ministry, aided by the dedication and hard work of the hundreds of clergy and staff who care for our patients.

Our four healthcare facilities in the Holy Land are ideally situated to best serve patients in the region. The West Bank is served by our facilities in Jerusalem, Nablus, and Zebabdeh, while Al Ahli Hospital provides a vital presence to the people of Gaza. In Jordan, our institutions provide a major trauma center and facilities to care for the deaf, and in Lebanon we operate a center for mentally retarded children. Jesus’ admonition to care for the sick is well served by this breadth of services.

In the 2000 years since Jesus lived in this land, few times have been as challenging as the present. Political realities surround the work of the Diocese every day and often adversely affect the operation of Diocesan institutions, including those providing healthcare. Ironically, it is a challenging time to be Christian in the Holy Land, so the presence of the Episcopal Diocese is a true ministry and mission in every sense. Beyond the actual tangible services that are provided, the Diocese represents hope, peace, reconciliation, justice, and compassionate service to people in sore need.

We invite you to learn more about this powerful ministry by following the links to see the facilities and read about the many works each institution is performing. Your interest and support are gratefully received.

Contact:

Dr Hisham Nassar, MD
The Bishop’s Consultant & Coordinator for Healthcare Institutions & Services

e-Mail: healthcare@j-diocese.org

Tel: + 972 -2 627 1670
Tel: + 972 -2 627 2133
Fax: + 972 -2 627 3847

Postal address:

P.O. Box 19122
Jerusalem 91191