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The
Catholic Action, Bethlehem (CAB) is a non profit
institute founded in 1952 as part of the Catholic activities of the
Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. Located on King David Street in
the heart of the town, CAB hosts the historical King David's Wells,
mentioned in the second book of Samuel, marking the place where
David's men broke through a Philistine garrison to bring him water
to drink from the well of Bethlehem. CAB has served the social and
recreational needs of the community since its inception without
prejudice to race or religion, and it is run by a board of directors
who are members of the local community working on a voluntary basis.
Objectives
The initial objective of the CAB is to
spread the word of God through activities that serve the community:
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Provide children and youth with a venue for
educational, recreational, sports and extra curricular activities.
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Provide families with a proper place for social
and community activities.
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Provide cultural and entertainment activities through film
showings, theatre and folklore dancing.
It is of vital importance that
youth have a forum for communication. CAB institution helps young
people feel less isolated and more unified. Creating connections
among the youth citizens of
Bethlehem also encourages them to learn more about their country, to learn about
their people, places and organizations, thereby promoting
volunteerism and responsibility for their country and fellow
citizens. It also broadens their horizons by exposing them to
different ideas and positive role models of educated young adults
who are working toward the advancement of themselves and their
country.
CAB provide youth with
opportunities to acquire skills such as basic life-skills, computer
and Internet skills, and education. They also learn about concepts
such as leadership and democracy through taking the initiative to
take actions and implement the different activities of the
institution. The activities of the CAB also promote emotional
release. Here, youth is offered a third way to learn and to release,
in order to express their feelings, needs and ideas through sports,
social events, musical evenings, and educational contexts.
CAB institution gives young people a place to socialize, to receive
training, and to experience integration.
Target
group
The
CAB opens its doors to families and youth of all ages and
backgrounds on the basis of a sound reputation within the community.
By this it aims to encourage harmonious relations among the
diversity of groups who constitute Bethlehem Society.
Projects
1- Completed Projects since 1999
- a- Internet and network center 2004
- b- Swimming pool
- c- Children playgrounds
- d- Renovation of children hall
- e- Recreational center for men
- f- Renovation of King David Wells
2- Projects
Under completion
a- An indoor sports center
3- Future Projects:
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The CAB's
Cultural Center Rehabilitation and Reactivation Project
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An indoor sport center: Sauna, Jacuzzi,
fitness, body building etc. Indoor playgrounds: Basketball,
tennis, squash, bowling etc.
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Renovation of the main hall ( for parties,
ceremonies, gatherings etc…) with
new furniture, a heating and air conditioning system , sound and
light system.
Covering the swimming
pool to make it suitable for winter activities.
A roof restaurant to
serve tourism and the Bethlehemites.
Internet Coffee-Shop.
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