“The thought of giving birth to a child only to lose her in a few days was unbearable. Yet, this mother did not give up. Amid fear and uncertainty, she chose to hold on to hope and remained strong for her daughter.”
Notes from Princess Basma Centre
ATLANTA – Ruqayya’s mother found out her baby was not developing according to plan while she was still pregnant. She would have special needs…if she survived. This was difficult information for the family, but they were determined to love this baby as long as she lived. It has not been an easy journey for Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem during Israel’s military incursions, and this journey would be even more challenging for a child with long-term disabilities.
After her birth, the baby’s mother sought medical advice and was eventually referred to the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre Child Rehabilitation Centre through its outreach program, so they did not have to seek permits to leave their community to seek help. She and Ruqayya were enrolled in the Mother and Family Empowerment Program, supported in part by a grant from Global Ministries.
Ruqayya’s rehabilitation included physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy while her mother learned how to continue her therapy at home.
Ruqayya’s mother noted: “The training I received at the center had a profound impact on our journey. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to better understand my daughter’s needs and support her daily at home, which clearly contributed to her progress and improvement.”
In time, Ruqayya’s movement and eating improved, and after only having a few words, her vocabulary began to increase dramatically. This progress was not only a medical improvement, but a true transformation in the life of Ruqayya and her family.
Her mother now sees possibilities for Raqayya’s life that she had never imagined. “I dream that my daughter reaches her best potential, that she walks, learns, and lives her life independently.”
A Calm and Caring Presence Even Amid War
The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre has been stretched and stressed amid the latest war with Iran following the war waged in Gaza for more than two years, when most services were forced to close. But the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre is recognized as offering essential services by the Israeli Ministry of Health because it sustains treatment for children with advanced disabilities.
Many local community services closed or reduced their hours. Travel between towns and villages within the West Bank became more difficult and dangerous with threats of missiles, increased settler violence, road closures, and checkpoints. The JPBC Outreach Program is the first point of contact for treatment for many families, and continuing this service was critical. Good collaboration with 14 community rehabilitation center partners in the West Bank meant that even during the war, they completed medical assessments for 62 children while on outreach visits to different marginalized villages and communities in the West Bank.
The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre’s Mother and Family Empowerment Program contributes to peacebuilding by empowering women, strengthening vulnerable families, and sustaining hope and dignity amid conflict. Through care, inclusion, and community support, the program helps build resilient communities rooted in human dignity and compassion.
Access to Trusted Professional Help
When a mother enrolls in the Mother and Family Empowerment Program her child is enrolled in the Child Rehabilitation Centre, and both are 2–3-week residential programs, so they stay onsite and are surrounded by professional healthcare services. The Mother and Family Empowerment Program focuses on strengthening the skills, knowledge, and wellbeing of the mother to support the child, which also directly impacts the wellbeing of the child. This maximizes the effectiveness of their treatment and their ability to thrive.
Because of reduced income during the wars and the general situation of Palestinians in the West Bank, most would not be able to afford access to any of these services without financial support provided by grants and other donations. The programs are successful in transforming the lives of the children and their families, so the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre plans to enroll 580 mothers by the end of 2026.
Ayoub, another West Bank child, was enrolled in the Child Rehabilitation Centre at the age of 4. He was deaf and suffered muscle weakness and problems with his balance. His mother joined the empowerment program at the same time.
Ayoub’s strength and weight improved during his time in the center. His mother felt that the support, guidance, and education that she received was as critical as the treatment for Ayoub. The empowerment program strengthens empathy, builds resilience, and creates a community in which no one feels alone. Ayoub’s mother has learned to overcome the guilt and shame that is projected onto her for having a child with a disability. She has learned to advocate for herself and her child in her community, sharing valuable health information with other parents and family members.
When she meets other parents who care for disabled children, she now encourages them. “The journey is never easy at the beginning. But do not stop treatment. Persistence will lead you to your goal.”
Christie R. House is a consultant writer and editor with Global Ministries, UMCOR and Higher Education and Ministries.
Advancing Reconciliation and Healing
Working in collaboration with global and local partners, Global Ministries peace programs foster advocacy, accompaniment and action networks; strengthen interfaith collaboration; and support humanitarian aid and development programs. General Secretary Roland Fernandes focused on the program in his recent address. General Secretary Highlights Urgent Call to Peace in Spring Report | Global Ministries
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