Leadership & Governance
The leaders of the (NSFVH) are marked by their commitment to driving positive social change and making a profound impact on the lives of those they serve. These compassionate, visionary, and dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in guiding their teams toward a shared mission, which is the core of their organization.
At the heart of NSFVH's leadership, fundamental values are qualities such as empathy, strategic thinking, transparency, and a dedication to the greater good. The NSFVH leaders are not solely focused on short-term goals. Their vision extends to the creation of a sustainable and enduring legacy of positive change in the world, leaving a profound and lasting mark on the betterment of society.
Board of Trustees
The NSFVH Board of Trustees is a dedicated group of volunteers who generously contribute their time and meet at least ten times a year to oversee the organization's mission and objectives. This board is composed of accomplished professionals who hold leadership positions in their respective fields, bringing diverse expertise to guide and support our mission.
Mr. Abdallah Shakarna/ Deputy-Chairman
Holds a Master's Degree in Languages and Religious Studies and has dedicated over two decades to education. With 23 years of experience as an Educational Supervisor, Mr. Abdallah served as the Director of Education in Ramallah and then in Bethlehem for 17 years. Now retired from the public education sector, He is currently the Director of the Heritage Preservation Center in Bethlehem, where they continue to contribute to the community by preserving its rich cultural heritage.
Mr. Sami Al-Najjar/Treasurer
Holds a Bachelor of Accounting from Birzeit University and is currently the Accountant-Manager of Al-Waseem Accounting and Tax Consultation Office. Additionally, He serves as the Financial Manager for the Joint Services Council for Solid Waste in Bethlehem Governorate. As a dedicated professional in the field, Mr. Sami is also a Founding Member of the Accountants' Syndicate for Bethlehem Governorate.
Dr. Simon Alaraj/Chairman
Holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and has served as a Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department at Birzeit University for nearly 39 years. Since November 2012, Dr. Simon has been the Chairperson of the Board of "The National Society for the Visually Handicapped." Additionally, He has held the position of General Manager at the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority in Bethlehem for 5 years. Dr. Simon is also the Chairperson of the Board of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society and the Arab Orthodox Sports Club. Furthermore, he serves on the boards of various community institutions, contributing significantly to the betterment of society.
Mr. Sami Al-Najjar/Treasurer
Mr. Abdallah Shakarna/ Deputy-Chairman
Dr. Simon Alaraj/Chairman
Mr. Elias Jahshan / Member
Is the retired Deputy Director of the Value Added Tax for the Bethlehem Governorate. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Cooperative Association for Olive Pressing in Beit Jala and is an active member of the Union of Charitable Associations in Jerusalem. Mr. Elias' extensive experience in both governmental and non-governmental sectors highlights his commitment to community service and leadership.
Mr. George Zaina/ Member
Is a dedicated journalist and correspondent for Al-Quds newspaper, where he covers significant events and provides in-depth analyses on pressing issues.
In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Mr. George manages the affairs of the Al-Harizat family, serving as the family leader and ensuring the well-being and unity of their kin.
Mr. Elias Dieck/ Member
A Palestinian Architect and Urban Designer born in Bethlehem, holding advanced degrees in Architecture and Urban Planning from the Superior School of Architecture of Lille, France. He has over four decades of academic and professional experience in architectural design, urban planning, and heritage conservation.
Mr. Dieck is a founder and technical manager of the Architectural & Engineering Group (AEG) and has served as a lecturer in architecture at several Palestinian universities, including Birzeit University, An-Najah National University, Palestine Polytechnic University, and Dar Al-Kalima University.
He has played a key role in numerous national and international projects related to urban development, historic city preservation, and institutional planning, particularly in Bethlehem and other historic Palestinian cities. He is an active member of several professional and cultural organizations and has contributed extensively to research, conferences, and publications on urban conservation and sustainable development
Ms. Gabriel George Abdallah/ Member
He was born in Jerusalem in 1957 and received his primary education at the Frères Schools in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
He holds a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and is fluent in French, Italian, Spanish, and English. He served as a lecturer in the Department of Tourism at both Bethlehem University and the University of Haifa.
He is the Founder and General Director of Sindbad Tourism & Travel and Sindbad Tourist Transport. A veteran poet with extensive experience in the arts, he has demonstrated notable proficiency in painting, theatre, sculpture, and lyrical poetry. His published poetry collections include The Fragrance of Longing from the Memories of Years (2022–2023) and From the Notebooks of the Days (2024).
Ms. Sahar Khalilieh/ Member
A resident of Beit Jala, Palestine, Jihan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bir Zeit University.
She also earned two Master's degrees from Boston University—one in Communication Disorders and the other in Public Health. With 35 years of experience in rehabilitation services, She is currently serves as a consultant at Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem. She is a specialist in feeding and swallowing disorders.
Mr. Wael Zeit/ Member
An experienced Electrical Engineer born in Beit Jala, Palestine, holding a B.A. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
He has over three decades of professional experience in electrical, maintenance management with extensive expertise in hospital engineering, infrastructure development, and large-scale construction and renovation projects. He served for more than 24 years as Hospital Engineer at the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, overseeing operations, maintenance, and development of all hospital facilities. His professional portfolio includes the design and supervision of major institutional, and medical projects across Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, and surrounding areas, including Bethlehem University, Caritas Baby Hospital, Al-Shurooq School for Blind Children, and the Church of the Nativity. He is a registered engineer with the Association of Engineers in Amman–Jerusalem and currently works as an independent consultant and freelancer.