These are the stories of women giving birth at the hospital in Bethlehem. The Holy Family Hospital is a place of hope, in a region marked by conflict, violence and insecurity.
The film offers an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of the doctors, midwives and nurses who fight with unwavering dedication for the health of mothers and newborns. Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, lies at the heart of a region that has been a battleground for decades. This makes the work of the hospital run by the Order of Malta all the more significant: Since 1990, more than 100,000 children have been born there. The facility provides medical care of the highest standard - regardless of the expectant mothers’ origin, religion or social status. A mobile medical team also travels to remote villages around Bethlehem, often under difficult conditions, passing through checkpoints and roadblocks.
The documentary follows expectant mothers and the dedicated staff. One of them is gynecologist Dana Amro. "We open our doors to all pregnant women - regardless of gender, religion or skin color. We turn away no one who asks us for help,” she says. Amro often has to set off for work extremely early, in order to allow for any potential delays on the way.
Senior midwife Lorette Farah Khalil Al-Allam has been working at Holy Family Hospital for 27 years and has attended thousands of births. Among the mothers featured is Khuloud Obayat, who lost her husband shortly before the birth of her son Omar and is raising her children in difficult circumstances.
Despite all the tensions in the region, the maternity hospital sends out a powerful message of humanity, solidarity and active compassion. Whilst in many places people are asking how peace can be possible, this place provides a clear answer - with an open door, and open hearts.
#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #bethlehem
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