| Administrative History | The Four Homes of Mercy were established by Katherine Siksek (1894-1973), a Palestinian Christian living in Jerusalem, during 1940. Her work expanded to include a 'Home for the Aged Invalids'; 'The Crippled Children's Home'; 'St Mary's Children's Home'; and 'St Mary's Maternity Hospital'. In 1964 these 'Four Homes' moved from Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, to a single site in Bethany. Following Katherine's death, her work has been continued by her daughter, Henrietta Siksek Farradj, and a committee of Palestinian Christian women.
Sources: records of Embrace the Middle East (ecumenical charity) and related organisations; BibleLands website (http://www.biblelands.org.uk) viewed 23 April 2010. |