Establishment – Then and Now

Origin and Establishment

Beit Sahour was one of the earliest cities in Palestine to establish a structured local government. Its first city council elections were held in 1925.

By 1952, the council was upgraded to municipality status as the population surpassed 5,000 residents. Currently, the Municipal Council comprises 13 members, including three women. The Municipality employs a total of 70 workers, divided between maintenance, cleaning services, and administrative roles.

The current Council has established a robust administrative framework with skilled personnel to offer comprehensive guidance and support for both short-term and long-term planning in public and private development initiatives, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

The Municipal Council aims to develop a comprehensive master plan for Beit Sahour that embodies a unified vision, meeting the aspirations and requirements of its residents. Central to this effort is fostering active community engagement throughout the plan’s implementation. Additionally, the Council seeks to establish guidelines for the city’s growth, ensuring sustainable use of local land and water resources while maximizing revenue from its various service offerings.

Beit Sahour Municipality Origins & Development

• In 1925, the village established its first council led by Mr. Saleh Jiries Al Atrash.
• The transition to a local council occurred in 1929, with Mr. Hanna Jiries Qumsieh elected as its head.
• This pattern continued with subsequent elections: in 1932 under Mr. Basil Al Shomali, in 1945 led by Mr. Hanna Farah Bannoura, and in 1950 with Mr. Jiries Hanna Qumsieh.
• A significant moment came in 1953 when Beit Sahour officially became a municipal council, as announced in the Official Newspaper, Appendix No. 2, Issue No. 1125, on October 16, 1952.
• The first municipal council elections took place in 1955, with Mr. Nicola Abu Aita chosen as its leader.
• Over the years, municipal leadership saw changes and appointments, including a committee chaired by Mr. Atallah Musleh in 1958 and his subsequent election in 1960.
• In 1967, Mr. Nicola Abu Aita returned as mayor by acclamation.
• The municipal council elected Mr. Jiries Al Taweel as its head on May 12, 1972.
• On April 12, 1976, Mr. Hanna Al Khoury Al Atrash led the municipal council following an election.
• The Ministry of Local Government appointed Mr. Fuad Kokaly to lead the municipal council on August 18, 2000, marking a historic moment with the appointment of Mrs. Samah Khoury as the first female Deputy Mayor.
• After a 29-year pause due to Israeli Military Order No. 830, which froze elections in the occupied Palestinian territories in 1980, elections resumed on May 5, 2005, with Mr. Hani Al Hayek elected as Mayor.
• Mr. Hani Al Hayek was re-elected as head in another municipal council election on October 20, 2012.
• On May 13, 2017, Mr. Jehad Khair assumed leadership following a municipal council election.
• The most recent municipal council election occurred on March 26, 2022, resulting in the election of Mr. Hani Al Hayek as Mayor and Dr. Elias Iseed as Deputy Mayor.
• On April 6, 2024, Dr. Elias Iseed assumed the role of Mayor after Mr. Hani Al-Hayek was appointed as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.

This timeline illustrates Beit Sahour’s journey from its early village council to its current municipal governance, marked by resilience and periodic challenges.