Caritas Jerusalem Board
H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem - Caritas President
In 1995 he was responsible for the publication of the Roman Missal in Hebrew, and translated various liturgical texts in Hebrew for the Catholic Communities in Israel.
He was also the Vicar General of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem for the pastoral care of Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel.
Since 2008 he has been a Consultor in the Commission for relations with Judaism of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Unity among Christians.
Mgr Pierbattista Pizzaballa was Custos of the Holy Land for twelve years (05/05/2004 – 20/05/2016).
He began his service as Custos of the Holy Land on June 2, 2004.
On May 2010 he was reappointed, by the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, for another three-year term and, on June 2013, for a further three years.
Nomination as Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and then Patriarch
On June 24, 2016, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed the Very Reverend Pierbattista Pizzaballa as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, until the appointment of a new Patriarch.
The Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Pizzaballa took place in September 2016, in Bergamo, Italy.
On May 31, 2017, Archbishop Pizzaballa was appointed member of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches by the Holy Father Francis.
Appointment as Jerusalem Patriarch for the Latins
On October 24, 2020, Pope Francis has announced the appointment of Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa as the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem after his service as Apostolic Administrator for a period of four years.
On October 28, 2020, Pope Francis bestowed the pallium on H. B. Pierbattista Pizzaballa at Santa Marta Chapel.
On September 30, 2023, Pope Francis elevated Patriarch Pierbattista to the rank of cardinal.
H.E Msgr. Bishop Ephrim Semman
BoD Vice President - ExCom Chairperson
H.E Msgr. Musa Al Haj
Board Member
H.E Msgr. Bishop Yasser Ayyash
Board Member
Fr. Francesco Ielpo OFM
Custos of the Holy Land
Executive Committee
Dr. Irene Hazou
Executive Board Committee
A retired Associate Professor of Mathematics at Bethlehem University, Dr. Irene Hazou held several academic leadership positions, including Vice President for Academic Affairs. As the University's chief academic officer, she was responsible for coordinating and ensuring the quality of its academic and research programs.
Prof. Radgonde Amer
Executive Board Committee
Specializing in ophthalmology and ocular immunology, Professor Radgonde Amer leads the Uveitis and Ocular Immunology Service at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center. In addition to clinical practice, Professor Amer is actively involved in medical education and research, contributing to the advancement of ophthalmic care.
Ms. Lydia Habash
Executive Board Committee
Experienced in community development and social work, Lydia Habash serves as Community Work Coordinator and Social Worker at Jerusalem Municipality. With over 20 years of professional experience, her expertise includes women's empowerment, case management, program planning, and supporting vulnerable communities.
Adv. Raffoul Rofa
Executive Board Committee
Experienced legal professional and human rights advocate, Adv. Raffoul Rofa serves as General Director of the Society of Saint Yves of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. With more than 20 years of legal practice, he specializes in defending the rights of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and Area C of the West Bank.
Dr. George Backleh
Executive Board Committee
A distinguished ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon with over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. George Backleh practices at St. Joseph Hospital in Jerusalem and several medical clinics. Alongside his clinical work, he has contributed to medical education as a lecturer and clinical instructor.
Mr. Alex Hanna
Executive Board Committee
With over 36 years of experience in business management and private sector development, Alex Hanna serves as Managing Director of the F.A. Hanna Group. He leads a diversified portfolio of companies across the pharmaceutical, healthcare, consumer goods, investment, and real estate sectors.
Mr. Fadi Zakkak
Executive Board Committee
An experienced banking professional with over 9 years of experience, Fadi A. Zakkak serves as Branch Manager at Bank of Palestine. He specializes in branch operations, business development, regulatory compliance, customer relationship management, and team leadership. He maintains high standards of service quality and risk management.
Mr. Wissam Touma
Executive Board Committee
A business executive with decades of experience in tourism, transportation, hospitality, and aviation services, Wissam Aziz Touma is the owner of the GEMM Group. He also serves on the boards of several public, healthcare, and tourism institutions, contributing to the development of these sectors.
Mr. Saad Rahhal
Executive Board Committee
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 25 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and financial management, Saad I. Rahhal is the Owner and CEO of Sudoko Economical & Educational Solutions and Consulting. His professional background spans the private, educational, healthcare, and financial sectors.
Mr. Elias A. Habash
Executive Board Committee
Drawing on extensive experience in administration, accounting, and financial management, Elias A. Habash serves as Administration Supervisor at Terra Sancta Parish Center. His professional background includes financial consulting and supporting nonprofit organizations and institutions in financial administration.
Our Team
Mrs. Henriette Kort
Head of Administration Support Department
