A moment of great emotion marked the inauguration of the new wing of the Helen Keller School in Beit Hanina, northern Jerusalem, and a special school for children with disabilities run by the Custody of the Holy Land. It is precisely from here, from these faces full of life and hope, that the journey of a new educational season has begun, made of care, dedication, and love.

Br. Francesco Ielpo, Custos of the Holy Land says, "It was a great emotion for me, this first inauguration, because it began precisely with this school for special children. And to see how they are cared for, how they are assisted, how they are educated, how they can grow. Here I saw with my own eyes that what counts are not our abilities, but the willingness to grow and to become great."

He adds, "Here we are building a future of peace, here we are building a future of justice, here we are building a future of men and women who desire the good of all. And this is truly moving. I can only be grateful and appreciative of all the friars of the Custody who work in this delicate, important field. So, today my heart is truly full of joy and gratitude. The inauguration of the renovated wing is a tangible sign of the determination not to give up, to continue investing in education and care for the most fragile. Amid the daily complexities of Jerusalem, this school is truly a small piece of paradise on Earth."

In his brief remarks of thanks, the Custos emphasized: “This is a piece of heaven here on this earth,” because where there is willingness to get involved, there is already a fragment of paradise. And in this little corner of Jerusalem, you can feel all of this."

Br. Ibrahim Faltas, director of Terra Santa Schools, says, "Today was the Custos of the Holy Land’s first visit to this school. I think everyone was happy and very glad that the Custos came to this school. They were much moved. We inaugurated the first floor of the Helen Keller School and everyone was welcomed with songs and words. It was wonderful. The Helen Keller School is much more than a school. It is a refuge of dignity and hope, where children receive not only an education but above all attention, listening, and love. Every classroom, every renovated space, speaks of a concrete commitment to give these children a life full of possibilities."

Br. Paulo Francisco Paulista, director of Terra Santa School, Beit Hanina, says, "This is an important day for these children, and for the Custody of the Holy Land. With much effort and much love, we try to change their lives. These are children entrusted to us.

"The Ministry of Education and the country entrusts us with these children, in part to sow fruits of hope. And it is a very great gratitude when families come to thank us and say that there is really good work being done, that the children have truly changed."