Born 1960, Amman, Jordan

    Master of Engineering

    Studied electrical engineering, Dresden University of Technology, Germany

    Vice President, Palestinian Student Council, Dresden University, 1980-1984

    Advisor to President Abbas on Religious Affairs 

    Chair, Presidential Committee for the Restoration of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, 2007–

    PA Minister of Local Government, 2007; Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, 2005–2006

    Deputy Mayor, Bethlehem, 1997¬–2005

    Chair, Presidential Preparatory Committee for the Visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Palestine, 2009 

    Member, Palestinian Commission for Interreligious Dialogue working group with the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue 

    Member of the board of numerous organizations, including Bethlehem Development Foundation ; Spafford Children’s Center;  Palestine Real Estate Investment Co.