In the period 9-14 December 2019, Maltese-Gozitan Artist Mario Cassar visited Palestine in a Cultural Diplomacy Project funded by the Cultural Diplomacy Fund of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion of the Republic of Malta. The artistic visit was hosted by the Representative Office of the Republic of Malta in Ramallah, Palestine. During his visit, Visual Artist Mario Cassar was assisted by the Head of Representative Office of Malta in Palestine, Mr Reuben Gauci.

In the period 9-10 December 2019, Mario Cassar made two permanent paintings on selected doors in the Palestinian city of Beit Jala, where he was hosted by the Municipality of the City under the patronage of the Mayor H.E. Mr Nicola Khamis. Whilst painting on these doors, the Maltese-Gozitan Artist had a chance to interact with locals, passers-by and also a group of Maltese pilgrims visiting the Holy Land.

In the period 12-13 December 2019, the Maltese-Gozitan visual artist built a crib out of the typical Palestinian olive wood in conjunction with the Boy Scout Group of the Palestinian City of Beit Sahour. Whilst making this crib, he interacted with Palestinian children who study art. During this period, the Mayor of Beit Sahour, H.E. Mr Jehad Khair visited the Maltese artist.  

On 14 December 2019, the artist produced two paintings on the theme of Bethlehem from the roof top of the edifice owned by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land known as Il Cantico, which is situated in the periphery of the Manger Square in Bethlehem. One of the paintings was given to the Mayor of Bethlehem, H.E. Adv Anton Salman, whilst the other painting was given to a renowned souvenir shop owner in Manger Square, Mr Rony Tabash who assisted the artist in the production of the paintings.

Special thanks also go to esteemed Palestinian locals Mr Jiries Qumsiyeh, Ms Henriette Rabba and Mr Issa Juha for their help in this project.