Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center

In 1867, the Leprosarium Jesus Hilfe was established by the Worldwide Moravian Church as a secluded sanctuary in Jerusalem for individuals suffering from leprosy. Following the 1948 War, Moravian Sister Johanna Larsen relocated to the Palestinian village of Abu Qash, northeast of Ramallah, and founded a leprosy hospital in 1959. The hospital operated until the 1980s when medical advancements led to the discovery of a cure for leprosy, rendering the hospital unnecessary. In 1981, the facility was transformed into Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center (SMRC), which caters to Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PwIDs). SMRC, an undertaking of the Worldwide Moravian Church, provides rehabilitation, educational, and empowerment services to persons with disabilities (PwDs) and marginalized groups. Employing a rights-based developmental approach, it mobilizes local and international support to foster dignified livelihoods in alignment with sustainable development goals. SMRC endeavors to devise specialized programs that respect the rights of marginalized groups while ensuring environmental safety and climate justice, and advancing institutional infrastructure, programs, systems, and technological resources. SMRC’s four programs comprise an Inclusive Kindergarten, Special Education School, Vocational Training and Employment, and Community Mobilization. SMRC works with PwIDs, families, and social, national, governmental, and educational entities to raise awareness of disability rights and inclusion. It aspires to establish partnerships with local, regional, and international institutions and actively engages in networks advocating for disability rights. SMRC also provides support services to PwIDs including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psycho-social support, art, music, and sports education, as well as drama, acrobatics, and Dabkeh. SMRC currently supports 100 PwIDs from early childhood to the age of 40.