According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), the Christian population in the Palestinian territories has fallen to less than 1%, declining from around 11.2% prior to 1948. The main driver of this decline is continued emigration. PCBS estimates that approximately 45,000 Christians currently live in the territories occupied in 1967.
Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and Beit Jala form the heart of the largest Christian community in the West Bank and hold exceptional spiritual significance for Christians worldwide. Protecting the resilience of families in these cities is therefore not only a local social priority, but also a matter of preserving the living Christian witness in the land where Jesus Christ was born.
- Bethlehem West Bank
- 00970598356116
- [email protected]
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Organizational Overview
About the Organization
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Context and Rationale
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Organizational Background
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beit Sahour - a city whose economy depends heavily on religious tourism - experienced a sudden collapse. As the last group of pilgrims departed, hotels, restaurants, religious souvenir shops, and tour offices closed almost overnight. The shock extended beyond economics: pilgrimage and church celebrations were suspended, disrupting the sacred rhythm of life across the Bethlehem area.
In response, members of the Beit Sahour diaspora began sending financial support to their families and neighbors. Motivated by solidarity and faith-based responsibility, a group of young people established a charitable fund in affiliation with the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. The parish priest supported and guided this initiative, reflecting the Church's historic role in safeguarding the community's spiritual and social wellbeing.
During the pandemic, the fund provided essential food and medicine. After the crisis, the initiative continued to support vulnerable families with medical assistance, food support, school tuition, and contributions toward urgent surgeries. As the scope expanded, the initiative evolved into a registered charitable association working across the Bethlehem Governorate in coordination with partner institutions. -
Mission
To preserve and strengthen the Christian presence in the Holy Land by supporting vulnerable families through faith-based, educational, medical, and social protection programs.
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Vision
The Holy Land holds unique significance for Christians worldwide. The association envisions a future where Christian families can remain rooted in Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and Beit Jala with dignity, opportunity, and hope - ensuring that Christianity continues to be lived and witnessed in its birthplace.
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Values
The association is inspired by the Gospel call to serve those in need (Matthew 25:41-46) and is guided by the following values:
• Dignity and respect for every person
• Compassion and mercy in action
• Solidarity and community responsibility
• Transparency and accountability to beneficiaries and donors
• Non-discrimination and impartial humanitarian support
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Strategic Objectives
The association pursues the following strategic objectives:
• Strengthen the resilience of Christian families so they can remain in the Holy Land.
• Reduce the financial pressures that drive emigration through targeted social protection support.
• Invest in education and youth development as a long-term pillar for community continuity.
• Provide timely emergency assistance, especially in health and food security, through dignified and needs-based mechanisms.
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Child of Bethlehem Foundation
is a charitable initiative dedicated to supporting Christian families and children in Bethlehem.
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