Our organization brings together people in North America and the rest of the
world whose family origin is from Bethlehem, Beit Sahur, and Beit Jala in the
Holy Land. Many of our members in the U.S. have been living here
for over 30 years. They bring with them a rich Palestinian heritage
accumulated over the ages since the birth of Christianity in their small home
towns. We welcome you to visit our web pages for news and information on
the Association, its activities, its members, upcoming events, what we are
doing to alleviate the present desperate situation in the Bethlehem region,
and links to other interesting sites.
Association Profile
The Bethlehem Association is a charitable organization founded in 1985 by Dr. Edward A. Hazboun and several interested friends. It is chartered in the State of Pennsylvania, as a nonprofit, charitable and cultural corporation with a constitution and bylaws. It is a membership organization primarily for people whose family origin is from Ephrata, the area of Palestine that includes Bethlehem, and the adjoining towns of Beit Sahur and Beit Jala. It has no religious affiliation. Other friends of Bethlehem are also welcome to join. Donations are tax deductible.
Most of its twelve thousand members live in the U.S., although there are sizeable groups in Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Brazil, Chile and the rest of the world. Historically, more Bethlehemites emigrated to central and south America than to the U.S.
Social activities such as banquets, dinners, and picnics keep local communities and chapters in touch with each other. The annual convention has been very successful in bringing together hundreds of members from all over the world. Past convention locales include Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, San Diego, Miami, Monterrey - Mexico, Atlantic City, Chicago, Washington, Orlando and San Diego again.
The Association has raised thousands of dollars to help people of the Bethlehem region through established charities and scholarships at Bethlehem University.
The Association is governed by a Board of 15-20 Directors who advise a volunteer Executive Committee that runs the organization. Past presidents have been Edward A. Hazboun, PhD; Hanna N. Canawati,Phd; Dr. Anton S. Dahbura and Dr Edward A. Hazboun for a 2nd term. The Executive Committee for 2004 - 2005 is:
LOGO - The Association logo is based on the fourteen pointed silver star that marks the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It is on the floor of the sacred grotto below the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine.
