Reception For
Bethlehem Association Scholarship Students Graduating June 2005.
Twenty five to thirty scholarships are granted each year to
students at Bethlehem University. Nine students are graduating this
year. A reception is being held on June 4, 2005 to honor the students, their
parents and the scholarships sponsors.
Strife Spurs Slow Exodus of West Bank Christians By Ken Ellingwood, Times Staff Writer
LETTER FROM BETHLEHEM (69) Toine van Teeffelen April 19, 2005 THE CROW CRIES
An update on the situation in Bethlehem : The Wall in Bethlehem : Letter from Mayor of Bethlehem
Letter From Tony Saca President Of Salvador to the Bethlehem Association in response to our letter.
Bethlehem University : The Perseverance of Bethlehem University Despite two intifadas and numerous closings, the university keeps growing.
AEI Statement : on the political future after the Palestinian elections - January 20th, 2005
LATIN PATRIARCHATE : CHRISTMAS MESSAGE : Christmas 2004
Bethlehem Hears Xmas Plea For Peace By Sky News : Christmas 2004
Thousands of pilgrims visit Bethlehem By AP : Christmas 2004
The Changing Face of Bethlehem : an informative report & facts on the current situation in Bethlehem - PDF File - By the office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA and UNSCO December 2004
In a letter sent to the president's office in Ramallah with copies to the PNA delegations in Washington, UN and London, The Bethlehem Association extends its condolences to all Palestinians on the passing of president Arafat.
Bethlehem Association South California Annual Christmas Party : December 11, 2004 !
A successful Bay Area Gala !! Bethlehemites from Northern California and elsewhere gathered in San Francisco on Oct 23-24
Bethlehem Roots Organization : established to minimize and if possible stop the emigration of local citizens from BETHLEHEM area [more]
Saint Nicolas Home Charitable Society in Beit Jala - Needs your help ! October 2004
Bethlehemites in El Salvador : more than 100,000 of El Salvador's 6 million residents are of Middle Eastern descent (almost all from Bethlehem) and that many of them have managed to elevate themselves to the highest social and economic strata in a scant few decades [read more] a Daily Star Article
El Container Checkpoint: This article describes the checkpoint that has become the nightmare of Palestinians in the West bank. It virtually separates the northern and southern part of the West bank. [details] September 2004
Wall still in Bethlehem: new photos of the wall in Bethlehem, and related articles. [more] September 2004
Like a Prayer EAPPI Demonstrates Over Madonna’s Visit to Rachel’s Tomb, By Larry Fata, Sept. 15, 2004
Israeli Army Guts Bethlehem Inn Hotel After Four-year Occupation By Omar Tesdell, September 14, 2004
Palestinian Christians and their Homeland: By Rima Merriman for The Jordan Times -- Thursday - July 29, 2004
Documentary film review "News from the Holy Land" - by Victor Kattan, 2 August 2004
Palestinian Olympians Help Win Fight Against Israeli Oppression - By Ray Hanania, August 27, 2004
Israel Remodels Military Order #03/14/T North of Bethlehem - July 7, 2004
Archived News:
• His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has become the first new
citizen of Bethlehem, having been presented with a Bethlehem passport
by the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, in a meeting at
the Vatican on Saturday 3 December. Details
• OPEN BETHLEHEM in the news: Bethlehem issues a call to the world! Details
•
Open Bethlehem Press Conference
on November 17, 2005.
An initiative
spearheaded by the city’s civil
institutions to keep alive this
international religious and cultural treasure
as the illegal wall surrounding the
town is completed
and the existence of this historic city is
threatened.
This conference is co-sponsored by the Bethlehem Association see
Details.
• Annual Christmas gathering in CA The Los Angeles Chapter of the
Bethlehem Association will be holding the annual Christmas Party/Fund Raiser
on Saturday December 10, 2005 details.
• First International Nonviolence Conference will be held in Bethlehem
on December 27-30, 2005. Fundraiser for the conference in Washington DC on
November 6, 2005. Details.
• Article on Bethlehem in the Guardian: Bethlehem, a place of Christian pilgrimage
for centuries, will soon be encircled by Israel's security barrier. Is the town to become
no more than a museum among ancient shrines? John Harris meets the people
campaigning to keep it
alive.
Read Full Article
• Mayor of Bethlehem in San Francisco: On October 25, Mayor Batarseh
to meet with elected officials of San Francisco, including Mayor Gavin Newsom,
as well as,
the Archdiocese of San
Francisco. A meeting with Bethlehem
Association Board members is also planned
details.
• Trip to Bethlehem:
Arlette Dibsy, our active member
in Los Angeles and
wife of Board member Joseph Dibsy, led a group of eight
Bethlehemites on a visit
to Bethlehem in August. She visited the Arab Women Union, the
Antonian Society
and other
organizations. On September 25, 2005, Ms. Afifeh Hazboun, president
of the Antonian Charitable
Society in Bethlehem returned the visit by coming to
California. Joseph and Arlette Dibsy organized a reception for her
at their home
in Buena Park. Many
Bethlehem Association members attended and a fund raiser
was made for the Antonian Society. Photos and a short article on
the event were
reported in the Arab World News magazine;
see link for
details
• Computer Science Major at Bethlehem University! Faculty of Science
inaugurated a new major in Computer Information Systems details
• Master Program at Bethlehem University! Supported by three prestigious
European universities, the Master in International Cooperation and Development
(MICAD) was launched on 29 September 2005 details
• New: Twenty three Bethlehem
Association Scholarships
granted for 2005-06
A list of awardees with photos is shown under
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS.
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• KATRNIA RELIEF FUND: devastation of Hurricane Katrina has left us all stunned.
Thousands of people have lost everything and many have lost their lives and loved ones.
The Bethlehem Association would like to do its part in helping with the relief efforts.
You can make a tax deductible donation by filling our the following form: Katrina Relief Fund
• Convention 2005 scheduled for July 27 - 31 in Natal, Brazil was cancelled.
• Reception Honoring Bethlehem Association Scholarship Graduates - June 2005
• Letter from Bethlehem (69) Toine van Teeffelen April 19, 2005 The Crow Cries
• Strife Spurs Slow Exodus of West Bank Christians By Ken Ellingwood, Times Staff Writer
• An update on the situation in Bethlehem : The Wall in Bethlehem : Letter from Mayor of Bethlehem
• The Bethlehem Association announces the 16th Convention : Natal Brazil, July 2005
• Letter From Tony Saca President of Salvador to the Bethlehem Association in response to out letter
• Latin Patriarchate Christmas Message: Christmas 2004
• Bethlehem Hears Xmas Plea For Peace By Sky News : Christmas 2004
• Thousands of pilgrims visit Bethlehem By AP : Christmas 2004
• The Changing Face of Bethlehem : an informative report & facts on the current situation in Bethlehem - PDF File - By the office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA and UNSCO December 2004
• Annual Christmas Party - South California, December 11, 2004.
• A successful Bay Area Gala: Bethlehemites from Northern California and elsewhere gathered in San Francisco on Oct 23-24 Report & Photos.
• Market Talk: Newsletter for the West Bank and Gaza Business and Financial Community.
• The Bethlehem Association extended its condolences to all Palestinians on the passing of President Arafat.
• Bethlehem Roots Organization : established to minimize and if possible stop the emigration of local citizens from Bethlehem area [more]
• Bethlehemites in El Salvador : more than 100,000 Bethlehemites in El Salvador.
• Saint Nicolas Home Charitable Society in Beit Jala - Needs your help ! October 2004
Curfew in Beit Sahur: For the 4th day in a row, Israeli forces imposed curfew in Beit Sahur and part of Bethlehem and Beit Jala [details] April 29, 2004
Wall construction began in Bethlehem: On April 19, 2004, the Israeli Occupation forces – IOF – began implementing more of their plan for the Bethlehem district by handing the residents of the town of Beit Jala land seizure orders. [details]
Tony Saca, President Elect of El Salvador: a congratulation letter from the Bethlehem Association to the new President of El Salvador [view letter]
Easter in Bethlehem (2004): a report on Easter in Bethlehem this year, with Photos, by Paola Handal-Michael [details]
* An Easter story in Jerusalem: Israel accused of discriminating against Catholic priests,
Donald Macintyre in Jerusalem and Peter Popham in Rome, The Independent
* Easter Message from H.B. Michel
Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
* Easter Message from Bishop Riah
Abu El-Assal, Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem
* Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem
Protests Lack of Visas
* The Miracle of the Holy Fire, Maria C. Khoury,
Ed. D.
Mother's Day Party and Fundraiser - May 15, 2004: The Bethlehem Association and the Nativity Charitable Organization will be hosting a Mother's day party and fundraiser to support family and relatives in Bethlehem [details]
Bethlehem Besieged : Stories of Hope in Times of Trouble Fortress Press will be releasing the newest book by Dr. Rev Mitri Raheb in beginning June 2004. [more] April 8, 2004
California Christmas 2003 Fundraising Party: On December 13, 2003, the Nativity Charitable Foundation and the Bethlehem Association hosted a Christmas Fundraising Party at the Grand Cafe Restaurant, La Marida, California. More than 240 members and friends of the Association attended the gathering. All funds raised was distributed to charitable organizations that aid the needy and the poor in Bethlehem. [more]
Denied entry to Israel and Palestine: Mat Horton, a prominent member of the International Solidarity Movement, who gave a speech at the 2003 Bethlehem Convention in San Diego, was denied entry to Israel and Palestine last month. His plans were to study the Arabic Language at the University of Birzeit, in an attempt to build stronger ties with the Palestinians, and learn more about their struggle for freedom. Mat is known for defending the plight of Palestinians in the USA, and spreading awareness among Americans in regards to the question of Palestine.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Principles : By Albert Hazboun. This article intends to provide a quick overview of activities during this pilgrimage. Although it will not neglect the religious and spiritual aspects, it will cover in more details the effort to understand the issues that face the Christian Community in the Holy Land and to provide support and assistance to these “living stones” to help maintain a Christian presence in the Holy Land. [more] March 29, 2004
The Malice of Twisting Principles : By Carol Sansour - Bethlehem : With the extra judicial assassination of the spiritual leader of Hamas, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, the current Israeli government led by Ariel Sharon, not only halted the peace process but it also sentenced it to death. [more] March 25, 2004
The Wall in Bethlehem and the Westbank: get a view of how the wall is affecting Bethlehem and the Westbank. A map of the northern part of Bethlehem showing the wall path, photos of confiscated areas, checkpoints, and closed shops. [view article] February 29, 2004
Earthquake in Palestine: On the morning of Wednesday February 11, 2004, at approximately 10:15 AM, an earthquake measuring nearly 5.0 on the Richter scale hit parts of the West Bank and Palestine. There were no reported casualties, except some minor indirect injuries and small damage to some buildings. [read more] February 15. 2004
Wall divides neighborhood in Jerusalem: the Wall splitting a neighborhood, separating Jerusalem from the West Bank, and affecting a hospital for the elderly. An article by Sr. Marie Dominique Croyal Directress of the Home of Our Lady of Sorrows [view article] January 15, 2004
Peace and International Activism: Actor and peace activist Richard Gere visits Bethlehem - By Carol Sansour [read more]
Scholarships 2003-2004: Congratulations to the twenty six students who where granted scholarships for the 2003-2004 academic year. The list of students and photos can be found in the scholarship section. Scholarship requirements, guidelines and an Application Form for 2004 have also been added, scroll half way down scholarship section then click on relevant links.
Christmas in Bethlehem - 2003: A report on Christmas in Bethlehem this year, with photos. Despite the subdued moods in Bethlehem, despite the roadblocks into the town, Christian Palestinians insisted on celebrating Christmas. [more]
The Wall: A very informative article by Carol Sansour telling how the wall is affecting many of the residents in Bethlehem. [more]
New Jewish apartments at entrance of Bethlehem: Catholic News Services : New Jewish apartments at the entrance to Bethlehem; initial plans for the Jewish complex, located adjacent to Rachel's Tomb, call for three apartments and a religious school in a building owned by a Catholic family.[more - need to scroll down to article in page]
Jerusalem's foreign workers bring Christmas to Palestinian children: Catholic News Services : Members of Jerusalem's network of foreign residents are expanding a Christmas-season project that sends shoe boxes filled with gifts to needy Palestinian children. [more - need to scroll down to article in page]
The Return to Uncertainty: Diaries from Palestine : a article written by Paola Handal for the Bethlehem Media Center [view article]
Bethlehem Media Net : The Bethlehem Media Center launches Bethlehem Media Net Website : its goal is to give the media greater access to and a better understanding of that great majority of seldom-heard Palestinians who want freedom and justice and seek a better future through non-violent means. [Visit the website]
The Bethlehem Association Christmas Message: a message from the executive committee of the BA to the members of our organization: aid sent to Bethlehem this Christmas; new executive committee; and [more]
Enjoying Olive Oil Missed by Settlers: Fanatically spiteful : A letter published in the Philadelphia Inquirer Sunday Nov. 30 by Joan Hazbun [more] (December 5, 2003)
The 2004 Palestinian Art Wall Calendar: produced in Canada in cooperation with the League of Palestinian Artists in Ramallah and Palestinian artists worldwide. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the League of Palestinian Artists. The calendar features 12 paintings from Palestinian artists, they are mostly abstract and very colorful paintings. It features large squares for each day to allow entering appointment reminders. It is a great idea for a holiday gift ! for more details visit the website http://www.resistanceart.com
Letters from Afif Safieh : Three letters from Afif Safieh to President Bush, VP Cheney, and P.M Tony Blair. Mr. Safieh is the Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom & to The Holy See [view letters]
Road Blocks : Stories from Bethlehem, how Israeli law is making life unbearable for Palestinians [more]
AEI Statement: The Arab Educational Institute in Bethlehem (an affiliated section of Pax Christi International) organizes several cultural and educational courses and activities for the three Palestinian regions: Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah, aimed at deepening and strengthening the Christian and Muslim relations. [more]
California Christmas Party and Fundraiser - December 13th 2003: The Bethlehem Association and the Nativity Charitable Organization will be hosting a Christmas party and fundraiser to support family and relatives in Bethlehem [details]
Bethlehem Photos : Emily Kattan, a member of our association, has recently traveled to Palestine and is presently working at the Bethlehem Peace Center. Here are some beautiful photos the Emily took of the old town of Bethlehem [more] (October 2003)
The Bethlehem Academy of Music : Despite the current situation in the Westbank, the Bethlehem Academy of Music (founded in 1996) continues to rejuvenate a rich Palestinian culture that dates back to the early 20th century. [more]
Palestinian Artist exhibition: Palestinian Artist and Bethlehem Association member Emily Jacir shows her artwork at the Tophane-i Amire cultural centre in Istanbul. [more] (September 2003)
Municipal Council of Bethlehem: The Municipal Council of Bethlehem issues a statement condemning the Israeli decision to Expel Arafat. [more] (September 2003)
UN International Day for Peace: The AEI, WIAM Center, and other institutions in Bethlehem issue a statement on the occasion of the UN International Day for Peace [more] (September 2003)
Patriarch Michelle Sabbah in Bethlehem: HB Patriarch Sabbah gives a speech at Turath Center in Bethlehem: [more] (September 2003)
Appeal from the Mayor of Bethlehem: Mayor Hanna Nasser Letter of appeal to stop the construction of the wall that will confiscate parts of Bethlehem. [more] (August 2003)
The Wall of Shame : In a visit to Palestine, General Delegate to the UK & to the Holy See Mr. Afif Safieh describes the Wall and how it affects the lives of Palestinians [more] (August 2003)
Father Amjad Sabbara : Parish Priest of St Catherine Church in Bethlehem visits California: [more] (August 2003)
Changing Minds, One Laugh at a time : The story of two Arab American Standup Comedians, by Sanielle Handal [more] (August 2003)
Bethlehem Peace Center Press Release : SWEDISH CULTURAL CONSULTANTS DEPORTED FROM ISRAEL. On Thursday, 21 August 2003, nine Swedish consultants representing various cultural fields and cultural centers, as well the Swedish international development cooperation agency (Sida), landed at Ben Gurion airport to begin their one-week visit to Palestine and, in particular, Bethlehem at the invitation of the Bethlehem Peace Center (BPC). [ more..] (August 2003)
Easter Messages from the Holy Land: Easter message from HB Patriarch Michel Sabbah, and other letters from Bethlehem and the Holy Land - click here to view (April 20, 2003)
Meeting with Secretary Colin Powell: President Edward Hazbun participated in meetings with Assistant Secretary of State for M.E.affairs, Mr. William Burns, on October 1, 2001 and together with board member Robert Dabdoub, met again with Mr. Burns on March 8, 2002. This was followed by a meeting with Secretary Colin Powell on April 3, 2002. Our concerns about the disastrous situation in Palestine and in Bethlehem were presented forcefully and repeatedly to the State Department.
Economic Damage to Bethlehem District: See the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce cost estimate of physical and economic damage after Israeli invasion. Table provides quick summary of damages. [more]
Denial: Poem on the aftermath of the September 11th Tragedy. [more]
Memorial Mass for Christine Sa'adeh in Montreal Canada : more (April 9, 2003)
Christine Sa'adeh, 10 year old, shot dead by Israeli snipers: On the way to a pharmacy near the Shepard's Hotel, George Sa'adeh's car was hit by random Israeli fire. His wife and 2 daughters were riding with him in the car. George was hit in the abdomen, and is presently in the ITU in a Jerusalem Hospital. His 10 year old daughter, Christine, was struck with a bullet in the head, and died instantly. His other daughter, Marianne, 14 years old, was hit in the leg. (click for more details) (March 25, 2003)
The "Apartheid Wall" & Land Confiscation in Bethlehem : The Israeli authorities have served notice on several Bethlehem residents including the Mayor that they are confiscating their lands and homes to build an Apartheid Wall through the northern sector of Bethlehem. [New Land Confiscations] (February, 2003)
Letters and Articles in the press : See recent letters to the press from Association members, responses and other articles. [more] (January, 2003)
Bethlehem University Ordeal: "What is being done to the people and to Bethlehem itself--once a revered city of Christendom now reduced to a war-torn, dirty, occupied military playground—is reprehensible, outrageous, unjustified" [Appeal from Bethlehem University]
Christmas in Bethlehem Was Not The Same This Year: By Paola Handal: Christmas in Bethlehem was not the same this year. There were fewer Christmas trees, there were no street decorations and stores were empty. Curfews had overshadowed the spirit of Christmas in Bethlehem and many could not afford a Christmas let alone find the energy and the feeling to celebrate. [More & Photos of Christmas in Bethlehem]
12/25/02: Nadir Rahil from Bethlehem to NPR: In an interview with National Public Radio, Nadir Rahil from Bethlehem gives his views on Christmas in Bethlehem: "At a time when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Christ, we here in Bethlehem can only pray for peace. I am a Christian Palestinian. I live with my wife and two children, less than a mile from the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. ... [more]
12/17/02: Bethlehem's Silent Night: Silent streets, except for the sound of the Israeli tanks marching through the town, and army Jeeps reminding people of the curfew everyday over the loudspeaker, is the Silent Night in Bethlehem. Israel has decided to remain in the town for Christmas. Christmas celebrations are therefore cancelled in Bethlehem this year, again.. [more]
12/19/02: Bethlehem Lives, By George Ghattas - HCEF It is almost a month now...On November 22nd they declared Bethlehem a military closed area. The curfew was imposed on more than 140,000 inhabitants for reason that are still vague up to this very moment. For 28 days our lives have been switched off ... [more]
Scholarship Awards for 2002 and 2003: Click List of Awards and Photos.
Economic Damage to Bethlehem District: See the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce cost estimate of physical and economic damage after Israeli invasion. Table provides quick summary of damages. [more]
See what the Association is doing to help.
Go to
Appeal for Bethlehem.
Call for Membership Renewals.
Association members, who have not renewed their membership
for 2003, should promptly send their annual dues.
Proceeds from the modest membership fees are used to cover the
cost of operating the Association and maintaining this website.
Many phone area codes have changed.
Please update your phone and E-mail addresses.
