This Christmas, children in the Holy Land aren’t dreaming of gifts, nativity plays, or decorations – but rather roadblocks and bombs.

On a visit to our office in Bethlehem, a heartbroken father shared, “My oldest daughter, only six and a half, asks me why they are killing children in Gaza. It’s impossible to shield children from the horrors of war, and this constant exposure to death and destruction is severely impacting their mental health.” Other parents describe to our team across the West Bank how their children are plagued by nightmares and a loss of appetite, with some even losing interest in playing with their friends.

In launching their Christmas Appeal, Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land advises that “since October 2023, many children are unable to attend school due to travel restrictions, school fees, or because they’re simply too frightened to leave their homes. On a visit to Bethlehem earlier this year, a father in Bethlehem explained to me, “They are fearful that the military could come at any time.” Their fears are justified. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Education, there have been 69 attacks on schools and over 2,350 incidents affecting students and teachers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Brendan continues “Our team on the ground sees the impact every day. We have funded critical therapy and counselling services to provide regular interventions, equipping more children with the tools to navigate the ongoing trauma of their daily lives. We continue to fund school fees as many families, devastated financially by this war, are at breaking point and can’t afford these fees. This academic year we have committed to help twice as many vocational students in each area of study where we know there are labour shortages - 90% of our graduates find work. Through this work not only do we inspire in these students the hope of a brighter future, but we help build a generation of skilled young people, ready and equipped to rebuild their communities.”

As one of the few charities registered in the Holy Land with a local bank account, Friends of the Holy Land’s team of local Christians have an in-depth knowledge of the area and a better personal grasp of the rapidly changing situation than most international charities. 

Fr Fadi Diab, Chairman of Friends of the Holy Land’s local committee comments “While other international organisations may remain stuck at borders or struggle to establish local connections on the ground – Our local team based in our offices in Bethlehem and Ramallah know the families at breaking point personally so have the understanding to increase our existing programmes and devise new ones to help as many as we can, as we have for 15 years. Over the past year, as well as keeping children in school and helping vocational studies, we have been able to provide medical care and trauma therapy, build wells, install water tanks, help small businesses start and restore the dignity of those unemployed through temporary jobs in the local community. We have also helped other local Christian organisations maintain their vital social programmes.”

Friends of the Holy Land was one of the first to send funds directly to the two churches sheltering Christians in Gaza City so they could stockpile essential supplies. Through projects in Israel and Jordan the charity has impact to help vulnerable Christian communities across the region devastated by the escalating war conditions.

Though Christmas celebrations may be cancelled in Bethlehem, our brothers and sisters across the Holy Land share our hope in Christ, which is very much alive. With your help, we can ensure that hope shines brightly through these remarkable Christians who continue to witness for us so bravely.
As you spend time with your families this Christmas, we ask for your help so that we can continue to give Hope to the Children of Bethlehem.

This year our Christmas Crib offerings and the Memorial Christmas Tree offerings will go to Friends of the Holy Land. 

This is a great opportunity for you, your family and friends to make a special Jubilee Year pilgrimage to Walsingham in the footsteps of kings, saints, and holy people of times gone by to deepen your faith and reliance on our Lord Jesus Christ. The pilgrimage includes coach travel, 2 nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast in Elmham House and one packed lunch. A programme of liturgical, devotional and social activities will make a special weekend in Walsingham. The cost for adults will not exceed £227 (standard room) or £265 (ensuite room). Special offer for pilgrims under 16: travel, food and accommodation will all be half price! 
The pilgrimage will take place 23-25th August 2025 (Bank Holiday weekend).
​For more information/ booking details, contact Mary Shirley asap: 07910 605984 or [email protected]

One of the great gifts that we have as human beings is our ability to remember and to reflect upon our past experiences. 

This enables us to learn from our past, to be inspired by the lives and actions of others, and to learn from our mistakes. We acknowledge the ways in which our reflection upon history shapes us and our values. 

This gift of remembrance is also true for us as a nation. Year by year, as we approach Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day there is much for us to remember and to reflect upon. 

As these days occur in the month of November, we are moved to pray for the repose of the souls of all those who fell in the two world wars and for those who have given their lives in subsequent conflicts. ​

We are inspired by the bravery of so many men and women who in very dangerous circumstances showed great virtue and made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the freedom and peace that we enjoy in our country today. It is right that we honour them and give thanks to God for their generosity and courage.

As Christians it is also important that we look to the future with faith and hope in Christ the King. While we lament the reality of conflicts and war in our world, this Remembrance Sunday moves us to pray for peace and for the coming of God’s kingdom. 

We pray that our politicians and those leaders who have particular responsibility in these situations may always strive for a genuine reconciliation founded upon justice and forgiveness. 
 
By Canon Michael Dolman
Rector, St Mary’s College, Oscott