+ How you raised funds in 2022 (page

Back to the Holy Land

Westminster pilgrimage

The 10th Diocese of Westminster Holy Land Pilgrimage took place from 21st to 29th November, led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Director Fr Paul McDermott with Fr John Farrell OP. During the trip, the pilgrims walked in the footsteps of Christ and offered hope to the Christian communities they visited as part of their itinerary in Nazareth and Galilee, Jordan Valley, Jericho, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. They met 40 family members and Friends of the Holy Land beneficiaries at a reception organised by FHL committee members, with the opportunity to chat to people and really experience the Living Stones of the Holy Land. They were also able to visit St. Martha’s House and School of Joy. A couple who were a part of the Westminster pilgrimage said:

“This was our fifth visit and each time we have learned something new about this place, but two things have really hit us; firstly actually to see and walk the places you hear about on Sunday and for us that was walking down the Palm Sunday route to Dominus Flevit and walking from Jerusalem across the Kedron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. “The second was to see the situation of Christians in Palestine today, especially at the School of Joy for children with learning difficulties – the only school of its kind in Palestine – and at St Martha’s House Day Care Centre for widowed ladies. Both are places of joy, happiness and love but both rely utterly on our support. Go and see for yourself! We have found the people most welcoming and the food highly enjoyable. We guarantee that you’ll need to go back.”

Below, part of the Westminster pilgrimage group Right, celebrating birthdays with Cardinal Vincent Nichols

Jersey pilgrimage

The pilgrim group from Jersey was an ecumenical group. They were able to meet some of the Holy Land Committee who shared with them the work Friends of the Holy Land do. The pilgrims were able to visit St. Martha’s House and School of Joy as well as Nazareth and Galilee. One pilgrim sister shared:

“The visits to the School of Joy and St Martha’s House were very successful and moving. It is only when people experience first-hand what really goes on in the Holy Land that it is understood – so far some of the pilgrims have provided sponsorship for up to 6 children at the School of Joy and there have been donations made to St Martha’s House. Every day was full and busy, but every moment was worthwhile. It was most rewarding and the pilgrims were so pleased that they travelled and experienced the places where Jesus worked and walked.”

Clifton pilgrimage

The Clifton Pilgrimage took place at the end of September and included pilgrims from the Clifton Diocese (West of England) led by Bishop Declan. One pilgrim told us

“I think we have all felt deeply touched by what we have seen and experienced here” (in reference to the School of Joy).

If you’ve been inspired by these accounts of recent pilgrimages, could you speak with your parish or church about journeying to the Holy Land yourself? Wouldn’t you love the opportunity to visit the sites where Jesus lived, walked and taught, to meet the people who are keeping Christianity alive in the Holy Land?

If you’d like to look into pilgrimage or ask more questions, feel free to get in touch with us. Visit www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/contact or call the office on 01926 512980.

Friends raising funds

We are constantly inspired and humbled by the hard work of our supporters. You really are friends of the vulnerable Christians in the Holy Land – your fundraising goes a long way in providing the support that families need. Here are some highlights from the last few months:

Walking the Camino

One man took on the Camino walk for the third time last year. It’s the second time he’s raised sponsorship for Friends of the Holy Land on the way. Francis O'Brien followed the traditional 800km Camino pilgrimage path which passes through such famous cities as Pamplona, Burgos, Leon and Ponferrada. It starts in the French Pyrenees and ends up at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Francis was joined en route by his wife, Jane, and they traversed the final 160km into Santiago de Compostela together. A few years earlier on a Catenian pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Francis and Jane had the good fortune to visit the School of Joy and St Martha's House in the Bethlehem area, where they found out about Friends of the Holy Land and determined to support our work from then on. We are honoured and humbled by their creative endeavour. Well done!

A quiz night in Kenilworth

The Kenilworth FHL Group held their annual quiz in November, with Maria McCaffery back as Quizmaster - whom some of you will recognise as our previous Chief Executive. The quiz provided questions for all ages, with delicious fish and chips as always! The UK Friends of the Holy Land Office made up a team and came a respectable third! The Group raised a fabulous £800 through ticket sales and a raffle at the quiz. Thank you!

Lichfield Gospel Choir raise the roof

The Lichfield Gospel Choir performed in November with a live band – an evening of uplifting, joyful singing, including a gorgeous new Zambian song. This choir was shortlisted for a 2021 Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration award. The evening raised over £1,500, which was split between Friends of the Holy Land and another charity. Thanks so much. Note: the choir’s schedule for 2023 is not yet set so if you live near Lichfield and could potentially host them for a fundraising event of your own, get in touch!

Skittles in Worcester

The Worcester St George’s FHL Group held a skittles night in October, which raised £600 from tickets and sales of olive wood carvings from Bethlehem. The Group also held an Autumn Fair later that month and raised a magnificent £850 on top.

These are just a few of the many ways that our supporters creatively fundraise for us throughout the year. We can’t forget the many folks who raise funds through tea and coffee mornings each month as well! Each and every one of you makes a big difference to the lives of Christians across the Holy Land.

Inspired to fundraise?

See www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/fundraising-ideas for some more ideas.

Would you like to join or start an FHL supporter group in your church or neighbourhood? It’s a lot of fun to meet up and fundraise together. Get in touch to find out more.

One lottery

Have you heard about OneLottery? It’s a lottery platform which gives players the chance to support good causes close to their heart, small or large, as well as the chance to win a weekly £25,000 jackpot. Friends of the Holy Land has a page on OneLottery where you can purchase tickets! Buying a ticket through OneLottery will help us continue to grow and provide sustainable support to vulnerable Christians in the Holy Land. Visit onelottery.co.uk or scan the QR code.

Thank you for supporting our Christmas Appeal

We’re thrilled to have received over £100,000 in

donations to our ‘All I want for Christmas’ appeal. Thank you so much if you gave. The hopes and wishes of Christians in the Holy Land are really so simple compared to the things that we might wish for at Christmas – this amazing sum of money will see many wishes granted for children and families who just need running water, educational opportunities, access to healthcare or a boost into employment to have a secure future in the Holy Land.

Glasgow and Bethlehem come together for a live Advent service

On December 3rd 2022, we were delighted to host a joint Advent service between Glasgow Cathedral and St Catherine's in Bethlehem thanks to a live link! The Christian communities in the two cities of Bethlehem and Glasgow have enjoyed a Municipal Twinning Agreement since 2007. Local Church and Municipal Leaders in both locations helped to lead the linked service, which was broadcast simultaneously in the two churches.

Both churches led readings and carols, with their own choirs taking part. This special service was a great success and enjoyed by all those who attended at the churches or watched online. Here are a few quotes from some of the attendees:

“Amazing that modern technology allows us to do something like this; just to be a part of something as meaningful as this was fantastic. Really, really enjoyed it!” Rev. Dr. Ian Greenshields, Moderator of the Church of Scotland

“It was very moving, especially the people singing in Bethlehem. It was so simple and so beautiful. It reminds me of the very simple and humble origins of Christianity.” Fr Mark Mitchell, Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Luke’s Glasgow “I’ve been involved with Friends of the Holy Land for the last seven years… they’re a great charity and do a lot of good work there (the Holy Land). It’s good to see people who are helping the Christians in the Holy Land because it’s a hard job, being a Christian there. Life is difficult at the best of times, they suffer from so many restrictions and they suffer financially as well because they depend so much upon the pilgrim trade to support themselves and of course that has been devastated the last few years because of Covid. I really appreciate the work that they do. It’s important that we keep the Christian presence alive in the Holy Land.” The Most Rev William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow

“It’s very good that we can build links with Bethlehem, especially today. The Holy Land is very troubled and always has been, but I see great hope in the work being done there by organisations like Friends of the Holy Land. It’s incredibly important that above all else we pray and that we pray together. This interdenominational service this afternoon has been a great opportunity to facilitate that - and that is the first move towards peace and reconciliation in a city that is, after all, dedicated to hope.” Bishop Kevin Pearson, Scottish Episcopal Church

New committee members

We are delighted to introduce to you some of the newer committee members on our team in the Holy Land. These members play a key role in the development of our efforts in the Holy Land and we are grateful for their support.

Revd Dr Fadi Diab

Father Fadi Diab was born and educated in the West Bank and is the Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Ramallah and St Peter’s, Birzeit. He also provides leadership and pastoral support for St Andrew’s school, the Episcopal Vocation and Training Centre. His vision includes supporting the Christian community spiritually and socially, strengthening Christians in the Holy Land to enable them to stay in the area and to continue to witness to the Gospel of Christ. He is a Founder of the Youth Connection for Peace Programme, a member of the Palestine-Israeli Theologians Forum, a member of the Palestine Advisory Council of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship and co-author of the ‘Kairos Palestine’ document and board member on Kairos-Palestine. Fr. Fadi is the Chair of our Holy Land Committee and was recently able to spend some time visiting us here in the UK.

Fr Rami Asakrieh OFM

Fr. Rami is a Franciscan Brother, the parish priest of the Latin Church of St Catherine in Bethlehem and Director of the Social Services Department. Fr. Rami says,

“I believe that my work as a parish priest includes several aspects, not only that of administering the sacraments. Mine is work of welcoming and supporting the weakest.”

Gloria Nasser

Gloria is from Bethlehem and is a former catechist at Terra Sancta Girls' School and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. She is a part-time social assistant at the same school. She is also an active member in her Catholic parish in Bethlehem. Gloria has a B.A. Degree in Theology from Rome, and a diploma as a tour guide from Bethlehem University.