Children Play in Wi'am's Garden

Huge appreciation to Usama Nicola for his outstanding presentation giving an overview of realities in the West Bank. His presentation was highly informative, providing an understanding that western media leaves out.

Talks such as this are critical to helping Americans understand what every day life is like under occupation.

We did not record the webinar but plan to offer additional programs that will shine a light on different aspects of life in the West Bank and Israel.

Mar Elias students regularly engage in projects that have them working side by side with Israeli Jewish students -- something that is, sadly, incredibly rare in Israeli society.

Johayna Mattar, the principal of Mariam Bawardeh Elementary School, is dedicated to providing these opportunities to students.

She shared her observations of how these programs benefit her students with us,

"As the principal of an Arab elementary school, I have seen my students grow tremendously by participating in a joint project with Jewish students. Initially hesitant, they quickly discovered shared interests and built friendships beyond cultural differences. Their confidence soared as they practiced Hebrew and expressed themselves more freely. They learned to challenge biases, ask more profound questions, and develop empathy. Engaging in meaningful dialogue helped them see coexistence as a possibility, not just an idea. The project fostered mutual respect and critical thinking, broadening their worldview. They returned to school eager to continue these conversations. Seeing them embrace diversity gives me hope for a more inclusive future. Small interactions can create lasting change. I am proud of my students’ transformation."

Mar Elias 11th grades HS students participate in

a national computer science competiton

Abuna's newly published book, The Sermon on the Mount: An Invitation to Receive and Advance the Reign of God: Then, Across Time, and Now is now available for purchase!

Get your copy here

This book provides the essential meaning of the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, how these teachings spoke directly to Jesus' listeners, and then moves directly to how these teachings of Jesus have relevance for people today.

The context of the teaching in Israel/Palestine is provided with an introduction to the life and mission of Jesus.

The Sermon on the Mount is identified as the life calling of the Christian and the way that a contemporary reader can sense and learn the will of God. There are examples of how Jesus taught the teachings of the Sermon to assist people in applying these universal teachings not only to their personal lives but also to their setting with layered governments such as the Roman and Jewish and how the teachings speak to issues of social justice, poverty, and illness. Included in the book are those who shared with Jesus the mission of assisting people to the identification of the pathway to life lived in the presence of God.

DAK Society works to address cultural barriers and stereotypes surrounding women's participation in soccer (football) while fostering social acceptance through capacity building, awareness campaigns, and community engagement.

Last year 29 female soccer players from the Diyar Women First Team enhanced their skills and capacities in soccer.

440 students (boys and girls – ages from 6-17 years old) have raised their awareness on integrating women and girls in sports, especially soccer through 18 sports workshops and activities in seven local schools in the Bethlehem Governorate.

Diyar empowered seven female soccer players to visit local schools to raise awareness, resulting in boosting their leadership and self-confidence.

And, lastly, more than 300 community members were engaged in the project Soccer Tournament Day, fostering broader acceptance of women and girls in sports.

The project contributed to shifting perceptions about women in soccer, encouraged community support, and helped create a foundation for sustaining the program within the broader 5-year gender-responsive strategy.

We are happy to support the empowerment of girls and women through sports!

Pilgrims of Ibillin's 2024 Annual Report has just been published - you can find it on our website here.

In the report you'll get an overview of the projects and programs we supported at Mar Elias Educational Institutions as well as our six peace partners in the West Bank and Gaza.

We were blessed with considerable generosity in 2024 that allowed us to give more grant funding than usual and will contribute to additional giving in the coming year.

I thought you might like to know the really good news of how Pilgrims of Ibillin is managing our funds - your donations. In 2024, Pilgrims spent just 15.9% of our expenses on administrative costs. In other words, $.84 of every dollar donated goes to programs.

As a general rule, admin costs for nonprofits aim to be no more than 25-30%; anything under that is considered very impressive. So 15.9% is amazing!

This is due to the fact that we have a very engaged board of directors who take on significant portions of the workload, and it is because we are dedicated to helping your donation go as far as we possibly can to foster a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel through education.

Your donations support the ongoing work of

Pilgrims' Peace Partners in fostering a just peace

through education in Israel and Palestine.



Thank you.