Bethlehem

Enclosed by a ghetto wall, deprived of its agricultural lands, cut off from Jerusalem, deserted by pilgrims and tourists, Bethlehem is in crisis. The birthplace of Jesus needs our support. Leicestershire Holy Land Appeal is working with others to develop links with Bethlehem. Leicester and Bethlehem are both multi-faith cities in which Christians and Muslims live together in harmony. We aim to get Leicester to twin with Bethlehem. In the summer of 2007 children from the Ghirass cultural centre in Bethlehem visited Leicester for a second time. In the summer of 2008 we will be visited by Children from the Lajee Centre in Aida Refugee Camp.

Bethlehem Church of the Nativity

The silver star marks the spot where Jesus was born

The Mosque of Omar is across Manger Square from the Church of the Nativity. It is built on land given to the Muslim community of Bethlehem by the Greek Orthodox Church.

The Wall at the Northern edge of Bethlehem - Separating the town from its Olive Groves and open space