Dr. Edward A Hazbun, Bethlehem Association

Dear Dr. Habib:

On behalf of the Bethlehem Association, I would like to acknowledge and thank you for the generous donation of $3,000 from the United People in Christ to the Bethlehem Association to help our brethren in Christ in Bethlehem, Beit-Jala and Beit-Sahur. Your contribution has been sent to Bethlehem together with our annual Christmas donation to eleven charities in the Bethlehem District. I am pleased that this Christmas we were able to send a total of $35,000. This is in addition to earlier contributions this year and to the 23 full tuition scholarships we granted to needy students at Bethlehem University. Your contribution has been assigned as follows: $1,000 to the Antonian Charitable Soc. in Bethlehem, $1000 to St Nicholas Home for the elderly in Beit-Jala and $1000 to the Arab Women Union in Beit-Sahur.

The situation in the Holy Land continues to be very depressed with little income for most families. The huge wall being built around the three Bethlehem towns has usurped them of all their agricultural lands and is cutting them off from Jerusalem, the center of economic, social and religious activity in the West Bank. The illegal wall has also reduced tourist activity to a trickle. This dreadful combination has had a devastating effect on the economy of the three Christian towns forcing many families into exile. Our modest help continues to be greatly appreciated and is helping some families to hold on instead of packing up and leaving.

Thank you and all your members for your continued generous assistance to our brethren in the Holy Land and for your interest in the Bethlehem Association. It encourages us all to persevere in a worthwhile effort. With our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Yours sincerely
Dr. Edward A Hazbun
Founder & Board Member