With The Gift Of Education Comes Hope

The tragic violence ravaging Gaza and the Holy Land is leaving a generation of young Palestinians with hardships we can hardly imagine. Providing an outlet for community, arts, creativity, and healing can bring hope and joy to a young generation where such support and stability are desperately needed. And it’s our desire that, by doing just that, this initiative will contribute in a small yet powerful way to bring peace and new life in abundance to this region. 

Bright Stars of Bethlehem (a U.S.-based nonprofit 501c3), in collaboration with Rick Steves, has launched a fundraising campaign we're calling "Palestine is my Valentine." Our mission is to support the Bethlehem-based Dar al-Kalima University--the first and only university of arts, culture, and design in all of Palestine--as it rebuilds its Gaza Educational Center which was bombed during Holy Week 2024. Before that, Dar al-Kalima's Gaza campus was a place of learning and support for 120 students. But now, despite these obstacles, over 500 Gaza students attend classes virtually through the Bethlehem campus. In light of recent events on the news, funds may be re-directed to support the existing main branch of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem.

Our goal: to raise $200,000 by February 14th.

As Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, a Lutheran pastor who’s the president of Dar al-Kalima and founder of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, says "Our aim is that our people, who admire stars, will dare to look up and dream, to believe in goals to strive for, and develop a new sense of hope, community beauty, and faith.” Rick Steves has long been a supporter and friend of Rev. Raheb, who is an internationally renowned pastor, peacemaker, and author. And Rick is a firm believer in Mitri’s peace-building work and hope-filled mission.

FUNDRAISING PURPOSE

  • Rebuilding The Gaza Campus

    Gaza is experiencing unprecedented destruction. The already dire humanitarian situation has worsened, with countless buildings reduced to rubble and communities shattered. Among the casualties is Dar al-Kalima University’s Gaza Educational Center, which once served as a vital space for 120 students--a safe space away from the difficult politics of the region. A place to celebrate the arts and culture…and to learn, connect, and thrive. Your donations—every dollar contributed--will help our efforts to rebuild.

  • Healing and Therapy—Children Get PTSD Too

    Many of the University's Gaza students have played a vital role in supporting the recovery efforts of children, students, families, and artists affected by the conflict. In response to the turmoil, many students of the now-destroyed center provide art therapy activities putting to good use lessons they’ve learned from the Educational Center, allowing children to process their trauma through artistic expression. This therapeutic approach fosters resilience, personal growth, and hope for 3,600 children ages 6 to 15 and their families.

  • Peaceful Creativity—Training Future Leaders

    Art serves as a beacon of hope amid despair. It can nurture the psychological well-being of Gazans of all ages. Rebuilding our Gaza Center is pivotal for the development of the future leaders of Palestine. While Dar al-Kalima University's main campus in Bethlehem now supports over 500 Gazan students through virtual classes, once the Gaza center is rebuilt, learning there can once again be in person.

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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

INVEST IN EDUCATION:

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WITH RICK STEVES

With a matching gift of $100,000 pledged by Rick Steves, every $100 raised will have double the impact. And together, with $200,000 raised, we’ll rebuild the Gaza branch of Dar al-Kalima University, which was destroyed in the war — and give hundreds of young Palestinians a constructive avenue to enjoy an arts and cultural education and provide art therapy to traumatized children.

Join us in being the hope for the next generation of creative leaders in Palestine. Bright Stars of Bethlehem provides support from caring people in the United States for Dar al-Kalima University, the first and only university for arts, culture, and design in all of Palestine. With the funds raised, Dar al-Kalima University will rebuild its campus in Gaza, allowing its arts education and art therapy programs to continue. In light of recent events on the news, funds may be re-directed to support the existing main branch of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. Either way, the money we’ll raise is desperately needed and will have an important and positive impact on hundreds of Palestinian young people.

Give by check to Bright Stars of Bethlehem at P.O. Box 771055 | Chicago, IL 60677-1055 and mention Rick Steves in the memo line.

MAKE YOUR GIFT GO FARTHER

Did you know many employers (or if you are retired, previous employers) will match your donation to qualifying nonprofits like Bright Stars of Bethlehem? Use the search tool below to see if your donation qualifies. 

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“As we work to build a lasting peace with justice in the Holy Land, it often feels like a struggle between walls and bridges. While walls keep people apart, the mission of Bright Stars of Bethlehem is to bring people together in a positive way. With its unique focus on culture and the arts, it serves as a bridge rather than a wall, and fosters peace.” - Rick Steves