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Linda Edens
Vice Chair / Bright Stars Travel Liason
Linda Edens is a dedicated advocate for social justice and human rights, with a rich background in speech pathology. After a successful career as a speech pathologist running her own private practice, she contributed her expertise to a neurodevelopment diagnostic team in Chicago. Linda’s journey took a transformative turn in 2016 when she traveled to Palestine with her Palestinian-born pastor. It was during this visit that she met Mitri Raheb and became inspired by the initiatives at Dar-al-Kalima University.
In 2018, Linda joined the board of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, where she currently serves as Vice Chair and Authentic Travel Liaison. In this role, she assists individuals and groups interested in traveling to Palestine and passionately speaks to various groups about the current situation there. Committed to advocating for human rights for all, Linda actively participates in social justice efforts within her community in Chicago.
Currently pursuing an advanced degree in Trauma Informed Leadership, Linda seeks to deepen her capacity to support those in both Chicago and Palestine. Her dedication to social advocacy continues to inspire many, as she works to amplify the voices of those in need.
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb
Co-Founder of Bright Stars of Bethlehem / President of Dar al-Kalima University
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, born and raised in Palestine, is a distinguished theologian and a prominent advocate for the Palestinian community. He co-founded Bright Stars of Bethlehem and currently serves as the president of Dar al-Kalima University of Arts and Culture. With a rich history of leadership, Rev. Raheb previously held the position of pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and founded the Diyar Consortium, a Lutheran-based organization dedicated to serving the Palestinian community.
Recognized as the most widely published Palestinian theologian, he is the author and editor of over forty books, which have been translated into eleven languages. His insights and teachings have made him an internationally acclaimed speaker, allowing him to share his voice in esteemed settings including the U.S. Congress, German Bundestag, European Union, and various Scandinavian and Dutch parliaments.
Rev. Raheb has lectured at prestigious universities around the globe, such as Yale, Harvard, and Princeton, and has delivered keynote addresses at significant festivals and summits including the National Prayer Breakfast and the World Conference on Religion and Peace. His expertise and perspectives have been featured in major international media outlets, including CNN, ABC, BBC, Al-Jazeera, The Economist, and Newsweek. Notably, he was highlighted in a 2012 segment of the CBS program *60 Minutes*, which focused on the experiences of Christians in the Holy Land.
With his profound understanding of theology and social issues, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb continues to inspire and engage audiences worldwide.
Tracie Ortman
Development Director of Bright Stars of Bethlehem
Tracie brings over fifteen years of extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in special events, fundraising, marketing, public relations, and alumni relations. As a dynamic and engaging speaker, she captivates audiences with her insights into effective donor engagement and the art of relationship building.
Now serving as the Development Director of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, Tracie is passionate about the organization's vision for all people in Palestine to experience life in abundance. She actively works to raise awareness and support for Dar al-Kalima University, the first and only university of arts and culture in all of Palestine.
Tracie's engaging speaking style, coupled with her wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, makes her an inspiring choice for public speaking events, where she shares her knowledge and passion for fundraising and community engagement.
*Dar al-Kalima University faculty can be arranged with ample notice.
Bright Stars of Bethlehem Presentations:
Genocide on Gaza: Root Causes & Hope Through Arts Education in Palestine
This one-hour presentation features a compelling overview of root causes and the catastrophic impact surrounding the genocide unfolding in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Presenters will also explore current Palestinian human rights violations and educational/economic repercussions happening in the occupied West Bank as a result of the ongoing genocide. True student stories will be shared, illustrating how a unique Bethlehem-based arts and culture university is empowering the next generation of creative Palestinian leaders to rise up amid crisis. Hope is What We DO is the motto of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, and the presentation will inspire the audience to understand what’s going on and take action to bring hope to our resilient friends in Palestine.
Be the HOPE: Understanding Palestine and Taking Action
A one-hour presentation, perfect for a group with limited knowledge of the occupation of Palestine, who also wants to “meet” the people. This presentation provides a precursor to what has happened since 1948 to now and how it has shaped the region and the people living in it. Featuring the true stories of Dar al-Kalima University students and their families, this presentation looks to inspire attendees with ways they can take action to help promote peace and justice for the next generation of creative leaders in Palestine.
Palestinian Films: The Next Generation of Creative Leaders in Action
This presentation is adaptable to your needs and time frame. It can range from a 30-minute presentation to a 90-minute presentation. Films will be recommended based on the age range and knowledge level of your group. This focuses on the creative resistance of the Palestinian people while highlighting the struggles they face. Presentations start with information on the filmmakers, our very own Dar al-Kalima University students, and then transition into the short films which are followed by small group discussion.
Authentic Travel: Meeting the “Living Stones” in the Holy Land
This one-hour presentation is for the group that wants to visit the Holy Land but go beyond exploring ancient sites and historical monuments.Rather than simply sending tourists to see these “dead stones” and sites of the Holy Land, this presentation encourages authentic, life-changing travel that focuses on deep engagement with the people of the region. This presentation will share Bright Stars of Bethlehem’s support of hospitality and tourism education as a means of supporting the employment of young Palestinians in what is a lucrative and growing market. It is recommended that groups interested in this presentation work with the Bright Stars of Bethlehem Vice Chair, and Authentic Travel Liaison, Linda Edens before the presentation to discuss dates for a trip and to better understand your group’s travel history to the Holy Land.
Speaker Request Form
If you would like a Bright Stars of Bethlehem member to speak at your engagement, please use the following request form. All inquiries will be answered within one week's time. Thank you for your consideration.