Bethlehem
University
Our longstanding partners at Bethlehem University provide a critical role in ‘teaching peace’ to the next generation of leaders.
Bethlehem University is a Catholic co-educational institution in the Lasallian tradition whose mission is to provide quality higher education to young people and to serve them in its role as a center for the advancement, sharing and use of knowledge.
The University was founded by Br Peter’s De la Salle Brothers in 1973. It was the first registered university established in the Occupied West Bank territory of Palestine and is the only Catholic university in the Holy Land. It currently has 3259 students (Muslim and Christian), 17,282 graduates and 214 faculty members.
The University promotes excellence in academics and develops students as committed leaders for society, fostering shared values, moral principles, and dedication to the common good.
Above: Taranaki-raised Brother Peter Bray, Former Vice-Chancellor of Bethlehem University.
Despite the on-going unrest, Bethlehem University continues to foster academic excellence with it’s foundations based in Catholic Social Teaching. Our long-standing relationship with the University endures, supporting ‘teaching peace’ in the Holy Land.
Teaching Peace
New Zealander Br Peter Bray, who moved to the Holy Land in 2008, was the Vice-Chancellor of Bethlehem University. In a statement back in 2024, Br Peter spoke of the impact of the conflict in Gaza which unfortunately is still ongoing.
“The present war in Gaza is disrupting life here at Bethlehem University … while the physical damage of war has not touched us here yet, the reality of it has.
There have been some 200 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since 7 October and well over 2500 arrested.
Among those arrested have been students and employees of Bethlehem University. Palestinians can be arrested for ‘liking’ a post on Facebook or X that is supportive of Palestine, or for any reasons they are not told …”
Prayers of support and peace are gratefully received.
PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND
The following prayer is associated with the "Peace Lamp for the Holy Land" project. Peace Lamps are produced in the village of Taybeh, 30 kilometres from Jerusalem, and have been distributed around the world, to unite people of all faiths around the world in prayer for the peace of the Holy Land.
Please note - we do not currently have Peace Lamps for sale.
