Building Hope and a Brighter Future for Palestine
Bright Stars of Bethlehem, NFP opens in Washington, DC
An important new resource for American individuals and organizations working towards a just peace in Palestine is now available in the nation's capital. Bright Stars of Bethlehem, NFP was registered as a US 501 (c)(3) organization in November 2004. In January 2005, the Bright Stars office was opened in Washington, DC to promote and spread the word about the many ministries of the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB) in Palestine.
A wide variety of cultural, educational, and professional development programs combine to serve the entire Palestinian community "from the womb to the tomb." As outreach ministries, the Dar al-Kalima (House of the word) K-12 Model School and Health & Wellness Center meet the educational and health needs of over 20,000 children and families in the local community. In a country with increasingly limited resources, these programs are instrumental in supporting economic development, developing human resources, cultivating artistic talents, and preserving Palestinian cultural traditions.
As occupation continues to be a daily reality for the Palestinian people, Bright Stars is committed to investing in the future of Palestine to actively promote peace. Such a commitment provides the local community with a real sense of hope.
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, CEO of Bright Stars, says that the establishment of Bright Stars of Bethlehem comes at an important time "where more people in the States are aware of the situation on the ground in Bethlehem, and are committed to make a difference in the lives of the people in the hometown of Christ."
The Bright Stars office is currently working on several new projects in Bethlehem, including a Metabolic Clinic at Dar al-Kalima Health & Wellness Center to provide local access to medical treatment and health education that is otherwise unavailable. Over the next several years, Bright Stars of Bethlehem will work on funding for the Dar al-Kalima Academy for Fine Arts & Communications, the first Christian college in the Middle East specializing in visual and performing arts and communications.
Office space for Bright Stars of Bethlehem was donated by Lutheran Church of the Reformation on their campus near Capitol Hill. Erin Wright was selected as the US Coordinator of the office. Erin is a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kansas City Missouri; she holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and an M.A. from American University.
Bright Stars of Bethlehem is a registered US 501 (c)(3) organization. All programs are inter-faith and non-partisan. Donations to Bright Stars are tax deductible, and may be sent to the DC office.
To learn more about current projects in Bethlehem, schedule an educational presentation at your church or organization, organize a mission trip or study tour to the Holy Land, or to make a donation, please contact BSB at:
Erin M. Wright, US Coordinator
Bright Stars of Bethlehem, NFP
212 East Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-486-9659
Fax: 202-544-2988