The International Center of Bethlehem started in 1994 as an outreach ministry of Christmas Lutheran Church, with 8 chairs, a desk, an old typewriter from the 1960s, and a budget of $327.  The growth of our organization since then has been exponential and inspirational.

Important Milestones in Our History:

• 1992:  Opening of the Abu Gubran Guesthouse & Beginning of Authentic Tourism Program
• 1995:  Opening of the International Center of Bethlehem (Dar Annadwa Addawliyya, or ICB)
• 1999:  Opening of the Al-Kahf Arts & Crafts Center
• 2000:  Opening of the Dar al-Kalima School
• 2000:  Renovation of the Administration Building
• 2003:  Opening of The Ad-Dar Cultural & Conference Center
• 2003:  Opening of the Bethlehem Media Center
• 2003:  Opening of the Health & Wellness Center on the Mt. Murair Campus
• 2004:  Renovation & Re-Opening of Abu Gubran Guesthouse
• 2005:  Opening of Dar al-Kalima College (operating at the ICB)
• 2007:  Groundbreaking of Dar al-Kalima College Campus on Mt. Murair

 
2002 was also a milestone year for the ICB:  in April of that year, the ICB complex was invaded and occupied by the Israeli Army for 3 days during the siege of Bethlehem.  The complex sustained significant damage, costing more than US$500,000 to repair.  Out of this setback came the ICB’s message of hope in times of trouble: “destruction may be… continuity shall be”. 

The ICB is committed to continue to build and rebuild, to train and educate, to empower, to create life in the midst of despair, and to continue to call for justice and reconciliation in the midst of conflict and violence.