Pilgrims of Hope for the Holy Land
"We make a heartfelt appeal to Christians in the UK: Do not be afraid to come on pilgrimage. But come as pilgrims of solidarity. Meet the local communities, listen to their stories, and buy their crafts. Your presence is a powerful message that they are not forgotten."​​ ​Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales - Department for International Affairs Holy Land Co-ordination 18-23 January 2025
We are sensitive to the fact that all have suffered pain and loss in the land, and that the language of blame and justification can too easily become dehumanising. We condemn all antisemitism, islamophobia and racism of any kind. As such we admire the following groups and wish to highlight the work they do as peacemakers and beacons of hope.
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Jews for Justice for Palestinians
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British Shalom-Salaam Trust
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Combatants for Peace
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Parents Circle - Families Forum
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Similarly, the following organisations whom I visited whilst in Jerusalem and who support marginalised ethnicities in the city and wider region.
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Jerusalem African Community Centre​
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Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem
"And who is my neighbour?" Luke 10:29
This call has been made with a focus on Christian communities, both here and in the Holy Land. However, it is our desire and belief that the fruits of this and future pilgrimages will bring hope to all people who live in the region - Palestinian and Israeli, Jew and Gentile, Muslim and Christian. Stimulating the wider economy and breathing new life into once vibrant communities will benefit all who live there and who long for peace. We also wish to extend the invitation to join a Pilgrimage of Hope for the Holy Land to anyone who is interested - from any faith tradition or none.
Children from the School of Joy in Beit Sahour, Bethlehem - click here
Inspiring organisations, charities and useful information
Sources for information and statistics quoted
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​AP News – Bethlehem’s Tourism Collapse and Artisan Impact
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AP News – Emigration and Religious Tensions
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Birthplace of Hope – Bethlehem Economic Report (Spring 2024)
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The Pillar – Christians in Jerusalem 2025
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Jerusalem Story – Decline of the Old City’s Population
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Jerusalem Story – Economic Effects of the War
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Oikoumene – Poverty and Employment in East Jerusalem (2024 Data)
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WAC-MAAN – East Jerusalem Unemployment Rise 2025
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Zogby Research – Palestinian Workforce in Israel (2025 Report)
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Times of Israel – Tourism Drop in the Old City
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Catholic News Agency – Pilgrimage Decline and Jubilee Year​
