Hope in the Holy Land

This is an amazing episode. My conversation with Ahmad Riziq was both challenging and inspiring.He is the twenty-nine year old founder and CEO of Gaza Great Minds Foundation. This is an initiative created following the destruction of education facilities in Gaza over the last three years. Through GGM, some children in Gaza are able to access education and essential psychological support. Ahmad tells how GGM started in Spring 2024. He describes seeing a young boy carrying a school bag running through the streets. Initially assuming the child was going to school, he followed hoping to find a functioning school only to discover the boy was chasing parachuted aid packages. Convinced that he needed to do something about children's lost education, he and his colleagues established their first tent classroom offering free education. Initially they expected around 50 children but more than 200 arrived on the first day. On 7 May 2024 they connected with international activists who helped advocate and raise funds for the project. Today GGM provides education and professional psychological support to children affected by the continuing death and destruction in Gaza. They have established schools in northern and southern Gaza supporting thousands of students. More recently GGM have developed a creative writing initiative to help students deal with their trauma. In this podcast, Ahmad speaks of his own life, too - about his wife and their three children. He describes dealing with symptoms of trauma from the events he's experienced and how his elderly father was shot dead by a sniper following the "ceasefire".Despite the harrowing nature of this interview, it was still deeply inspiring. Ahmad's focus and determination is to continue to teach:“To ensure every child in Gaza has access to education and the chance to rebuild their lives, amidst the genocide & beyond."Through creativity, imagination and laughter - the children of GGM have the capacity to see the beauty of life again.While it is easy to believe there is little we can do in Britain to help the children of Gaza - the existence of GGM shows this is untrue.There is so much we can do that will make a real difference.First share this podcast with everyone you know. Tell people about GGM and let them know they can help. Share it with your Church community, Mosque or Synagogue. Encourage your children's schools to connect with GGM. Raise money and never stop talking about Gaza.There is a whole page of ways you can volunteer:https://gazagreatminds.org/volunteer/Subscribe to their substack for regular updateshttps://substack.com/@UCz8JD8Tq7YrHsho0EIOkUzQ Become a paid follower on Patreon and check out their online store:https://www.patreon.com/cw/GazaGreatMindshttps://www.youtube.com/@UCz8JD8Tq7YrHsho0EIOkUzQ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560810820215https://instagram.com/gazagreatmindshttps://tiktok.com/@gazagreatmindshttps://twitter.com/gazagreatminds

In this conversation, I speak with Father Firas Khoury - a Greek Melkite Catholic Priest in Zababdeh in the northern West Bank. We speak about life for Christians in Palestine, the local economy, and the urgent need for peace, justice, and practical support.Donate here:https://buymeacoffee.com/eringrimmInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/melkite2024...Key topics coveredFather Firas introduces himself, his family’s long history in Zababdeh, and his identity as Palestinian, Arab, and Christian.He explains Zababdeh’s location, population, and mixed Christian-Muslim community life.The discussion explores the village’s Catholic school, agriculture, and the role of shared education in building peace.Father Firas describes severe economic hardship caused by war, permit restrictions, reduced salaries, unemployment, and loss of access to work in Israel.He details the impact of settlements, checkpoints, road restrictions, land confiscation, and water control on daily life.The conversation turns to the growing fear of emigration among Christian families and the risk of empty churches and disappearing Christian communities in the Holy Land.Father Firas reflects on the future of the two-state solution, the weakening of the Palestinian Authority, and fears of deeper instability.When asked what people in the UK, USA, and Europe should understand and do; Father Firas calls for prayer, courageous advocacy, and concrete support for justice and peace.We discuss educational support, community projects, and the importance of helping families remain through livelihoods rather than dependency.Father Firas shares his efforts to build peace projects, raise funds, and support schools, medical care, and families in need.The conversation ends with reflection on Church support, including the Church of England’s willingness to receive the Kairos II document, listening to Palestinian voices and the need for Roman Catholic engagement as well.Notable themesPeace-building across religious communitiesChristian survival in the Holy LandEconomic hardship and forced emigrationLand, water, and mobility restrictionsThe role of the global Church in advocacy and solidarity

This is the story of the world's oldest Christian community - and what may be the last generation of a 2000 year history in the land of the Resurrection.Join us to support the vulnerable communities of the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza. www.pilgrimsofhope.co.uk

In episode 7 of the Hope in the Holy Land podcast, I speak with Usama Nicola - tour guide and peace activist from Bethlehem. This episode is notable for its emphasis on the doctrine of the Incarnation and its unique relevance to the Palestinian Christian pursuit of justice and peace.As always, it was a pleasure to speak with Usama Nicola. Please subscribe to his Patreon page for his regular "Updates from Bethlehem"PatreonFacebook#bethlehem #justiceandpeace #hopefortheholyland #pilgrimsofhope #westbank

Between the Lion and the Stork you'll find the gypsies of Bab Hutta...Amoun Sleem was born and raised in this neighbourhood, and she lives there to this day with the families of her five brothers and four sisters. When I first met Amoun in January 2025, it was four miles north of Bab Hutta in the district of Shuafat at the “Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem.” In the following interview she describes her journey. From anger at the discrimination which cut short her own education, to developing a program that transforms the lives of women and girls in a community where female illiteracy is 80%.After a brief catch-up, the conversation continued as recorded.#domari #jerusalem #hopefortheholyland #pilgrimsofhope #ethicaltourism #babhutta #burjalluqluqIf you would like to learn mo9re about the work of the Domari Society and support their work, please click here:https://www.domarisociety.com/support-a-programTimestamps00:00 - Introducing Amun Sleem and the Domari Society00:43 - The Dom people’s history and roots in India01:42 - On the word "Gypsy" and why it is still used03:09 - Dom, Roma, and Lom: related but distinct groups04:18 - Living between Palestinian and Israeli societies06:01 - How many Dom people live in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza07:16 - Dom neighborhoods in and around Jerusalem08:34 - Crossing checkpoints from Shuafat and Qalandia09:55 - Residency, citizenship, and identity in Jerusalem10:49 - Life in Bab Hutta near Lions Gate13:50 - Growing up in a mixed neighborhood in the Old City15:53 - School discrimination and dropping out as a child18:15 - Returning to education to build a better future18:38 - A large extended family living together in the Old City19:40 - Marriage within the community and more recent intermarriage20:29 - Religion in the Dom community21:35 - Jobs, unemployment, and limited career paths23:37 - Why Amun founded the Domari Society26:12 - Building the nonprofit and opening the center27:10 - Programs for women, children, and struggling families29:31 - Skills training that helps women earn from home30:46 - The Domari language as a spoken-only language32:10 - Cultural differences in look, weddings, and traditions37:47 - Family history in the same neighborhood for more than 120 years39:42 - The community’s historical movement through the Middle East40:21 - A young woman from tutoring to law school42:25 - Why men in the community struggle with addiction and low opportunity44:29 - Summer camp, school supplies, and children’s activities45:59 - The impact of war, COVID, and funding cuts49:32 - Tourism, visitors, and how they used to support the center51:34 - Amun’s message to listeners in the UK and USA52:23 - Travel limits and the need to raise awareness53:25 - What would happen if the community center closed54:42 - Domari food, hospitality, and cultural sharing56:21 - Final thoughts on visiting Jerusalem and supporting the communityNotable quotes"We are one of the most discriminated society in the Holy Land.""In the place of anger, I turn it to a place where I can really make bridges between us and between others.""If we close this community center, it's mean the gypsies not exist in the Holy Land."

In this episode I speak to Amir Tamer - a twenty-one year old man from Gaza. We speak about his childhood, the current reality and how he sees the future for himself and the children of his neighbourhood, Al-Deraj, where the local school was bombed in 2024.This was an incredibly poignant conversation. It made me recall the year I started University and my own daughter starting her undergraduate studies, too. The constant noise of children in the background, and wondering what their lives will be like make this very difficult but necessary listening. Those children can have a future - but it depends on what the world does next..."Then, around eighteen, you start to make plans and become ambitious. You think about achieving things, trying things… About travelling and deciding what you want to do.I actually had a conditional offer to study at Goldsmiths University in London, but the summer I turned eighteen ended on October 7th and our lives were turned upside down.It is like something takes you from being young man and makes you take responsibility. Not only for yourself, but for the people around you.We don’t have the chance to be young anymore, and it will never come back."Donate to Amir's gofundme page here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-and-my-family-to-resist-genocide?attribution_id=sl:96ad8687-ec64-47f8-a9f5-74f3d33e902b&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_linkAmir's YouTube address:https://youtube.com/@ameer-prince1?si=ecmc76J4HMZlGEnK

This is an audio recording of a blog post that was first written about the children of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City who made their First Holy Communion in 2024. It is also a reflection on the conditions prevailing in Gaza today and the effect 1000 days of conflict is likely to have on a generation of children.

Father Gabriel Romanelli is the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City. He posts daily updates in Spanish about the parish and the wider community of Gaza on his YouTube channel.I have translated some of these broadcasts as blog posts.I would advise everyone to follow his broadcasts and posts.His is a unique and inspiring voice from the heart of Gaza City. His words are a challenge to everyone, but especially Christians.This is a translation of the video he broadcast on 30/6/2010 entitled "Emergency - Is anyone interested?"Colabora con la Misión del P Romanelli ---https://vozcatolica.com/ayudagzPágina para hacer una donación para los cristianos de la Parroquia Sagrada Familia desde cualquier parte del mundo (basta tener una tarjeta de crédito). La donación se hace en dólares.🎥 ¡Suscríbete a:    / @p.gabrielromanelli   para seguir el update diario!🎥También te invitamos a formar parte de nuestra nueva comunidad en las redes sociales y canales de difusión, donde compartimos historias, noticias y el impacto de nuestra Misión Católica en la Franja de Gaza.📱 Síguenos y participaP. Gabriel RomanelliInstagram:   / gabrielromanellisivori  Facebook:   / 1fqpsx59wz  WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb2v...Telegram: https://t.me/boost/PGRomanelliX: https://x.com/PGabRomanelli

In episode 4 of the Hope in the Holy Land podcast, I speak to Fr. Sandro Tomašević. A Franciscan friar and parish priest at St. Catherine’s Latin Church in Bethlehem. He is also the director of the Franciscan Boys Home and works with Catholic Action Bethlehem. We talk about each of these roles and about faith in action in the Holy Land, today.Franciscan Boys HomeCatholic Action BethlehemFranciscan Foundation for the Holy Land

This is a bonus episode featuring an interview between Paul Calvert of Radio Hayah and Mike O'Brien form Pilgrims of Hope for the Holy Land. It explains the grassroots nature of the movement and how it began in late 2024 with a prayer service in Liverpool. Mike shares his reasons for travelling to the Holy Land before the "ceasefire" of 2025. He and Paul discuss the importance of pilgrimage as a journey of encounter and transformation, both for the pilgrim and for the communities they visit, and how the message from Holy Land Christians was clear and emphatic: "Come back! We are waiting for you and we need you! Tell the people of the UK to come and see - then tell the world what they saw!"#pilgrimsofhope #hopefortheholyland #palestinianchristian #bethlehem #timetoact #comeandsee #goandtell #ethicaltourism #hope #faith #pilgrimageChapters00:00 Introduction to Hope for the Holy Land09:00 The Importance of Pilgrimage and Encounter14:10 Current Situation and Optimism in the Holy Land18:00 Prayers and Future Aspirations for the Holy Land resourcesPilgrims of Hope for the Holy Land - https://www.pilgrimsofhope.co.ukHope for the Holy Land Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/pilgrimsofhopefortheholylandWebsite - https://www.pilgrimsofhope.co.ukFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/pilgrimsofhopefortheholylandYouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@pilgrimsofhope25

We continue our "Palestinian Voices" series by speaking with Michael Jackaman, a tour guide and web designer from Bethlehem, about his life in the West Bank. He speaks about the reasons for large scale emigration from Bethlehem and the wider region, the source of his own resilience, and the hope he has for his children. He also describes what people in the UK, US and Europe can do to support these communities.Pilgrims of Hope for the Holy Land is working in collaboration with Pax Christi FaithJustice Podcast and the Time to Act Campaign.#hopefortheholyland #bethlehem #timetoact #persecutedchurch #palestinianchristian #christian #paxchristi #faithjusticeKey TopicsTourism industry in Bethlehem and its impact on local economyChallenges faced by local businesses during conflict and warInnovative solutions like online shops for Palestinian craftsCommunity resilience and mutual support in BethlehemThe role of faith and heritage in maintaining hopeBethlehem's economy relies heavily on tourism, with 80% of the population involved in related activities.Local entrepreneurs are creating online platforms to sell Palestinian crafts globally, adapting to new challenges.Community support and family networks are vital for survival during economic downturns.The importance of international visitors and advocates in supporting Bethlehem's future.Faith and cultural heritage provide resilience and hope for the local community. Bethlehem's Hidden Economy: Tourism and Online Business Amidst ConflictHow Bethlehem's Community Is Innovating During Hardship"Community support is vital during tough economic times.""Creating an online shop helps us reach the world.""My children’s future depends on opportunities here."ResourcesBethlehem Gift Shop - https://bethlehemgiftshop.comBethlehem University - https://www.bethlehem.eduDar al-Khalima University - https://www.daralkhalima.edu.ps guest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/michael-jaccomanTwitter - https://twitter.com/michaeljaccoman

This is the first episode of our Hope in the Holy Land Podcast. In this series we hear from members of the Palestinian Christian community in Jerusalem and the West Bank about their life, the land and the challenges they face. As well as their hope for the future and the role of Western Christians in promoting justice and peace.As this is my first foray into podcasting, the edit is pretty amateur. Fortunately, our first guest more than makes up for it. She is Madees Khoury the first and only brew master in the Middle East who is producing fantastic beer under the most difficult conditions. She is a really inspiring guest and I hope we encourage more people to visit Taybeh.Key Topics:Challenges of operating a brewery in PalestinePalestinian wine and beer: indigenous grapes and international marketsCultural events like Oktoberfest that unite the communityThe impact of settler violence and restrictions on daily lifeThe role of international support and tourism in Palestine#holyland #brewery #brewgooder #palestine #sumud #hopefortheholyland #inspirationalstory