Since 2000, in January each year, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales take part in what is known as the Holy Land Coordination.

We know by now that COVID-19 pandemic affects us all, but not in equal measure. For families living in previously difficult circumstances, such as those in West Bank, life is even harder than before.

At this time of the year, the hearts and minds of so many are turned towards Bethlehem and the Holy Land. Christians in every nation are making their spiritual preparation for the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word that is coming into the world. 

Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko is a Trustee of the Abraham Initiatives. Here, she reflects on what it really means to be a source of light in the darkness.

In Orthodox Christianity, which has its roots in the East, December 4th is Saint Barbara’s day.

Embrace works closely with a number of different organisations in Beirut and across Lebanon. We thought we would share a testimonial we received from our dear friend and partner Sylvia Haddad who lives in Beirut.

The Director of EJ-YMCA, Nader Abu Amsha, who has himself experienced much of what these children go through, tells us about the work of this programme, its vision, and the hope and healing it brings to children and young people across the West Bank.

Embrace works closely with a number of different organisations in Beirut and across Lebanon. Our dear friend and partner Sylvia Haddad, who works as the Director of the JCC, shared this touching update from the midst of a refugee camp during the Covid 19 outbreak.

With a population of over 19 million people, Cairo is a city that teams with life. Cars, trucks, minibuses and small motorbikes, often overloaded with passengers, compete with each for dominance on the congested highways that crisscross the city.