What does Israel’s new government look like and what might this mean for the future? Here we look at the context and outcome of Israel’s general election.

Palestinian Pastor Rev Dr Munther described the challenges facing Christians living in Bethlehem, under Israeli occupation, this Christmas. And he has a challenging message for Western Christians, including us, and our thin understanding of the Christmas story.

The first cholera outbreak since 1993 is now spreading across Lebanon and Syria. Our partner MERATH is working to combat the spread and have given us an update on what has been happening.

Rev’d David Coaker, of the United Reformed Church, recently took part in the Embrace olive picking trip, travelling to the West Bank to help Palestinian famers with their olive harvest. Here he reflects on his experience.

Meet Mohammed and Selim, two highly skilled artisan working in the glass-blowing trade in the West Bank.

Embrace supports the Life Schools project in Egypt, run by our partners Think & Do. Anat, a teacher at the project, tells us how she became involved and why the project is so important in helping women overcome disadvantages they face.

Justice and lasting peace in the Holy Land may seem a long way off today, but the faith and dedication of our Christian partners is such that they continue to strive to bring reconciliation and healing. Embrace’s Rev Su McClellan reflects on their transformative work, which provides seeds of hope the future.

Our Programmes and Partnerships Manger Kat Brealey has been visiting some the project we support in Egypt. Whilst out on location, she sent us this report about one of our newest projects, ‘The Rock’, which is playing a vital role in supporting families and preventing children from being separated from their parents.

Sliman Mansour is an influential and renowned Palestinian artist. His work - which has come to symbolize the Palestinian national identity - has inspired generations of Palestinians and international artists and activists alike. He recently spoke to us about his life and work.