While we call ourselves a "festival," we are much more. We are a vision of the future manifesting itself today in a place where few have hope. We are a gathering of the local and the global in all its diversity; all coming together as one to engage, discuss, and celebrate faith, coexistence, life, and human values of peace and justice.
As we have seen in history, with colonization comes barriers and separation. The people of Bethlehem and Al-Quds have been torn apart by checkpoints and an ugly wall. Physical separation creates emotional and mental separation. Identity is the glue that holds people together. Break and divide that identity, you break and divide a nation.
In response to an occupation that pressures a unified identity, the theme this year focuses on the one united Palestinian voice. We will host panels and seminars of leaders in the Palestinian community. Key figures, men and women, who will speak on topics related to religion, gender, culture, and politics. This festival aims to reunite Palestinian identity in the face of division, segregation, and occupation. The international community is invited to stand in solidarity with, support, and attend Bet Lahem Live.
The festival challenges you to not only to ask questions but to seek possible answers. This is why Bet Lahem Live is no ordinary festival. Still, we celebrate life. Who wouldn't want to experience the summer August nights of Bethlehem with live music, traditional performances, childrens’ events, and food?
”Star Street,” the historical hub of Bethlehem, has been negatively impacted by the political situation. Bet Lahem Live offers a real tangible way to revive this cultural pathway. It is where all the events of the festival, including an open street market, take place.
Led by Holy Land Trust, a non-profit peace and justice organization in Bethlehem, the festival is a community project, empowering local NGOs, artists, youth and community leaders to take action in addressing some of the most important issues that affect their daily realities.
With your contributions we hope to:
- Host high level panels of local and international religious leaders, activists, academics and civil society organizers.
- Invite 15 prominent leaders of justice, nonviolence and social activism to hold workshops and study session.
- Include a social justice bazaar engaging 8 local NGOs to raise awareness and show their work in the fields of gender, youth, the elderly, the disabilities, the environment and animal rights.
- Have 8 free and open access workshops on nonviolence training and nonlinear leadership.
- Reopen 50 shops on the UNESCO recognize Star Street.
- Host 9 local and 6 international bands, 2 dance troupes, 6 activities and shows for children, 2 theater shows.
- Create a cultural hub for local artists .
- Provide Star Street with the international recognition it deserves!
How are we going to achieve this?
WE = YOU + US
OUR GOAL = $25,000 ($30,000 would be even better!)
The budget for Bet Lahem Live is $80,000 and we are hoping to raise $25,000 of those funds through indiegogo and our international supporters. This is our biggest ask yet and we trust you.
If we had $30,000, We could:
- Produce the instruments in Palestine and use them for community music programs
- Support a sustainable platform for artists
- Include more of Bethlehem in the festival
How Else Can You Support Us?
- Speak about it to your friends and your social circles. We are a grassroots organization and depend first and foremost on people-2-people exchange.
- Come to the festival in Bethlehem in August 2018.
- Join us as a Volunteer during the festival.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter #CallMePalestinia
- Post on and repost links from our Facebook page Bet Lahem Live Festival
- Email your friends and faith-based, peace & cultural organizations that could contribute, support us, or join this year or maybe even next year.