Sussex community stage day for Bethehem

A Christian community choir who gave up their holidays to spend Christmas with the people of Bethlehem are holding an open day next month to share their experiences. The Bruderhof Choir were one of only two international groups to sing in Manger Square for the Christmas Eve 2000 concert. It took them 10 days to reach the Holy Land. A spokesman said: "We hoped to show the people of Bethlehem that someone cared about them in their situation. Yet in spite of the fact that they are suffering, living in poverty, and abandoned by the world, we found them holding out with remarkable spirit. What we received from them was Christmas, perhaps nearer in spirit to the original Christmas than any in 2000 years." The Bethlehem Day at Darvell Bruderhof, Brightling Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex starts at 2pm on 3 February. There will be a 25 minute video screening of the trip with members' commentary, a free Middle Eastern meal, performances by the Kids for Peace children's choir and speakers including journalist Muna Hamzeh, reporting from Bethlehem D'heisheh Refugee Camp. The evening will end with a performance by the Bruderhof Choir. For further information contact Eva at events@bruderhof.com or ring Johann or Hannah at 01580 883 300. The Bruderhof is a communal movement based in the US, England and Australia. They are dedicated to non-violence and peacemaking based on a firm Christian faith. They maintain ties with people of many faiths.