Bethlehem University: A difficult situation becoming critical

Bethlehem University

Source: Bethlehem University

Dear ICN Readers

Grace and peace to you.

It was eleven days ago when I last wrote to you saying "as the region enters yet another moment of deep uncertainty and escalation, Bethlehem University continues its mission of educating and forming young leaders for Palestine, grounded in faith, dignity, and hope."

Today, I write to you from Bethlehem with a heavy heart, yet also with deep faith and hope, as our University community continues to endure the painful effects of the ongoing war and the worsening conditions in Bethlehem and throughout the region.

In these difficult days, our first concern remains the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Because of the surrounding dangers, all academic instruction last week and this week is being conducted online so that our students may continue their studies in safety. Even amid fear, uncertainty, and emotional strain, they and their faculty are persevering with courage. Their determination is a powerful witness to hope - and a testimony to the sacred mission of education entrusted to us by the Church.

Our administrative and support staff, too, have shown extraordinary dedication. Many continue to report to campus on staggered schedules in order to sustain the essential operations of the University. Others, because of military blockades and severe additional restrictions on movement, have been unable to reach campus and are carrying out their responsibilities remotely whenever possible.

Yes, the burden we as a University now face is grave. The deepening economic crisis is making what has been difficult, now far more serious, if not impossible, for many of our students and their families - that is, to meet tuition obligations. As a result, Bethlehem University may soon face worsening difficulty in meeting salary commitments and maintaining essential operations in the weeks ahead.

This is not simply a financial challenge. It is a human one. Behind these numbers are students striving to complete their education, families already carrying immense burdens, and faculty and staff who continue to serve faithfully under extraordinarily difficult conditions. In a time of war, Bethlehem University remains a sign of hope, a place of learning, and a vital Christian presence of hope in the Holy Land serving our Muslim and Christian communities in Palestine. We know that we do this not alone - and we are most grateful for your prayers and support.

I therefore ask for your help, and I ask with urgency.

Your gift at this critical moment will help Bethlehem University sustain its academic mission, support its dedicated faculty and staff, and remain a source of stability and hope for young people whose lives are being deeply shaken by conflict.

Please keep Bethlehem University and all the people of the Holy Land in your prayers. And if you are able, please consider making a special gift today.

Urgent Gift Offering: Click Here

Thank You & God Bless You

With gratitude for your compassion, solidarity, and steadfast support, I remain,

Br Hernan Santos, FSC, PhD
Vice Chancellor