Holy Land Trust
Holy Land Trust
Holy Land Trustis a Palestinian non-profit organization founded in 1998, working to strengthen the resilience, dignity, and wellbeing of Palestinians living under prolonged social and political injustice. Guided by a trauma-informed approach, HLT works through three interconnected pillars—transformation, community support, and advocacy—addressing both the internal and practical dimensions of resilience. Through education, creative expression, and community-based initiatives, the organization equips individuals with tools for personal growth and leadership, while providing tangible support to communities facing ongoing challenges. At the same time, HLT amplifies local voices through storytelling, tourism, and international engagement, fostering greater understanding, solidarity, and meaningful human connection.
Officially registered with the Palestinian Ministry of Interior on May 5, 2004, under registration number BL-408-C.

Mission

Holy Land Trust empowers Palestinian communities to transform trauma and oppression into hope and resilience through nonviolence, advocacy, and solidarity for a just and peaceful future.

Vision

To see a lasting and just peace rooted in the dignity, rights, and freedom of all people.

Values

HLT is guided by the values of nonviolence, dignity, community empowerment, solidarity, healing, and advocacy to build a just and peaceful future.

OUR TEAM

Elias Deis

Executive Director
Holy Land Trust’s E.D., Elias Deis has worked for over a decade at Holy Land Trust. He was formally the Travel & Encounter Program Director and serves on the Beit Sahour City Council.

Lara Mitri

BLF Director
Lara Mitri is the Bethlehem Live Festival Director, ensuring that the festival creates an inclusive space that promotes a message of social justice on a global scale.

Said Zarzar

Creative Manager
Said Zarzar is the Creative Manager of Holy Land Trust, organizing the event planning for Bet Lahem Live, as well as the lead coordinator for the Travel & Encounter Department.

Dima Hayek

Fnancial Manager
Dima graduated from Bethlehem University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2007. Dima has worked for Holy Land Trust since 2010. Dima enjoys working at Holy Land Trust because she is able to be part of an organization that has a vision and a plan to pursues peace in the Holy Land, a peace she believes will come one day.

Adnan Al Araj

Guest Services
Many don’t know but He has been with Holy Land Trust almost since the beginning. For twenty years Adnan has served with full heart and commitment. If you ask him, he does say he just cleans and serves guests, he says he does everything to make everyone working or visiting the organization feel as if they are in their second home.

Raed Rishmawi

IT Consultant
Raed is an accomplished IT consultant and web developer. He has dedicated many years of his career to working with the Holy Land Trust, where he has played a crucial role in supporting the organization's mission through various capacities.