Holy Land Trust
Holy Land Trust

Holy Land Trustis a non-profit Palestinian organization committed to fostering peace, justice and understanding in the Holy Land. We are deeply committed to exploring the root causes of violence and seek to develop solutions to address them. We believe that true peace and justice is achieved through nonviolent activism, personal and spiritual transformation. We believe in honoring the dignity and equal rights of all peoples.

Founded by Internationally known peace activist Sami Awad, Holy Land Trust has over 20 years of experience working in nonviolence, peacemaking, and creating awareness of the social and political conditions in the Holy Land. What makes Holy Land Trust unique is our focus on personal transformation and addressing the spiritual trauma that prevents a just and lasting peace. Holy Land Trust is neither a political nor a religious organization but seeks to practice and live a life motivated by unconditional love and not fear.

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.