“We have on this land what makes life worth living.”

– Mahmoud Darwish

Honoring Land Day: Our Connection and Responsibility
Every year, Land Day reminds us of our deep connection to the land and our duty to protect it. It is not just about reclaiming physical space—it is about preserving history, culture, and identity. Land is more than soil; it carries the stories of generations, the resilience of those who have lived on it, and the hope of those who fight for their rights today.

For Holy Land Trust (HLT), this connection is at the heart of our work. Through our projects, we empower communities to reclaim their rights, preserve their cultural heritage, and transform trauma into hope. The challenges faced today—loss of land, displacement, and environmental threats—only strengthen our resolve to support those most affected.

HLT believes in fostering resilience and awareness, ensuring that communities have the tools and knowledge to protect their land and livelihoods. By investing in leadership training, nonviolent advocacy, and cultural preservation, we help individuals not only understand their rights but also take active steps in defending them. Land Day is a call to action—a reminder that justice and dignity must be upheld, and that the responsibility to protect and nurture our land belongs to us all.


Yaffa (1979), Sliman Mansour

 

EACEFUL – Kickoff Meeting
Promoting Emotional Aid, Connection to Ecology and Future youth Leadership
12.-19.01.2025

Elias Deis, Executive Director of Holy Land Trust, participated in the official kick-off meeting for the project PEACEFUL — Promoting Emotional Aid, Connection to Ecology, and Future Youth Leadership. The meeting took place in the Extremadura region of Spain in January 2025.

The PEACEFUL project is funded by ERASMUS-YOUTH-2024-CB Capacity Building in the Field of Youth and is led by the Spanish organization Asociación Extremundo in partnership with Holy Land Trust and other international collaborators.

The project aims to address critical gaps in physical, professional, educational, and operational support for peace and non-formal education organizations working with vulnerable youth in conflict and post-conflict regions. By enhancing resources and strategies, PEACEFUL will empower young people through emotional aid, ecological connection, and leadership development.

“We are proud to join this important initiative,” said Elias Deis. “Through the PEACEFUL project, we will strengthen our ability to support youth who are navigating the long-term effects of conflict. This project combines vital elements — emotional well-being, environmental awareness, and leadership skills — to help young people become resilient leaders in their communities.”

The project aligns closely with Holy Land Trust’s mission to promote nonviolence, resilience, and community empowerment. Leveraging its extensive experience in trauma-informed practices and youth engagement, Holy Land Trust will play a key role in implementing project activities in the Bethlehem area and beyond.

Generation to Generation: Empowering Young Women
Second Meeting

22.03.2025

Our second meeting for the fourth edition of the Generation to Generation project brought together 17 remarkable female students from diverse backgrounds—city, camp, and village. This powerful gathering created a space to discuss gender issues, identity, and the role of women in shaping society.

During the session, participants engaged in deep and thought-provoking discussions about the challenges they face as young women in their communities. They explored themes of self-expression, empowerment, and the political and cultural influences on gender roles. The group shared personal experiences, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of navigating societal expectations while striving for independence and self-determination.

A key topic of the session was “identity as a political gift,” where the students examined how identity shapes their place in society and influences their aspirations. Through guided dialogue, they reflected on how embracing their heritage and personal narratives can be a source of strength and resilience.

The meeting also provided a safe space for open conversation about the importance of women’s leadership and solidarity. Participants emphasized the need to uplift and support one another, recognizing that collective action is crucial in driving social change. By fostering these discussions, Holy Land Trust continues to nurture young women’s leadership skills, empowering them to become confident voices for their communities and beyond.
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