Urgent Support Needed for Abdo Safar in Bethlehem

*Urgent Support Needed for Abdo Safar in Bethlehem*

Hi, my name is Katherina. During my travel to Israel in March 2022 with my niece Mia, we had the privilege of visiting Bethlehem, a significant city located in the West Bank, known to many as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It was here that I met Abdalahad Issa Safar, known affectionately by his friends as Abdo. Abdo introduced me to the rich mosaic of history, culture, and faith that is Bethlehem. Our connection was immediate, deepened by our shared Christian faith. For me, it was not just about witnessing the historical sites but also understanding the lives of Arabic Christians in this part of the world.

Abdo is more than just a tour guide: He is a father of four children, a dedicated husband, a devout Christian belonging to the Syrian Church, and a keeper of Bethlehem's rich heritage. As he shared stories of his beloved city, he also opened up about his personal life, speaking warmly of his children - three boys and a girl - and the challenges they faced after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recent conflict that erupted between Hamas and Israel has left not only a trail of devastation but also an indelible mark on the lives of many innocent citizens, including Abdo and his family.

“It's a tragedy. So many citizens and children have been killed from both sides. This is the first time it has happened since 1973, like 50 years ago. We are suffering.” Abdo told me. “Ever since the fighting started, there's no business. The roads are blocked, and tourists aren't coming. The next few months were supposed to be busy with visitors from Europe, the US, the UK, and other places. I used to earn my living from tourism. But now, there are no tourists. We had just started to get back on our feet after Covid.”

His recent messages to me conveyed a desperate plea: "The situation here in Bethlehem, West Bank, is deteriorating. So many groups cancelled. Everything is too expensive. They're warning us about cutting off water and electricity. I don’t work anymore. Every coming day is worse than the one before... I am 60 years old, struggling to bring food for my children, and every month I need to find 500 dollars to pay rent. Our movement is restricted. The checkpoints are closed. The airport is closed. We can't leave our country. It's dangerous. "

Abdo's plight and the dire situation in the West Bank moved me profoundly. With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, the future of tourism in Bethlehem remains in jeopardy. This has left Abdo and his family in a precarious situation, with no income.

Today, I, Katherina, reach out to you, not just as someone who has experienced Bethlehem through Abdo's eyes but as a fellow Christian urging you to extend your hand to a brother in need.

Please join me in supporting Abdo and his family during these difficult times. Every donation, big or small, will be a lifeline for them, ensuring they have food on their table, a roof over their heads, and a glimmer of hope during these difficult times. Let's shine a light in the heart of Bethlehem, proving that even in the darkest moments, our love can make a world of difference.