book

Bethlehem 2000 - Past and Present Mitri Raheb and Fred Strickert

Photos: Garo Nalbandian

Heidelberg: Palmyra 1998

157 Pages

Hard cover, A4 size

Colored pictures, map of Bethlehem, useful addresses and telephone numbers-
Bibliography -Foreword by Yasser Arafat

(sold at all major bookshops)

This book tries to describe the history and culture, religion and political situation of Bethlehem in detail, as well as the traditions and everyday life of the Palestinians. The book is well illustrated with extensive and impressive photos of people and places in Bethlehem and the region. As one of the most important places of pilgrimage and tourism in the world, Bethlehem is an excellent subject for a book that goes into the details of history and every day life of the city.

Consisting of 8 chapters, the book takes a close look at the history of the city, important sites such as the Church of the Nativity, Christianity in Bethlehem, Monasteries around Bethlehem, Christian-Muslim coexistence, Economy, culture, and the political situation in the city. " The text and photos give a uniquely full view of the town and its people; the reader is taken on a trip to one of the most sacred cities of human history. I am certain that this book will contribute to promoting a dialogue between cultures and religions, a dialogue that is a precondition for peace between the peoples of Israel and Palestine."

(From the foreword by Yasser Arafat.) Mitri Raheb, born in 1962 in Bethlehem, studied theology in Germany. Today he is the pastor of the Lutheran Church and director of the International Center of Bethlehem. Fred Strickert, born in 1948, is professor of religion at Wartburg College, Waverly (Iowa - USA). His special fields are New Testament studies, biblical archaeology and Palestinian Christian Issues.