We're writing to ask for your prayers.
Life has become incredibly difficult for many Christian families in Bethlehem and throughout the Holy Land. The economic crisis continues, and for many artisans, there simply isn't enough work. Tourism—which once supported so many families—has never fully recovered. In fact, around 60% of Arabic-speaking Christians depend on tourism, and the last truly good year was 2019.
In a recent interview with EWTN News, Benedictine Abbot Nikodemus Schnabel shared a heartbreaking reality:
"People leave because they don't see a future."
Many young Christians are searching for opportunities abroad, hoping to build a life elsewhere. Others have chosen to stay, doing everything they can to provide for their families, keep their businesses alive, and simply make ends meet—holding onto their faith even when the future feels uncertain.
The abbot also shared a warning that deeply touched our hearts:
"My fear is that the Holy Land could become a kind of ‘Christian Disneyland. The holy places will remain, with monks and priests. But there may be no Christian families, no young Christians, no ordinary Christian life."
Today, Christians make up less than 2% of the population of the Holy Land—a dramatic decline from decades past.
These aren't just statistics to us.
They are our friends.
Our neighbors.
The families who lovingly handcraft the olive wood crosses, nativity sets, rosaries, and keepsakes we are honored to share with you.
Some are wondering whether they will have to leave the place their families have called home for generations.
Some have already left.
Others remain, trusting God one day at a time.
Today, we simply ask you to remember them in your prayers.
Pray for peace.
Pray for strength.
Pray for work.
Pray for hope.
As Abbot Schnabel asked the world:
"Pray that there is a future for Christians here."
If you feel led to support these families through Bethlehem Box, we are deeply grateful. But above all, we ask that you join us in prayer for the Christian community of the Holy Land.
Thank you for standing with them.
May God bless you,
Olena Derkach
July 24, 2026
