in 2004 I had the opportunity to. Visit the Holy Lance with other Birmingham City councillors. While we were all Cabinet members it was made clear we were going by individual choice and didn’t represent the Council!
During our stay we made contact with organisations and individuals committed to peace through non- violent resistance.. The Palestinians while enduring unending oppression were resilient to an unimaginable degree. This didn’t stop them being labelled as “terrorist”. From what could see they were routinely terrorised. However you only have to write the label in the press and people accept this view unquestioning.
The following report brings readers up to date, matters that are ignored in the mainstream press lavishly rewarded for their lies and deceit.
View in Browser Resilience in Action: Standing with Communities “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”– Khalil GibranIn April, the situation across the region continues to be shaped by the ongoing war and a noticeable increase in settler violence in the West Bank. These developments are placing additional pressure on Palestinian communities, affecting daily life, safety, and access to basic needs.At Holy Land Trust, we are witnessing how these realities intersect with growing economic hardship, rising inflation, restrictions on movement, and loss of income. These challenges are directly impacting both communities and the continuity of our work. Despite this, we continue adapting to the context while remaining committed to supporting dignity, resilience, and wellbeing. During this period, we are placing increased focus on our Community Support (Empowerment) pillar, which responds directly to the urgent and evolving needs on the ground. Through our Community Preparedness project, we are equipping communities with practical tools and guidance to navigate increasing risks, including settler violence and movement restrictions. In partnership with local NGOs and field experts, this work focuses on helping communities: Stay safe Reduce escalation Respond in ways that protect lives and dignity Alongside preparedness efforts, we continue our direct aid support, including distributing food vouchers during the Easter period to families facing economic hardship. This support is part of our broader approach to: Preserve dignity Reduce immediate stress on families Strengthen community resilience during critical moments At the same time, we are strengthening community-based protection strategies in Area C, supporting communities most at risk through practical guidance and coordination. We are operating in a complex environment marked by economic crisis, restricted movement, and escalating violence. These realities affect how and where we can work. In response, we are developing creative and flexible solutions to ensure continuity strengthening partnerships and prioritizing the most urgent needs. We are putting more energy and effort into sustaining these initiatives because they are essential for community resilience. Even a small donation can make a meaningful difference supporting families, strengthening preparedness, and sustaining community-based initiatives. Together, we continue to support communities to navigate uncertainty with dignity, awareness, and resilience. Women of DialogueTenth Training Session – Compassionate Listening04.04.2026As part of the Women of Dialoguetraining series, two sessions on Compassionate Listening were delivered for 17 women from the Jerusalem group. This group is one of four women’s groups participating in the project—one in Bethlehem, one in Ramallah, and two in Jerusalem.  The sessions were facilitated by trainer Lama Abu Arqoub from Tomorrow’s Women and focused on fostering deep listening, empathy, and authentic communication. Through interactive exercises and guided reflection, participants practiced active listening—learning to be fully present, listen without judgment, and respond with compassion.The training created a safe and supportive space that encouraged open sharing, strengthened mutual understanding, and enhanced self-awareness. Participants gained practical tools to navigate difficult conversations, build trust, and engage more effectively within their communities. Easter EveningWith the Manger Chorus06.04.2026In an atmosphere of reflection and hope, and under the patronage of Holy Land Trust, in collaboration with the Edward Said National Conservatory of Musicand the Arab Orthodox Cultural Club – Beit Sahour, the Manger Choruspresented a special Easter evening on Monday, April 6, at the Cultural Club’s theater, attended by a large audience from the local community. Amid the ongoing escalation and conflict in the region, we strive to create spaces of hope and to live the meaning of resurrection in our daily lives by reconnecting with ourselves, understanding the challenges we face, and engaging with them consciously to transform pain into hope and possibility.  The evening offered a moment of deep reflection, an hour of silence and calm, as hymns of Holy Week were performed by singers from various church choirs across Bethlehem, led by musician Tamer Al-Sahouri. It was a collective spiritual experience that deeply touched those present.At Holy Land Trust, we believe that such spaces are not a luxury, but a necessity — spaces that nourish the spirit with faith and optimism, and help sustain hope despite all challenges.  Sustaining dignity and resilience through your support At Holy Land Trust, we are working every day to ensure that communities are not left alone in the face of growing challenges—providing practical support, strengthening preparedness, and sustaining dignity in difficult conditions. Today, the needs are increasing. Economic hardship, restricted movement, and rising violence are placing unprecedented pressure on families and communities. We cannot continue this work without your support. Your contribution—no matter the size—directly supports: Food vouchers for families struggling to meet basic needs Community preparedness tools that help prevent escalation and protect lives Ongoing resilience initiatives in the most vulnerable areas Your support is not just a donation—it is a direct investment in dignity, safety, and community resilience. Support Now”We are witnessing both hardship and strength. Our role is to stand with communities—offering practical support and ensuring they do not face these challenges alone. This work depends on your solidarity.Elias Deis, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  Holy Land TrustP.O. Box 737 Hosh Hanania – Star Street, Bethlehem P1510352, PalestineThis email was sent to johntyrrell3@icloud.comYou’ve received it because you’ve subscribed to our newsletter.Unsubscribe© 2026 Holy Land Trust |