Bethlehem

All participants will be living in Bethlehem or one of its two neighboring cities: Beit Jala or Beit Sahour. Below is some brief information about each of these population centers:

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Bethlehem Quick Facts:

Population of approximately 27,000.

65% Muslim and 35% Christian.

Located approximately 5 miles from Jerusalem.

Birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Location of Rachel''s Tomb.

Tourism industry employs 20% of pop.

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Beit Sahour Quick Facts:

Population of approximately 12,000.

Unemployment rate is 60%.

Highest % of university grads. in Palestine.

75% of residents are Christian.

Industries: chemicals, stone work, textiles, crafts, tourism.

Location of "Shepherd''s Field" where angels announced the birth of Jesus in the Biblical story.

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Beit Jala Quick Facts:

Population of over 12,000 people.

Name, in Aramaic, means "grass carpet."

Highest point located 900 meters above sea level.

Main agriculture: olives, grapes, apricots, apples and plums.

Land threatened by 3 settlements: Gilo, Har Gilo, Giv''at Hamatos.

Population by religious affiliation: 7,000 Greek Orthodox, 2,500 Roman Catholics, 2,000 Muslims and 500 Protestants.

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Sources: Bethlehem Municipality Website: http://www.bethlehem-city.org/
Beit Sahour Municipality Website: http://www.beitsahourmunicipality.com/
Beit Jala Municipality Website: http://www.beit-jala.org/
Palestine & the Palestinians, Alternative Tourism Group.

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