Bethlehem

Information about Bethlehem and its sister cities, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Palestine Summer Encounter participants will be living, volunteering and studying in this part of the West Bank.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:

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.