Millions of people come to the Holy Land each year to visit its historic sites. In 2019, Israel saw a record 4.5 million tourists cross its borders. While the area is home to holy sites from many faiths, many of those tourists are Christian. They come to see the seas, roads, and hillsides where Christianity found its start—to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and the early church. You may have made a similar trip. Perhaps that is even how you first met Seeds of Hope.
While this kind of tourism can be a powerful experience and is vital to the region’s economy, it’s a bit of a different story when it comes to living in the Holy Land. Over the last half-century, the number of Christians living in the area has dwindled to be less than 1% of the population. This is even more shocking when you think about the historical context of the area as the birthplace of Christianity. At one time, Christians made up the majority of the population, but the cultural landscape of the region has shifted dramatically over the years.
It’s become increasingly difficult to live, work, and find community as a Christian in this majority-Muslim region, so over time, many families move away, leaving fewer and fewer behind.
“I was born and raised in Jericho. The moment the opportunity arose, I was prepared to leave the country and find a life elsewhere. However, Seeds of Hope hired me, and since then, I’ve stayed, and I’m glad I did because I believe in what we do.”
Fuad Jaddou, Director of Local Community Outreach
This is one surprising way Seeds of Hope has impacted Jericho and the surrounding areas. While our focus has always been on serving and investing in our community, we’ve also created a community for Christians to connect with and find belonging.
Despite diminishing numbers, Christian-run organizations are still the third largest employers in the area. Universities, hospitals, and humanitarian organizations like Seeds of Hope employ thousands of local employees of all faiths, but they’ve been crucial in making it possible for Christians to find work and stay in the West Bank. This is an incredible example of the influence and impact Christians still have on the community, even making up only 1% of the population.
“As a Jordanian Christian, I was considered a “foreigner” when I moved to Jericho 13 years ago. A few months after working with Seeds of Hope, this organization has become my family, my refuge, and my safe place.”
Jessica Baboun, Educational Program Headmaster
“We have heard many testimonies from our staff that they are so thankful to have a place of employment that believes in them and appreciates them for who they are,” said Khader Ghanim, Seeds of Hope CEO. “In a land where Christians must often suppress their beliefs, they’re free to be themselves at Seeds of Hope. If they were not working with us, they might not be working, or they would be somewhere they have to suppress this important part of them.”
Over time, we’re seeing how creating a community that allows Christians to live and thrive in the Holy Land is positively impacting the entire area. Christian-run organizations funnel hundreds of millions of dollars worth of aid and investment into communities around the Holy Land, affecting millions of people of all different faiths.
As organizations like Seeds of Hope grow and expand in the Holy Land, our prayer is that the population of Christians will do the same. And if Christians are having this big of an impact at only 1% of the population, or much more might they impact the region at 5%? Or 10%? Or more?
It’s not just about growing in numbers. It’s about the tangible difference that individuals and organizations have the potential to make as they spread the message of hope, love, and light throughout the Holy Land again.
