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War and crisis: Bethlehem suffers from a lack of pilgrims!
Bethlehem struggles with economic hardship just before Christmas; The Don Bosco Bakery provides free bread to those in need.
War and crisis: Bethlehem suffers from a lack of pilgrims!
In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, the economic situation is threatening to escalate to critical levels. Shortly before Christmas, the pilgrims fail to arrive and the city suffers from the consequences of war and crisis. "The economic situation is catastrophic. Bethlehem and the entire West Bank are heavily dependent on tourism," reported Kathpress. The Austrian aid organization “Jugend Eine Welt” emphasizes that need and hunger in the region have never been so high. The Don Bosco Bakery, which has been operating in Bethlehem for over 130 years, provides families in need with approximately 600 free loaves of bread every day. Managing director Reinhard Heiserer describes the grim reality: Since the war began in October last year, many parents have lost their jobs and are now struggling to feed their children.
Church and support in times of crisis
Despite the financial constraints, the bakery produces around 2,700 loaves of bread in 14 different types every day, while keeping the sales price as stable as possible. However, the increasing demand exceeds the capacities, which encourages the aid organization to appeal for donations: “We will continue the work of Don Bosco in the Holy Land even in these difficult times to give people hope for a peaceful solution,” said Heiserer. The Salesians of Don Bosco have been working for poor families and those in need in Bethlehem for over a century, offering support such as social programs, training centers and schools.
Don Bosco's pedagogy, based on human relationships, sees as its primary goal the education of young people to become “sincere citizens and good Christians.” This holistic training not only promotes knowledge, but also emotional and social development. This happens in an atmosphere of fun and closeness - an approach that is particularly important in crisis situations in order to give the children a perspective for the future Don Bosco mission emphasized.