War and crisis: Bethlehem suffers from a lack of pilgrims!

War and crisis: Bethlehem suffers from a lack of pilgrims!

Bethlehem, Westjordanland, Palästina - in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, threatens to critically escalate the economic situation. The pilgrims fail to materialize shortly before Christmas and the city suffers from the consequences of war and crisis. "The economic situation is catastrophic. Bethlehem and the entire West Bank are strongly dependent on tourism", reported Kathpress . The Austrian relief organization "Youth Ein World" emphasizes that the need and hunger in the region have never been so high. The Don Bosco bakery, which has been active in Bethlehem for over 130 years, provides needy families daily with around 600 free breads. Managing Director Reinhard Heierer describes the dark reality: Since the beginning of the war 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 bottlenecks, the bakery produces around 2,700 breads in 14 different varieties every day, whereby the sales price is kept as stable as possible. However, the increasing demand exceeds the capacities, which encourages the aid organization to call for donations: "We will continue the work of Don Bosco in the Holy Land in these difficult times in order to give people hope for a peaceful solution," said Heierer. The Salesians Don Boscos have been committed to poor families and in need for over a century and offer support such as social programs, training centers or schools.

The pedagogy of Don Bosco, which is based on human relationships, sees the upbringing of young people to “sincere citizens and good Christians” as the top goal. 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 to give the children a perspective for the future, as well as the Don Bosco mission