In 1964, Pope Paul VI visited the Holy Land. In his desire to support the Palestinian people, Bethlehem University was established in 1973 as a joint venture between the Vatican and the De La Salle (Christian) Brothers. From humble beginnings with just three Brothers, a small group of Palestinian educators, and 112 students, Bethlehem University became the first registered university in Palestine. 21,614 men and women have graduated from Bethlehem University since its founding, and today it remains the only Catholic University in the Holy Land.
Bethlehem University provides modern and effective learning resources to enable all staff and students to pursue their academic activities in accordance with its vision, mission, and values. The University intentionally fosters interfaith knowledge and exploration, giving students inter-faith competency and building their capacity to respect all life. Twenty-nine percent of students study Nursing and Health Sciences, 19% Business Administration, and 17% The Arts (Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Religious Studies).

Lent invites us to slow our pace and return to what matters most. St. John Baptist de La Salle reminded his community to remain aware of God’s presence in every moment—in work, in study, and in service to others.
This season asks us to cultivate that same awareness to:
When we support education that restores dignity and opens doors, we participate in this sacred work of renewal.
In Pope Leo’s Message for Lent he urges us to practice listening. By listening to the Word of God and listening to others with care we open a door to relationship and begin the sacred work of touching hearts and uplifting dignity. He invites us to reflect on Sacred Scripture that “helps us to recognize and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering. In order to foster this inner openness to listening, we must allow God to teach us how to listen as he does. We must recognize that ‘the condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church.’”
Read the Pope Leo’s Full Lenten Message
You’ve walked with us year after year. You know what’s possible when we stand together.
Your gift today supports scholarships and faculty at Bethlehem University—Palestine’s future midwives, nurses, healthcare workers, and those who train them. Here’s what your gift provides:
Select from the opportunities below.
Will you join the Shepherd’s Circle for convenient and secure monthly giving that provides students with support to fund their education that will last a lifetime?
Help us reach our goal of 100 people donating $1 dollar a day for Bethlehem University. That’s an extra $36,500 a year!
Together we are powerful. Learn More . . .
février 13, 2026
100 Students Gain Cultural Knowledge On Monday, 2 February 2026, the Zbierski Library at Bethlehem University welcomed 100 sixth-grade students from Terra Sancta School and St. Joseph School. The students, accompanied by their teachers, were divided into three groups. The groups were formally received at the entrance of Bethlehem University by Mirna Zoughbi, Sana’ Salsa’,…
février 13, 2026
Holy Family Children’s Home Site of Learning and Compassion Students from the Communication and Writing Skills course from the Department of English at Bethlehem University, recently completed a semester-long service-learning project in collaboration with the Holy Family Children’s Home (Crèche) in Bethlehem. Through a series of lectures, an orientation visit, and activity sessions with the…
décembre 5, 2025
Beyond the Scoreboard: Women in Sports at Bethlehem University Womenity Magazine amplifies the voices, achievements, and stories of women across BU’s campus community. This issue highlights women in sports at Bethlehem University, celebrating a legacy of perseverance, leadership, and excellence. The pages uplift the women who formed the first football team, notes the beginning of…
décembre 5, 2025
Generosity Abounds Thank you for your support and solidarity with BU students. Through your donations we have raised $43,866 for tuition and programs in health care related fields for Bethlehem University in the Holy Land! This total includes two matching gifts: one for $15,000 and one for $5,000. We are grateful to our matching gifts…
septembre 17, 2025
Blessings by Bishop Marcuzzo of Jerusalem Rain Down Coach George Felton was honored in Bethlehem today (September 17, 2025) as the basketball court named in his honor was blessed. George is a true friend to Bethlehem University and is a board member of Bethlehem University Foundation USA. He dedicates countless hours to advocating on behalf of…
septembre 11, 2025
Offers Solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land Msgr. Peter Vaccari, President of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association–Pontifical Mission, together with a distinguished delegation, visited Bethlehem University as part of a pastoral visit in solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land. The delegation included Archbishop William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, Vice President of…
Do you have questions about BU? Can you spot it on a map? Do you wonder how the occupation impacts students, faculty, and staff.
These answers and more are found on our FAQ page. Learn More . . .
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« Vous pouvez faire des miracles en touchant le cœur de ceux qui vous sont confiés »