Open Bethlehem, a Bethlehem-based organization, is an international campaign to save the city of Bethlehem. It’s message: that Bethlehem is a city of openness and diversity, with a centuries-old tradition of welcoming travelers, refugees and pilgrims from across the world.
Open Bethlehem gained international attention in 2005 when Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas presented Pope Benedict XVI with honorary citizenship of the city. In issuing a passport, Bethlehem is granting citizenship to those who “uphold the values of a just and open society (and) remain a true friend of Bethlehem, through its imprisonment”, according to the passport’s citation. President Jimmy Carter and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have also agreed to become citizens of Bethlehem.
Currently Middle East Fellowship is accepting online donations for Open Bethlehem. Since Middle East Fellowship is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States, all donations are tax-deductible.
More information on the Open Bethlehem Project is available online:
http://www.openbethlehem.org/
