Bright Stars of Bethlehem

Bright Stars of Bethlehem USPS Mailing Address:

BRIGHT STARS OF BETHLEHEM NFP

P.O. Box 771055, CHICAGO IL 60677-1055 Rev.

Bright Stars of Bethlehem raises awareness and support for Dar al-Kalima University, the first and only university for arts, culture, and design in all of Palestine. Bright Stars is a 501c3 nonprofit organization born out of the vision of Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb and his outreach ministry in Bethlehem in the mid-90s. The desire to help the people of Palestine flourish and have life in abundance has ga

ined supporters around the US. Raheb, with key US supporters, created an independent U.S.-based nonprofit organization founding Bright Stars of Bethlehem in 2004. Now, in 2024 Bright Stars is celebrating 20 years of HOPE and support for the next generation of creative leaders in Palestine.

What happens when a student from Bethlehem is given the opportunity to pursue their dreams?Do they become a filmmaker?An...
06/16/2026

What happens when a student from Bethlehem is given the opportunity to pursue their dreams?

Do they become a filmmaker?
An art therapist helping students navigate anxiety and trauma?
A visual storyteller whose work reaches audiences far beyond their hometown?

For many graduates of Dar al-Kalima University, education has become the foundation for lives of purpose, creativity, and service.

Take Mishleen Judeh Marcos, the first graduate of Dar al-Kalima University's Master of Arts in Art Therapy program. Today, she is using her education to support the emotional well-being of students facing extraordinary challenges. "I want to support them in overcoming anxiety and enhancing their overall well-being, especially in light of the difficult circumstances many students face in the region," she says.

Her story is just one example of where hope goes after graduation. That's why we're inviting you to join us for Beyond Bethlehem: Where Hope Goes Next, a special live conversation with graduates of Dar al-Kalima University.

You'll hear directly from alumni as they share what life was like as students, the obstacles they faced, the opportunities they discovered, and how they built careers in film, art therapy, visual storytelling, and other creative fields.

Hosted by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University, this event offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand how education continues to transform lives long after graduation.

Hope begins in Bethlehem. Come discover where it goes next.

Register for free: https://tinyurl.com/beyondbethlehem
Double your impact with a matched gift: https://bit.ly/42K96a3

All donations made throughout June will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $75,000, helping future students access the same life-changing opportunities.

One week ago, we shared the story of Natalie Abu Dayyeh, a talented athlete, university student, and role model whose de...
06/15/2026

One week ago, we shared the story of Natalie Abu Dayyeh, a talented athlete, university student, and role model whose detention raised deep concern across Palestine and around the world. Today, we learned that Natalie remains detained following her arrest by Israeli forces on June 2.

She appeared before a military court this week, with proceedings scheduled to continue in ten days. The three other young women detained alongside her also remain imprisoned.

Natalie's continued detention has heightened concerns among students, educators, athletes, and families throughout Palestine. Beyond the uncertainty facing Natalie and her loved ones, many young people are expressing fear about their own futures as arrests, raids, and restrictions increasingly impact university life and access to education.

For students across Palestine, education represents hope, opportunity, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Yet many are forced to pursue those dreams while navigating extraordinary challenges that most students worldwide never encounter.

Natalie's story is bigger than just her because she represents so much more than a single individual. She is a university student studying Journalism and Media. She is a member of the Palestinian Women's National Football Team. She is a product of the Diyar Women Sports Unit, a program founded by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb that has empowered generations of young women to lead both on and off the field.

We continue to stand with Natalie, the three women detained alongside her, and all Palestinian students striving to pursue their education and build their futures despite uncertainty.

Please continue to hold Natalie and her family in your prayers and remember the countless young people throughout Palestine who continue to choose hope, learning, and leadership in the face of tremendous obstacles.

Hope is what we do. And hope means refusing to forget those whose futures remain uncertain.

"I believe that diamonds are made under pressure. There is so much pressure now in Palestine, but there are so many diam...
06/12/2026

"I believe that diamonds are made under pressure. There is so much pressure now in Palestine, but there are so many diamonds." – Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb

At Bright Stars of Bethlehem, we see those diamonds every day.

Beyond Bethlehem is about what happens when students are given the opportunity to learn, create, and lead despite the challenges surrounding them. It is about graduates who become artists, filmmakers, designers, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders. It is about young people who refuse to let circumstances define their future.

This month, we've been sharing stories of Dar al-Kalima University graduates whose journeys prove that hope does not end at graduation. It travels with them into their careers, their communities, and the lives they touch along the way.

The pressure is real. The obstacles are immense. Yet time and again, we see resilience transformed into creativity, determination transformed into leadership, and dreams transformed into action. Those are the diamonds Rev. Raheb is talking about.

Join us for Beyond Bethlehem: Where Hope Goes Next on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT | 10:00 AM MT | 11:00 AM CT | 12:00 PM ET, and hear directly from graduates whose stories are living proof that hope continues far beyond the walls of the classroom.

Register at: brightstarsbethlehem.org/events-recordings/beyond-bethlehem

One of the things we love most about Beyond Bethlehem is seeing what happens when education extends beyond the classroom...
06/11/2026

One of the things we love most about Beyond Bethlehem is seeing what happens when education extends beyond the classroom and into real life.

We're excited to share an update on the Rubash Garden renovation and the new café currently under construction at Dar al-Kalima University.

Many of you may remember this project from our fundraiser with Rick Steves earlier this year. While construction is still underway, these new photos show just how much progress has been made and how this vision is beginning to take shape.

The renovated Rubash Garden is becoming a beautiful gathering space where students, artists, faculty, and community members can come together. Just steps away, the new café is taking shape and will offer something equally important: real-world, hands-on experience for students.

For many students, education doesn't end with what they learn in a classroom. The café will create opportunities to develop practical skills, gain workplace experience, build confidence, and prepare for future careers. It is a chance to put knowledge into action, work alongside mentors, and take meaningful steps toward professional success before graduation.

As we celebrate the stories of Dar al-Kalima graduates throughout our Beyond Bethlehem campaign, projects like this remind us that student success begins long before commencement day. By creating opportunities for students to learn, work, and grow within their own community, Dar al-Kalima is helping prepare the next generation of Palestinian leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and change-makers.

Thank you to everyone who helped support this vision. We can't wait to share more updates as the Rubash Garden and the café continue to come to life.

Learn more at brightstarsbethlehem.org/palestine-is-my-valentine

As we continue our Beyond Bethlehem series, we are sharing stories of graduates whose lives demonstrate the lasting impa...
06/10/2026

As we continue our Beyond Bethlehem series, we are sharing stories of graduates whose lives demonstrate the lasting impact of education, creativity, and hope.

Haneen grew up in the village of Jubbet Ahd Dhib, where life was often marked by challenges many of us can hardly imagine. Born by candlelight in a community without reliable electricity or running water, she spent her childhood carrying water from a well, studying late into the night, and developing a passion for art that would eventually shape her future.

That passion led her to Dar al-Kalima University, where she studied Contemporary Arts. There, she discovered more than artistic skills. She found confidence, purpose, and the courage to overcome the fears that had followed her since childhood.

After graduation, Haneen became both an artist and an advocate for her community. When solar panels donated to her village were confiscated, leaving residents without electricity, she helped organize local women, challenged the decision in court, and played a role in restoring power to the village. Today, she continues to share her gifts by teaching art and creativity to others throughout Palestine.

Haneen's story is one example of what happens when education opens doors and empowers people to become leaders in their own communities.

As one of our longtime supporters, Chris Cowan, shared after visiting Haneen's village: "I remember the day I had the privilege of meeting Haneen and going to her village with Pastor Mitri Raheb and the Bright Stars of Bethlehem board. Haneen graciously gave us a tour of her village, Jubbet Ahd Dhib. At the time, the village was poor and also experiencing hard times. My husband Arnie and I are happy to be regular donors for Bright Stars of Bethlehem because we can assist students like Haneen, who are finding the support they need to pursue their dreams amid tremendous difficulties. Helping the younger generation of leaders in Palestine gives hope to the entire community."

This is what Beyond Bethlehem is all about. The story does not end at graduation. It continues through graduates like Haneen, who use their education to create change, strengthen their communities, and inspire the next generation.

Your support helps make stories like hers possible. Learn more and help support future Dar al-Kalima University students at BrightStarsBethlehem.org

What happens after graduation?When supporters give to Bright Stars of Bethlehem, they are doing far more than funding a ...
06/09/2026

What happens after graduation?

When supporters give to Bright Stars of Bethlehem, they are doing far more than funding a scholarship or supporting a classroom. They are helping nurture filmmakers, artists, educators, therapists, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will go on to strengthen their communities and shape the future of Palestine.

Join us for Beyond Bethlehem: Where Hope Goes Next, a special live conversation exploring the lives, careers, and impact of graduates from Dar al-Kalima University. Through personal stories and firsthand experiences, you'll hear how education in Bethlehem has empowered graduates to become creative professionals and change-makers who are creating impact in their communities and beyond.

Hosted by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University, this inspiring discussion will feature alumni sharing their journeys from the classroom to careers in film, art therapy, visual storytelling, and other creative fields. Their stories offer a powerful look at how education, creativity, and opportunity continue to shape lives long after graduation.

Register: https://tinyurl.com/beyondbethlehem

Registration is free. Donations are welcome and help support future students pursuing their education at Dar al-Kalima University.

Hope begins in Bethlehem. Come discover where it goes next.

Beyond Bethlehem means seeing years of hard work come to life. Before graduating from Dar al-Kalima University's Graphic...
06/08/2026

Beyond Bethlehem means seeing years of hard work come to life. Before graduating from Dar al-Kalima University's Graphic Design Program, students complete and present a final capstone project that brings together years of learning, research, creativity, and professional design practice.

These projects are more than a graduation requirement. They represent the final milestone before students earn their degrees and begin carrying their talents into their communities, workplaces, and the world.

From community awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to branding, packaging, and visual storytelling, each project reflects the creativity, innovation, and determination of the next generation of Palestinian designers.

What makes these achievements even more meaningful is that many of these students were able to pursue their education because of supporters like you. Scholarships and donor support help make it possible for students to access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

As these graduates prepare to cross the stage, they are taking with them more than a diploma. They are carrying the skills, confidence, and vision to help shape the future of Palestine.

You can help the next student reach this moment. Learn more about supporting scholarships at BrightStarsBethlehem.org.

As we continue our Beyond Bethlehem series, we are celebrating graduates whose journeys show where hope goes next by hig...
06/05/2026

As we continue our Beyond Bethlehem series, we are celebrating graduates whose journeys show where hope goes next by highlighting Hiba Nasser Atrash, whose story has come full circle in an inspiring way.

Hiba first arrived at Dar al-Kalima University as a student, pursuing her passion for storytelling through the Documentary Film Production Program. She also earned a bachelor's degree in English Language, combining creativity, communication, and a deep commitment to learning.

After completing her studies, Hiba chose to invest her talents back into the very institution that helped shape her future. For the past twenty years, she has served in the office of Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University, becoming a steady presence behind the scenes and an important part of the university's continued growth and success.

Through changing seasons, challenges, and milestones, Hiba has remained dedicated to a mission that opens doors for Palestinian students through education. Her quiet leadership, faithful service, and unwavering commitment have helped support countless students as they begin journeys of their own.

Hiba's story is a powerful reminder that education creates more than graduates. It creates leaders, mentors, advocates, and community builders. It creates people who carry hope forward and help make new opportunities possible for the next generation.

We celebrate Hiba and all those whose lives reflect the ripple effect of education. From student to staff member, from learner to leader, her journey is a testament to the lasting impact of investing in people and the hope they carry into the future.

Every student who graduates from Dar al-Kalima University carries a story of possibility, perseverance, and hope. By supporting Bright Stars of Bethlehem, you help create opportunities for more students to learn, create, lead, and transform their communities.

Learn more and make a gift today at: brightstarsbethlehem.org

Hope is what we do.

As many of you have seen, the recent detention of Natalie has weighed heavily on our hearts. While we continue to hold N...
06/05/2026

As many of you have seen, the recent detention of Natalie has weighed heavily on our hearts. While we continue to hold Natalie and her family in our thoughts and prayers, we wanted to share a story that reminds us why hope remains at the center of our work.

Munir Mtor, a graduate of Dar al-Kalima University, was just 19 years old when he was detained by Israeli forces and held for seven years without trial. During those years, he turned to art and writing as a way to endure, drawing on scraps of paper from sugar and rice sacks while recording his thoughts, memories, and reflections through poetry and storytelling.

After his release, Munir faced the difficult task of rebuilding his life. He found a path forward through education at Dar al-Kalima University, where he studied Contemporary Arts and developed his voice as an artist, writer, and community leader.

Munir's story is also one of giving back. As a student, he developed Comikan, an arts program that helps children in the isolated village of Jubb al-Dhib express their fears, dreams, and experiences through drawing and storytelling. Working alongside fellow Dar al-Kalima students, he brought creative opportunities to children living under challenging conditions and helped them discover the power of their own voices.

Today, Munir is a celebrated artist whose work explores memory, identity, time, and place. Drawing inspiration from Palestinian villages, landscapes, and cultural symbols, his artwork preserves stories that might otherwise be forgotten. He is also the author of The Wind Dances My Wound and later dedicated his master's research to examining the artwork created by Palestinian political prisoners, using his own experience to better understand how creativity can preserve dignity, identity, and hope even in the most difficult circumstances.

His journey reminds us that education does more than prepare students for careers. It creates opportunities for healing, growth, leadership, and service to others.

As we continue to pray for Natalie, we remain steadfast in our belief that hope, brighter futures, and opportunities can emerge even from the most difficult circumstances. Through education, creativity, and community, lives can be transformed, voices can be amplified, and hope can endure.

Hope is what we do at BrightStarsBethlehem.org.

Breaking News: Palestinian Student Athlete Detained During Dormitory RaidBright Stars of Bethlehem is deeply concerned t...
06/03/2026

Breaking News: Palestinian Student Athlete Detained During Dormitory Raid

Bright Stars of Bethlehem is deeply concerned that Natalie Abu Dayyeh, a member of the Palestinian Women's National Football Team and a standout player for the Diyar Women's Soccer Team, was detained by Israeli Occupation Forces following a raid on a student dormitory near Birzeit University. Natalie and three fellow students were reportedly taken from their university residence during the overnight operation.

Natalie's story is one of determination, talent, and hope. Having joined the Diyar Women's Soccer Team at just six years old, she grew into one of Palestine's leading women's soccer players while simultaneously pursuing a degree in Journalism and Media at Birzeit University. Her journey reflects the aspirations of countless Palestinian students who work tirelessly to build their futures through education, leadership, and service to their communities.

What makes Natalie's story even more significant is the legacy of the Diyar Women Sports Unit, founded by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb through the Diyar Consortium in 2008. At a time when opportunities for girls and women in sports were limited, Diyar created a space where young women could participate in athletics, develop leadership skills, build confidence, and gain opportunities that extended far beyond the playing field. The Diyar Women Soccer Team went on to become one of Palestine's premier women's teams and won the inaugural Palestinian Women's Football League Championship in 2011. Today, many former players continue that legacy by mentoring and coaching the next generation of girls through the Diyar academy.

Natalie is a direct result of that vision. She represents what becomes possible when young women are given opportunities to learn, grow, lead, and dream.

As Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb writes: "The detention of Natalie and her fellow students from within their university residence highlights the Israeli violations against Palestinian students that affect their fundamental rights, including the right to education, personal security, and freedom of expression. It also reflects the growing challenges confronting Palestinian youth as they seek to continue their education and participate fully in academic and community life."

For many Americans, college life is associated with opportunity, independence, and personal growth. For many Palestinian students, including those at Dar al-Kalima University, pursuing an education often means navigating checkpoints, movement restrictions, uncertainty, and the daily realities of occupation. Yet despite these challenges, students continue to attend classes, create art, conduct research, develop businesses, compete in sports, and prepare for careers that strengthen their communities.

Natalie's detention is not simply the story of one athlete. It is a reminder of the obstacles facing an entire generation of Palestinian students who are striving to build a future through education, creativity, and leadership.

Today, we stand in solidarity with Natalie Abu Dayyeh, her fellow students, and all Palestinian young people whose pursuit of education and opportunity continues despite extraordinary barriers.

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