Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land

Home
United States
Washington D.C., DC
Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

The Foundation was created to safeguard the basic human rights of the Christian in the Holy Land

Today, there are approximately 150,000 Christians living in the Holy Land. Due to severe political and economic hardships, an estimated 500 Christian families leave the Holy Land each year. This steady emigration suggests that one day the Christian community and the Christian church may cease to exist in this part of the world. As the Christian population struggles to survive in a volatile political environment of ethnic distrust, FFHL uses every available resource to help the poor and unemployed meet their human needs. Church leaders predict that if the current exodus continues, Christianity could easily cease to exist in the Holy Land within 60 years. One of the solutions to this problem is providing higher education and opportunities for economic advancement. We believe that our University Scholarship Program is the cornerstone of the solution.

10/27/2026

When people think about Christianity in the Holy Land, they often picture the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the streets of Bethlehem or the churches of Nazareth. But Christianity there isn’t only found in sacred places.

It is lived every day by Christian families who still call the Holy Land home.

They are often called the Living Stones — the people carrying forward a Christian presence that has endured for generations.

FFHL exists to help that presence continue. 🖤

10/21/2026

Eight hundred years ago, St. Francis of Assisi died in a small chapel in Italy.

By then, his life had already changed the Church. He had given up wealth for a life of poverty. He cared for people others avoided. He preached the Gospel and called people back to Christ.

But there is another part of his story that many Catholics may not know.

St. Francis went to the Holy Land. Read our full blog post below. 🩵

https://ffhl.org/st-francis-and-the-holy-land-800-years-later/

10/16/2026

This fall, another group of Christian students began preparing for university with the same hopes shared by students around the world.

That need inspired the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land’s 800 Scholarships for 800 Years campaign, launched in celebration of the 800th Jubilee of St. Francis.

The campaign reflects a simple belief: when Christian students have access to higher education, they are better equipped to build their lives in the Holy Land. As they establish careers and raise families, they help strengthen the Christian communities that have preserved the faith for generations.

Learn how you can sponsor a student living in the Holy Land below. 🤍

10/15/2026

“Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you.”

St. Teresa of Ávila wrote those words centuries ago, yet they can feel remarkably current. Her prayer continues: God does not change. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing.

On her feast day, take those words with you..

10/13/2026

Get updates from FFHL straight to your inbox when you sign up for our e-newsletter!

10/12/2026

Cradling Christianity celebrated 20 years of support for Christians in the Holy Land on Sept. 17 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Ohio.

Bishop A. Elias Zaidan celebrated a Maronite Mass before the anniversary benefit dinner, where Fr. John spoke about Christian students working to build their futures in the Holy Land.

Over its 20-year history, Cradling Christianity has helped fund scholarships for more than 74 Christian students.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this mission. 🙏🏻

10/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Dallas for FFHL's biennial scholarship fundraising dinner on Sept. 12.

The evening brought supporters together around an important part of our mission: helping Christian students in the Holy Land pursue higher education and prepare for meaningful careers at home.

We are grateful to our chairs, honored guests and everyone who supported the evening.

10/08/2026

FFHL mourns the passing of of the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, bishop emeritus of the Dicoese of Venice, Florida, and longtime member of FFHL’s Board of Trustees.

We are grateful for Bishop Dewane’s faithful service, leadership and dedication to preserving the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who mourn his passing. Please join us in praying fo the repose of his soul.

May Bishop Dewane and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 🙏🏻

10/08/2026

Meet Lucianna Abed Rabbo, a student from Bethlehem. Thanks to the generosity of her sponsor, Mrs. Leila Giries of CA, Lucianna is able to pursue a higher education degree in engineering at Bethlehem University University. Learn how to help Christian students like Lucianna.

10/07/2026

You don't have to have the perfect words.

Sometimes you just need to begin with the first bead. On the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, set aside a few quiet minutes and pray. Bring God what is on your heart and allow Mary to lead you closer to her Son.

When was the last time you prayed the Rosary?

Address

P. O. Box 29086
Washington D.C., DC
20017

Telephone

+18555003345

Website

http://www.ffhl.org/donate-now

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.