 Christians in the Holy Land Need Your Help Mount of Olives Housing Project (MOHP) In 1946 there were 31,400 Christians living in Jerusalem along with 99,000 Jews and 34,000 Muslims. Today there are over 440,000 Jews, 200,000 Muslims, but less than 10,000 Christians. While the Jewish and Muslim populations have grown significantly, it appears that in the coming decades there could be virtually no Palestinian Christians living in Jerusalem. The shortage of affordable housing in Jerusalem is a key factor contributing to the departure of many Christians. An empowered Christian minority will play an important role in building a modern and democratic Palestinian society and state. Palestinian Christians and their churches, schools, and health services often play peace-keeping roles between the Israelis and Palestinians. Enabling Christians to continue to live in Jerusalem is crucial to strengthening Jerusalem as a city of peace shared by Jews, Christians, and Muslims and to promoting peace and reconciliation among Jews, Christians, and Muslims around the world. |
These housing units will be leased to Christian couples and families at subsidized rates, providing an affordable housing solution within Jerusalem.
This solution will enable many Palestinian Jerusalemites to maintain their Jerusalem residency that holds with it many rights, including the right to work and live in Jerusalem and to move freely within its boundaries. Jerusalemites also receive health care and pensions that are critical to maintaining family life. But without adequate housing, these families are being forced to leave the city of their heritage and to relinquish their rights.
The housing project will be located near Augusta Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives property of the Lutheran World Federation.
Together we can build an apartment complex that will help to alleviate
the critical shortage of housing and to strengthen the dwindling
Christian presence in Jerusalem.
When completed, this project will not only offer hope to many Christian Palestinian families, but will also be a visible reminder to every Jerusalemite that there is hope for a lasting peace.
How you can help. . .
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"The housing project on the Mount of
Olives is vital to the future of the Christian presence and
witness in Jerusalem and it is important, therefore, to the
future of Jerusalem as a city of peace for Jews, Christians,
and Muslims and as an example of reconciliation for the
world." |