The Exodus of Faith: War Pushes Christians Out of the Holy Land – Bethlehem

A chilling exodus is underway in Bethlehem, where the economic devastation caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is forcing many Christians to abandon their ancestral homeland. Pastor Fadi Al Zoughbi of the House of Bread Church has painted a grim picture of life in the birthplace of Christ, where faith is being tested like never before.

“Christians now make up less than one percent of the population here,” Pastor Fadi lamented, reflecting on the stark decline of the Christian community in the Holy Land. “We face so many challenges, yet we endeavor to live in peace, showing the love of God in the midst of this crisis.”

A City on the Brink

Bethlehem, once bustling with pilgrims and tourists, now lies eerily quiet. According to Pastor Fadi, 99 percent of the city’s hotels and souvenir shops have shuttered their doors since the October 7 attacks in 2023. With tourism—the city’s lifeline—cut off, families are grappling with hunger, unemployment, and an unrelenting struggle to survive.

“It has been very difficult since the war,” Fadi shared. “Many live in rented homes but can no longer afford to pay rent or put food on the table. As a church ministry, we pray and provide food baskets to those in need, especially during this harsh winter.”

The pastor’s words come as Israeli airstrikes continue to claim lives in Gaza, with at least 50 reported killed this week alone.

Hope in a Time of Despair

For Pastor Fadi and his family, staying in Bethlehem is not just a decision—it’s a divine calling. “God has called us to strengthen and encourage those who remain,” he said, his voice resolute yet tinged with sorrow. “We continue to pray for a miracle of peace and an end to this devastating conflict.”

Yet, the toll of war is unmistakable. Families are fleeing the Holy Land in droves, seeking refuge in Western countries where they hope to find stability and opportunity. For many, the dream of peace in Bethlehem has turned into a nightmare of despair.

The Impact on Children

Perhaps most haunting is the effect on the youngest members of the community. “Children have been exposed to the phobia of war,” Pastor Fadi explained. “They wake up to the sound of sirens and rockets. We try to teach them that God loves them and wants to protect them, but the fear is palpable.”

This week, Pastor Fadi and his family were jolted awake by sirens at 4 a.m., a reminder that their lives hang by a thread. “Our hope is in God,” he said, his faith unwavering despite the storm raging around him.

A Vanishing Presence

According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, Christians make up just 1.9 percent of the population, a figure that continues to dwindle. Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity, now faces the prospect of losing its Christian character entirely.

“We live in the shadow of war,” Pastor Fadi said. “Many have lost hope, security, and peace. But we pray for a miracle—for life to return to normal and for God’s love to shine brighter than the darkness surrounding us.”

As airstrikes light up the Gaza skies and the streets of Bethlehem fall silent, the exodus of Christians from the Holy Land sends a devastating message: the cradle of faith is becoming a cradle of despair. Only time will tell if peace can resurrect a community on the brink of extinction.

News Culled From: https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/christians-leave-bethlehem-as-economic-impact-of-war-decimates-livelihoods