Bethlehem Besieged

By Mitri Raheb

Book Overview

The pastor of Christmas Church, a Palestinian Lutheran congregation, Mitri Raheb here presents a powerful collection of compelling personal stories of desperation and hope in the midst of lethal conflict, bringing the Palestinian/Israeli conflict up close and personal. Raheb's lifelong commitment to his people has kept him in the legendary birthplace of Christianity, even as Bethlehem has become a flashpoint in the world's most volatile and hate-filled conflict. His passionate personal testimony lifts up the stray gesture toward friendship, the brave attempts to rebuild life and livelihood in a destroyed land, and the unquenchable desire for justice and peace.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800636538
• ISBN13: 9780800636531
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishing
• Length: 170 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.6" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

The Insiders' View

A powerful telling of what seems to be the common experience of prople I meet when in Bethlehem. Not a "fun read," but an important read.

Get the real story

This is a must-read for those who want to understand the plight of Palestinian Christians in Palestine/West Bank.

What it's like to live under an oppressive occupation

If you want a clear headed description of what it's like to live under occupation, read this book. Then you will be able decide whether it's "propaganda", or some of these phony "reviews" are. Nowhere in this book, or in any other venue, does Rev Raheb defend violence by anyone. In order to enforce its occupation, Israel must use force - violence. This book is a rendering of what that violence is like to experience on the receiving end. If you're interested in understanding that better, read this book. You won't be disappointed. You'll be enlightened.

A clearly worded account of human hardships

Written by Palastinian Arab and Christian pastor Mitri Raheb, Bethlehem Besieged: Stories Of Hope In Times Of Trouble is a powerful, human, and soul-searching account of the devastating toll that years of Israeli occupation have wrought upon Palestinian citizens in the city of Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus Christ. A clearly worded account of human hardships and daily struggles to claim basic rights of decency, Bethlehem Besieged is a powerful true account of day-to-day life in which such simple tasks as driving from one place to another become inordinately difficult, even perilous. A highly recommended work that reflects the author's enduring faith even in a seemingly endless, hopeless situation of strife and pressure.

A voice for peace and hope!

This is a great book and I would highly recommend it! We need to hear the truth and hope of Mitri Raheb's experiences and heart. This is a must read for anyone who truly desires to understand a lesser told part of the reality of the Middle East. To be honest--with our feet on the ground, yet hopeful-- with our eyes toward God is a needed combination. Seeking love, peace, and justice for all!