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 gained supporters around the US. Rev. 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.
About Us
Rooted in Faith, Serving All
Bright Stars of Bethlehem began with Christian roots. Today, many of the Palestinian people served by programs and services we sponsor - indeed much of the population of Palestine - is Muslim. We continue to maintain a foundation of faith in Christianity as we work to educate and inspire Palestine’s next generation of leaders. We believe helping others, regardless of their religion or worldview, is in the true spirit of Christianity, as Jesus’s own work crossed boundaries of race and beliefs.
Our Brief History
In 1995, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb launched educational, arts, and healthcare programs at the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church, his congregation in Bethlehem, Palestine. Rev. Raheb also began meeting with pilgrimage tours in the name of cultural and spiritual exchange and leading pilgrims to places in the West Bank usually avoided by organized tours. The growth of these programs caught the attention of several supporters in the U.S., including Rich Bimler and Gregg Smith from Wheat Ridge Ministries (now called We Raise). Rich, Gregg, and Rev. Raheb worked together to create an independent U.S.-based nonprofit organization, and in 2004 Bright Stars of Bethlehem was born.
By 2006, Dar al-Kalima University (DAK) was established. DAK was the first institution of higher education in Palestine solely dedicated to the arts. Its first class of 22 students graduated in 2007, and now there are more than 500 students enrolled. Bright Stars accomplishes its mission through scholarships and the construction of new facilities to help Dar al-Kalima meet the ongoing need for education and employment training in Palestine. Additionally, Bright Stars supports the Diyar Academy of Youth and the Ajyal Senior Center. Together, we empower college students, children and youth, young families, and seniors.
