One of the best ways to experience the work of Bright Stars is to travel to Palestine and the Holy Land. Millions of people visit the Holy Land each year, many for religious pilgrimages, but often these visitors explore ancient sites and historical monuments without experiencing deep engagement with the people whose land they are visiting. Rather than simply sending tourists to see these “dead stones” and sites of the Holy Land, we want to encourage authentic, life-changing travel.

Authentic travel provides an engaging, meaningful experience by moving beyond the typical tourist sites and events to a richer experience with the people and culture of a destination. It is participating in intercultural exchange and education and thinking about the people and culture of a land just as much as the history that brought them to the region. Authentic travel also helps support the Palestinian economy. Bright Stars of Bethlehem supports hospitality and tourism education as a means of supporting the employment of young Palestinians in what is a lucrative and growing market.

What does authentic travel look like?

• Meet upcoming artists, enjoy cuisine prepared by the loving hands of Palestinian chefs, and take in the warmth of Palestinian hospitality. 
• Have genuine encounters with the “living stones” of the Holy Land. This includes meeting and visiting with the Palestine’s next generation of creative leaders, the students of Dar al-Kalima University. 
• Participate in our “Books to Bethlehem” initiative. For more information, see below.
• Invest in programs that provide support and empowerment to the entire Palestinian society.  
• Receive ongoing updates about the life of the community of which you have become a part. 
• Each year, many individuals and churches connected to Bright Stars of Bethlehem organize trips to Palestine. We can help you find a trip that works for you!