In the midst of the chaos and terror of the explosions in the Holy Land in the escalation of war between Israel and Iran in recent days, we received from there the testimony of members of the TA and Bethlehem University where they are present.
Screenshots of attacks in Israeli cities. Images broadcast by the Qatari TV channel Al Jazeera.
“Yesterday (June 14) was terrifying. Missiles lit the skies over Bethlehem and much of the Holy Land, accompanied by sirens and explosions. With no bomb shelters here, we rely on our homes, our faith, and a shared hope that peace is still possible”. Writes Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Advancement of Bethlehem University in a Newsletter sent to donors, benefactors and friends.
He adds that “the sacred mission” of Bethlehen University, is to build peace and hope through dialogue and justice. “Despite war, economic hardship, and growing isolation, our students continue to learn, serve, and prepare to lead lives rooted in dignity and peace.”
In the mist of danger
This mission is precisely what the TA members in Holy Land highlight, mainly now with the violent situation. “These days we are in the midst of instability, as missiles are fired at the country. The experience of ‘being in the hands of God’ is truly an ‘existential reality’... it's not a metaphor or an abstract concept. In the midst of danger, we feel secure and protected. We are also strengthened by the prayers of family, friends and all the TA.”
“Because of the unstable situation, –they continue– graduation at Bethlehem U. is not going to happen, sad to say... However, to our great and pleasant surprise, Mai Maliha, the scholar supported by the Saint Pedro Poveda Endowed Scholarship through her 4-year study, has sent us a note of gratitude”. We copy it here:
TO MY DEAR MEMBERS OF THE TERESIAN ASSOCIATION
I wanted to share this special moment with you: I’ve officially graduated with a degree in Software Engineering at Bethlehem University!
My final semester ended with honors, and my cumulative GPA is 2.98 — so close to 3.
I thank you most sincerely — not only for standing beside me and supporting me, but also for believing in my potential enough to assist me with a scholarship. That act of generosity changed everything for me. It wasn’t just financial help — it was hope. It was someone saying, “You can do this,” and meaning it.
Through the tough semesters, the health challenges, the weight of uncertainty — your kindness and faith - through the members here in Bethlehem - gave me the strength to keep going. I want you to know that your love, your care, and your belief in me will always live in my heart.
I carry them with me as I step into what comes next. Thank you for helping me build this future. I will never forget what you’ve done for me — not ever. Thank you, Saint Pedro Poveda!
Mai Maliha (in the photo)
We share here the prayer to Mary, Queen of Palestine, sent from Bethlehem University praying for peace. It is time to say, in faith, that missiles will not have the final word.
TA in Holy Land - TA Info.
Published in News