What It’s Like to Be a Christian in the Holy Land?

In the land where Jesus was born, walked, taught, died, and rose again, a quiet crisis is unfolding. The Christian population in the Holy Land—once the heart of our faith—is shrinking, burdened by economic hardship, political pressures, and an uncertain future.

Christians, now less than 2% of the population, have carried the Gospel witness through centuries of turmoil. Their communities represent the oldest living Christian traditions in the world. And yet, many today are being driven out of the very land where Christianity began.

This article explores their rich legacy, the obstacles they face, and how Trinity Tour Travels is working to protect and support this deeply rooted but increasingly fragile community.

A 2,000-Year-Old Community
Cities like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nazareth are more than just cities mentioned in scripture—they’re home to active, faith-filled Christian communities. Despite invasions, empires, and modern political upheaval, the faithful have kept their churches alive, celebrated the sacraments, and preserved centuries-old traditions.

The Daily Struggles They Face

Economic Vulnerability
The Christians live in areas with extremely limited job opportunities. Many families rely on tourism-related trades—hospitality, guiding pilgrimages, and traditional crafts like olive wood carving. But when travel is disrupted due to conflict, blockades, or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, their livelihoods vanish overnight.

The result is widespread poverty, with many struggling to afford basic needs. Tourism, a lifeline for these families, is as fragile as the region’s political climate.

Population Decline
In 1948, Christians made up around 18% of the population in historic Palestine. Today, that number has fallen below 2%. The reasons are complex but clear: limited opportunities, movement restrictions, and a desire for security and freedom drive young Christians abroad.

Bethlehem, once a Christian-majority city, now has a Muslim majority—and more Christians from Bethlehem live overseas than at home. In Gaza, fewer than 1,000 Christians remain.

Life as a 'Double Minority'
Christians are a minority within a minority: as Palestinians under Israeli occupation, they face things like travel restrictions. As Christians within a predominantly Muslim society, they often lack political representation and are squeezed out of public discourse. 

Yet amidst these trials, the bells still ring. The candles are still lit. The Gospel is still proclaimed in the land where it all began. 

A Legacy Worth Preserving

Despite all these challenges, the Christian communities in the Holy Land remain strong in spirit. Churches are full during feast days. Monks still chant in ancient monasteries. Families still gather to carve olive wood into crosses and Nativity scenes—each one telling the story of faith, resilience, and hope.

Olive wood carvings can support entire families, keep cultural traditions alive, and serve as reminders that Christianity is still alive in its birthplace.

How Trinity Tour Travels Makes a Difference

Trinity Tour Travels was founded by Eddie and Danielle Abufarha with a mission deeply rooted in faith and family. With their heritage in Bethlehem, they understand firsthand the struggles facing Christians in the region. That’s why every pilgrimage they organize does more than just visit holy sites—it actively supports the families living there.

Here’s how Trinity Tour Travels uplifts Christian communities in the Holy Land:
- Supporting local Christian-owned businesses – including hotels, restaurants, drivers, and guides when planning pilgrimages. 
- Buying directly from Christian artisans – especially olive wood craftsmen who depend on pilgrim purchases  
- Donating a portion of proceeds – to help families facing unemployment, displacement, or crisis  
- Fostering relationships – by encouraging pilgrims to hear directly from the people who call the Holy Land home  

Through these efforts, Trinity Tour Travels creates a direct economic bridge between American pilgrims and Christian families who rely on this support for survival. When pilgrims travel with Trinity, they’re not just tourists—they’re part of a mission.

And that mission is expanding. In the coming weeks, Trinity will be announcing a new initiative to deepen its commitment to the people of Bethlehem and beyond. Stay tuned.

What You Can Do

If you’ve ever felt moved to help preserve Christianity in its birthplace, here’s how you can act:
- Travel with purpose – Join a Trinity pilgrimage that supports Christian families and tells their story  
- Shop with meaning – Purchase olive wood items handcrafted by Bethlehem artisans through Holy Land Shops  
- Spread awareness – Share this article, bring it to your parish, or host a conversation about Christians in the Holy Land  

The Christian community in the Holy Land is more than a remnant. It’s a living, breathing connection to our faith’s origins. But without global support, it risks fading away.

At Trinity Tour Travels, we believe that preserving this legacy isn’t just possible—it’s essential. With every pilgrimage, every purchase, and every prayer, we help keep Christianity alive in the land of its birth.

Visit www.trinitytourtravels.com/blog for more stories and updates, and join us in standing with the Christians of the Holy Land.

Together, we can ensure that the light of Christ continues to shine where it all began.

Author:
Jack Miller
Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]