HCEF Proudly Announces the Founding of the Bethlehem Museum’s Patrons of the Treasures of Palestine

The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) launched its first event for the Bethlehem Museum’s Patrons of the Treasures of Palestine.  The event, a dinner and presentation on the Bethlehem Museum, was sponsored by May Nawas and Myr Tamari, and graciously hosted by Ludwig and Myr Tamari in their beautiful home which features an array of Palestinian artifacts, appropriately reflecting the Museum’s mission to preserve the heritage of Palestine.

Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS President/CEO of HCEF and his wife Lady Rocio Rabie (furthest right) pose with event hostesses, May Nawas and Myr Tamari (center left and center right respectively), and guest curator Hanan Munayyer and her husband, Farah Munayyer, co-founders of the Palestine Heritage Foundation.

The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) launched its first event for the Bethlehem Museum’s Patrons of the Treasures of Palestine.  The event, a dinner and presentation on the Bethlehem Museum, was sponsored by May Nawas and Myr Tamari, and graciously hosted by Ludwig and Myr Tamari in their beautiful home which features an array of Palestinian artifacts, appropriately reflecting the Museum’s mission to preserve the heritage of Palestine.

The event was attended by distinguished Palestinian families and HCEF supporters, including Farah and Hanan Munayyer, co-founders of the Palestine Heritage Foundation (Hanan Munayyer is also the guest curator of the Bethlehem Museum), who have generously provided a portion of their rare collection of Palestinian embroideries to the Museum; Fr. Drew Christiansen, S.J., HCEF Co-Founder and Board Member and Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Global Human Development at Georgetown University; Hugh Dempsey, KM Ob, KCHS, Consultant, Bethlehem Museum.  The attendants had the pleasure of watching a recently produced video highlighting the Bethlehem Museum as a destination for pilgrims, tourists and locals alike in the Holy Land.

The Bethlehem Museum, which officially opened at the beginning of this year, was established by HCEF and the Arab Women’s Union (AWU) to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the role Palestinian Christians play in preserving Palestine’s heritage, identity, and culture.  An essential factor in ensuring the success of this mission is establishing a strong community of committed patrons who understand the vital importance of preserving Palestine’s heritage.

Distinguished guests listen attentively to the presentation given by Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS and museum consultant Hugh Dempsey, KM Ob, KCHS.

Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS, President/CEO of HCEF, was inspired by the evening’s event, which initiated the Patrons of the Treasures of Palestine.  “I was deeply encouraged and moved to see members of the Palestinian community and those who sympathize with our cause step up to claim their place as founding patrons of the Bethlehem Museum, generously supporting this project and offering up their prayers for its continued growth.  We hope to see many more individuals and families join as patrons and become ambassadors of the Bethlehem Museum.”

(From left to right) Mr. Ludwig Tamari, founding Patron; Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS; and Mr. Naim Nawas, founding Patron, smile proudly after a successful evening.

Patrons directly support the Bethlehem Museum’s mission through financial contributions and by being Museum Ambassadors in their respective communities. Patrons educate others about the importance of preserving the heritage of Palestine. Through their patronage of the museum, patrons also provide Palestinians employment as well as support to local charities and budding artists. They become a part of the history of Bethlehem and fulfill a duty to stop the appropriation of Palestinian culture and history. In short, Patrons are protectors of the treasures of Palestine.

 HCEF is proud to announce the Bethlehem Museum’s Founding Patrons of the Treasures of Palestine:

Ludwig and Myr Tamari

Naim and May Aburdeneh Nawas

Dr. Ramsey and Natali Dass

Farah and Hanan Munayyer

Norma Murad Lesher

Ayham and Aida Aburdeneh Khleif

Dr. Shibly Tellahami

Dr. Hugh Dempsey

You can join the honorable individuals listed above, and become a patron of the Bethlehem Museum today, supporting its mission to preserve and express the ancient and rare treasures of Palestine. The Museum depends on people like you who understand the invaluable importance of preserving the rich culture and heritage of Palestine.

Become a Bethlehem Museum Patron TODAY!