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March 5, 2026

The dreams of Bethlehem’s children include becoming a singer, a doctor, an engineer or a businesswoman. They want to travel, play soccer and go swimming. They want to grow up, get married, have children and live in safety. With these dreams, they also have fears. Among them include the fear of Israeli prisons, the occupation, and worry their families will be killed and they could become orphaned.

These dreams and fears are expressed in the Life Illuminated traveling art exhibit, “Children of Bethlehem.” Created by the Rev. Katie Archibald-Woodward and Rami Khader, in partnership with Dar Al-Kalima School and Creative Visions Foundation, this exhibit features 14 children’s self portraits and recorded statements.  

Orchard Ridge UCC in Madison and Mennonite Action hosted the display throughout January 2026. At an open house on Jan 25, the wider community was invited, providing opportunity for advocacy, fundraising and hearing from Palestinian support groups. 

The exhibition is still available to travel. Contact Nancy Baumgardner for scheduling.

In our December 2025 newsletter, we announced that the PJWG is providing an opportunity for churches and members to learn more about the lived reality of both Palestinians and Israelis through Listening from the Heart workshops. These 90-minute trainings also aim to help participants be better listeners. Workshops are offered virtually and in-person. Our first workshop was held via Zoom on February 12. We were excited to see so many people register. It's such an inspiring experience to hear the stories of these courageous people who have paid the highest price in losing a loved one -- and choose peace. This is an interactive workshop. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, these workshops are not recorded

Participants who joined us in February shared these testimonies: “The difficult choices made by bereaved Palestinian and Israeli parents highlight the path of healing following deep loss. The videos invite us to share this path, as described by parents who found their way to reconciliation.” - Rev. Diane Dulin

“It was encouraging to see people that were perceived as enemies being able to open their hearts and minds to each other after sharing their common experiences. This exchange revives my trust in humanity and my hope for peace and understanding not only in Palestine but throughout the world.” - Dale Bakke

We hope you will consider joining one of our next sessions this Spring. Sign up today!

• To sign up for the March 19, 6:30-8 pm ZOOM workshop featuring speakers Elana and Bassam, click here. 
• To sign up for the April 20, 6:30-8 pm ZOOM workshop featuring speakers Robi and Layla, click here. 

Planning to attend the Conference Annual Meeting on April 11? Please be sure to attend our “Listening from the Heart” workshop to learn more! Find out more about Annual meeting here.

The town of Beit Sahour is the site of the Shepherds’ Field, where an angel announced to the local shepherds the birth of Jesus Christ. This historically significant town and its predominantly Christian and Muslim residents are now under threat from a new illegal settlement (previously called “Shdema”, now renamed to “Yatziv”) that Israel is constructing within the city limits of Beit Sahour. Not only do the residents of Beit Sahour face forced displacement from the encroaching settlement, but they also face danger from violent Israeli criminal gangs which accompany the growth of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Palestine Justice Working Group (PJWG) requests that you sign this on-line petition from Global Ministries calling on the Trump Administration to demand that Israel curtail the construction of Yatziv and all illegal

settlements.

Al-Ahil Gaza Hospital is one of five organizations PJWG vetted as having a solid track record of humanitarian service for Palestinians and worthy of your donations. We believe these organizations are run very well and ones to which you can donate with confidence, knowing your contributions will provide immediate relief to suffering Palestinian men, women, and children. Learn more here.

Please see this truly inspirational message from American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, letting supporters know that Al Ahli Gaza Hospital is still standing and still serving! Given all that has happened in the past two-plus years, this is nothing short of miraculous.

The United Church of Christ Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (UCCMPS) is organizing a UCC Delegation to Palestine in August 2026 and they are hoping that you'll consider joining them.

The intention is to travel with at least 15, and as many as 30 leaders, and to meet Palestinian Christians face to face, hear their first-hand testimonies and wrestle with the implications of their call for solidarity, resistance and friendship in a moment of excruciating violence and immense need. Their 9-day stay will include visits with Palestinian clergy and theologians, Kairos Palestine organizers, West Bank human rights defenders and more.

Are you interested in taking this trip? Learn more here.

Cookies and Crafts at Memorial UCC raised $7000 for Dar al-Kalima University Scholarship. The event started in 2005 with the goal of raising funds to support the innovative education work started by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. Memorial UCC in Fitchburg has continued this effort every year since.

Members of the church bake well over 150 dozen cookies and make crafts for a sale in December. Cookies sell by the pound and shoppers don gloves and roam the trays to fill their own boxes. The event has become a popular sale, bringing in eager people from all over the community. The event is fun and festive. It keeps Memorial hearts close to the hearts of those in Bethlehem and puts a spotlight on Dar al-Kalima University for the community. Contact Nancy Baumgardner to talk about planning your event, or attending theirs, for the holidays or any time of the year! Learn more about Dar al-Kalima University here.

Three Palestinian films have been shortlisted for 2026 Oscars on March 15, 2026. International feature film story telling through film is a powerful medium. It can preserve cultural identity and reflect social reality. The following films project the Palestinian experience and have been recognized this year:

1. PALESTINE 36 is about the Arab revolt from 1936 to present day. At this point, the film is only for purchase on some streaming services. Dar al-Kalima Film Studies students worked on this film.
2. ALL THAT’S LEFT OF YOU is a Jordanian submission. It also has Dar al-Kalima Film Studies graduates in its credits. This is a Palestinian family’s intergenerational saga. It is not yet available for streaming.
3. THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB is a Tunisian submission. It tells of the last harrowing hours of 6-year-old Hind in a car that is under attack. This film is also not yet available for streaming.

The 2026 Joint Christian Advocacy Summit is being planned for May 5-7 in Washington, DC. Recognizing the fierce urgency of the situation in Palestine/Israel, 20 plus denominations and other Christian organizations, are co-sponsoring this call to action. Learn more at https://jointsummit2026.com/

The Summit seeks to bring 500 advocates to Congress to press for U.S. policies grounded in justice, accountability, and peace. During these two days, participants will be equipped, encouraged, and mobilized before heading to Capitol Hill to meet directly with members of Congress and their staff.

Palestinian and American community organizer and Lutheran pastor, Rev. Khader El-Yateem, will be one of the keynote speakers at the summit. You won’t want to miss this! 

Please consider participating in this historic moment of faithful witness and collective advocacy. If you have questions, feel free to contact Beth Moore of the Wisconsin Conference UCC’s Palestine Justice Working Group.