Stories From Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza

Pope Benedict XVI in the Holy Land

As the Holy Father visits the land where Jesus walked, CRS shares Pope Benedict's hopes for peace. »»

More Aid Set for Weary Gazans

After initial distributions of emergency aid for more than 5,000 Gazans, CRS is ready to call on youth groups to help with cleanup and repairs. »»

CRS Poised to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

CRS awaits opening of blockades to deliver aid to 1,500 families. »»

Peacebuilding: Healing the Wounds of War

By bringing sides together, CRS helps groups in conflict break the cycle of war and poverty. »»

Fair Trade Renews Palestinian Olive Industry

Fair Trade Olive Harvest Festival celebrates traditional industry while supporting farmers and artisans in Palestinian territories. »»

Building Cyber Bridges to Understanding

Teens from Chicago and the West Bank reach out to each other through Cyber Bridges. »»

When Disaster Strikes, CRS Is Ready

In the Middle East, CRS staff simulate emergencies to make sure they're ready for natural and man-made disasters. »»

'Dad, I Don't Want to Die': Counseling for Youth

As Gazan kids try to cope with the violence around them, psychologists talk about a CRS-funded counseling program for children. »»

A Future of Peace

With its values-based educational programs, CRS seeks to bring out the best in future Palestinian leaders. »»

Young People in the Holy Land

CRS helps Palestinian teens in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza look forward with hope. »»

Strangers in A Strange Land

Vivian Manneh is a regional program manager for CRS in the Middle East. She reflects on the realities that refugees across the world face. »»

No 'Staff of Life' to Lean On

Because it imports most of its food, the Middle East is especially vulnerable to changes in the food market. »»

CRS Food Experts Warn of Impending 'Cascade of Hunger'

A worldwide food crisis prompts leaders to seek solutions in the hopes of averting famine, discontent and violence. »»

'They Think We're Crazy': Holy Land Peacemakers

A Palestinian and an Israeli who lost loved ones to the conflict share the stories of their pain — and their friendship. »»

Building Understanding, One E-Mail at A Time

Palestinian and American youth build bridges of understanding through a CRS program that connects teenagers from different cultures. »»

Letter From Bethlehem

There are carols and church processions at Christmas in Bethlehem. But there is also great suffering as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues. »»

Fruits of the Holy Land

Traditional farming and crafts are bringing Palestinian and Israeli women together in Galilee. »»

Growing Up in Gaza: A Story of Perseverance and Hope

Born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Gaza, CRS' field manager Omar Shaban shares his inspiration for life in this embattled land. »»

Peace in the Holy Land: Investing in Youth Leaders

University students regroup for peace at a CRS youth leadership camp in Gaza. »»

West Bank Students March to Call for Palestinian Unity

Students, teachers and parents in the West Bank held a candlelight march, calling for Palestinian unity. »»

O Little Town of Bethlehem

After a trip to the Holy Land, Elizabeth Griffin reflects on the impact of the barrier wall that divides Bethlehem. »»

Learning to Grow

CRS provides women in the West Bank with the skills they need in order to reliably produce enough food for their families. »»

CRS Housing Project Gives New Hope to Herders

Looking at Abdoulla Issa Khdour' family, it's hard to imagine that they lived in a cave for more than a decade. »»

Deja Vu As Humanitarian Situaion in Gaza Unravels

G. Jefferson Price III reflects on how conditions in Gaza have not improved since he was there 23 years ago. Instead they have become worse. »»

Palestinian Infrastructure for Needed Employment

CRS is working in parts of Bethlehem and Hebron to restore educational facilities - just one victim of ongoing tensions in the region. »»

Food for Work/Food for Training

The Food for Work/Training project aims to maintain the dignity of needy Palestinian people by offering food in exchange for work and training. »»

Cyber Bridges: Quest for Peace

Instead of enjoying their childhood, many Palestinian youth, like Nicholas spend most of their time dreaming about living in a peaceful world. »»