Mitri Raheb () is a
Palestinian Christian
Palestinians () are an Arab ethnonational group native to the Levantine region of Palestine.
*: "Palestine was part of the first wave of conquest following Muhammad's death in 632 CE; Jerusalem fell to the Caliph Umar in 638. The indigenous p ...
, the pastor of the
Evangelical
Evangelicalism (), also called evangelical Christianity or evangelical Protestantism, is a worldwide, interdenominational movement within Protestantism, Protestant Christianity that emphasizes evangelism, or the preaching and spreading of th ...
Lutheran
Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestantism that emerged under the work of Martin Luther, the 16th-century German friar and Protestant Reformers, reformer whose efforts to reform the theology and practices of the Catholic Church launched ...
Christmas Church in
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, Palestine, located about south of Jerusalem, and the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate. It had a population of people, as of . The city's economy is strongly linked to Tourism in the State of Palesti ...
(a member church of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) is a Lutheranism, Lutheran Christian denomination, denomination that has congregations in Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. First recognized as an autonomous religious commu ...
, or ELCJHL), and the founder and president of the Diyar Consortium, a group of
Lutheran
Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestantism that emerged under the work of Martin Luther, the 16th-century German friar and Protestant Reformers, reformer whose efforts to reform the theology and practices of the Catholic Church launched ...
-based, ecumenically-oriented institutions serving the
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, Palestine, located about south of Jerusalem, and the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate. It had a population of people, as of . The city's economy is strongly linked to Tourism in the State of Palesti ...
area.
Background

Mitri Raheb was born in
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, Palestine, located about south of Jerusalem, and the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate. It had a population of people, as of . The city's economy is strongly linked to Tourism in the State of Palesti ...
, in 1962. He pursued his higher education in Germany, first at
Hermannsburg Mission Seminary (1980–1984) and then at
Philipps University in
Marburg, Germany (1984–1988), where he completed his graduate studies including a doctorate in
theology
Theology is the study of religious belief from a Religion, religious perspective, with a focus on the nature of divinity. It is taught as an Discipline (academia), academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. It occupies itse ...
. He returned to Bethlehem in 1988 to serve as the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church (Christmas Lutheran Church), and serving as the managing editor of the ''Al-Liqa’ Journal'' for religious and heritage studies in the Holy Land (1992–1996).
Since 1992, Raheb has founded and led a number of projects and institutions serving the social needs of Palestinians living in the Bethlehem area, focusing specifically on women, children, youth, and the elderly.
He is one of the co-authors of
Kairos Palestine document together with Patriarch
Michel Sabah, Rev.
Naim Ateek
Naim Stifan Ateek () (born in the Palestinian village of Beisan in 1937) is a Palestinian priest in the Anglican Communion and founder of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. He has been an active leader in the shaping ...
,
Rifat Kassis and others. Israeli diplomats have criticized Raheb's work on the document, claiming that it is "an extremist and racist document which does not contribute to reconciliation and peace between the Palestinians and Israelis."
Raheb has been critical of Western ''support'' for Christians of the region and their lack of support against the Israeli occupation: "There is talk as if the West is genuinely interested in Christians, but most of the time they only use them for their own political ends."
In 2010, at the "Christ at the Checkpoint" conference in Bethlehem, Raheb stated that "Israel represents Rome of the Bible, not the people of the land. ... I'm sure if we do a DNA test between David, who was a Bethlemite, and Jesus, born in Bethlehem, and Mitri, born just across the street from where Jesus was born, I'm sure the DNA will show that there is a trace. While, if you put King David, Jesus and Netanyahu, you will get nothing, because Netanyahu comes from an East European tribe who converted to Judaism in the Middle Ages." Tricia Miller denounced this as a "racial theory to support his belief that Jews are not the true people of the Land of Israel," adding that "the idea that Jews of European descent are not really Jewish is an old anti-Semitic fabrication used to delegitimize the connection between modern Jews, their Israelite ancestors, and their historic ties to the Land of Israel."
He currently lives in
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, Palestine, located about south of Jerusalem, and the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate. It had a population of people, as of . The city's economy is strongly linked to Tourism in the State of Palesti ...
with his wife and two daughters.
The Diyar Consortium
The Diyar Consortium is an umbrella organization that is responsible for the administration of its component institutions: the ICB, the Dar Al-Kalima Health & Wellness Center, and the Dar Al-Kalima College. "Diyar" () is the plural of "dar" (), meaning "house" or "homeland" in Arabic. It is headed by its president, Raheb, who is responsible for the overall vision of the consortium and securing funds for continuous growth. The consortium is governed by a Board of Directors, whose members come from diverse religious and vocational backgrounds, and administered by an executive committee and three program committees (for health, culture, and education).
[
]
The International Center of Bethlehem (Dar Annadwa Addawliyya)
The International Center of Bethlehem, or Dar Annadwa Addawliyya (), meaning "The House of Worldwide Encounter") is located in Madbasseh Square, in central Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, Palestine, located about south of Jerusalem, and the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate. It had a population of people, as of . The city's economy is strongly linked to Tourism in the State of Palesti ...
, about half a mile (.8 km) from Manger Square
Manger Square (; ) is a city square in the center of Bethlehem in Palestine. It takes its name from the manger where Jesus is said to have been born which, according to Christian tradition, took place at the Grotto of the Nativity, enshrined sin ...
.
A number of initiatives operate under the aegis of the ICB. These include:
* The Ad-Dar Cultural and Conference Center
* The Al-Kahf Gallery and Arts & Crafts Center (independently, and in cooperation with the Dar Al-Kalima College)
* The Bethlehem Media Center (independently, and in conjunction with the Dar Al-Kalima College)
* The Bright Stars Program (in cooperation with the Dar Al-Kalima Model School)
* The Abu Gubran Guest House and the Authentic Tourism Program
* The Il’Iliyeh Restaurant and Al-Kuz Bar & Café
* The Ajyal ("Generations", Arabic
Arabic (, , or , ) is a Central Semitic languages, Central Semitic language of the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family spoken primarily in the Arab world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assigns lang ...
: أجيال) community care program for the elderly
* The Azwaj ("Couples", Arabic
Arabic (, , or , ) is a Central Semitic languages, Central Semitic language of the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family spoken primarily in the Arab world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assigns lang ...
: أزواج) group for young couples and families
* The "Palestinian Christians: Strengthening Identity, Activating Potential" Project (headed by Rifat Odeh Kassis)
The ICB complex comprises the old Lutheran School building, the former church offices, and three other buildings. The Ad-Dar Cultural and Conference Center and other modern parts of the building were designed by Finnish architect Juha Leiviskä
Juha Ilmari Leiviskä (17 March 1936 – 9 November 2023) was a Finnish architect and designer. He was especially known for his churches and other sacral buildings.
Life and career
The son of engineer Toivo Ilmari Leiviskä and teacher Sonj ...
. The ICB complex sustained significant damage when it was occupied for 3 days by the Israeli army
The Israeli Ground Forces () are the Army, ground forces of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The commander is the GOC Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding with the rank of major general, the ''Mazi'', subordinate to the Chief of the Gen ...
during the siege of Bethlehem in April 2002. Reconstruction and restoration costs totaled more than US$500,000.
The Dar Al-Kalima Model School
The Dar Al-Kalima Model School (), meaning "The House of the Word") is located on the hilltop Mt. Murair campus and serves students in grades K-12. The school is coeducational and Lutheran-based, serving both Christian and Muslim students from the towns, villages, and refugee camps of the Bethlehem area. The Extra-Curricular Program after school offers students the opportunity to receive instruction in their specific, chosen areas of interest from professionals in those fields.[ The Bright Stars program (run through the ICB) is similar to the ECP program, but it meets once a week and is open to children who attend schools other than Dar Al-Kalima. ]
The Dar Al-Kalima Health & Wellness Center
The Health & Wellness Center is also located on the hilltop Mt. Murair campus, on the ground level of the building that houses the Dar Al-Kalima Model School. It houses health clinics (audiology
Audiology (from Latin 'to hear'; and from Ancient Greek, Greek branch of learning , ''wikt:-logia, -logia'') is a branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders. Audiologists treat those with hearing loss and proactivel ...
, nutrition
Nutrition is the biochemistry, biochemical and physiology, physiological process by which an organism uses food and water to support its life. The intake of these substances provides organisms with nutrients (divided into Macronutrient, macro- ...
, endocrinology
Endocrinology (from ''endocrine system, endocrine'' + ''wikt:-logy#Suffix, -ology'') is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones. It is also concerned with the ...
, cardiology
Cardiology () is the study of the heart. Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the cardiovascular system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery di ...
, and psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (also psychological therapy, talk therapy, or talking therapy) is the use of Psychology, psychological methods, particularly when based on regular Conversation, personal interaction, to help a person change behavior, increase hap ...
) as well as fitness facilities and programming, including a swimming pool and sauna
A sauna (, ) is a room or building designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions or an establishment with one or more of these facilities. The steam and high heat make the bathers perspire. A thermometer in a sauna is used to meas ...
, yoga
Yoga (UK: , US: ; 'yoga' ; ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India, aimed at controlling body and mind to attain various salvation goals, as pra ...
and aerobics
Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness (Flexibility (anatomy), flexibility, Muscle, muscular strength, and ...
classes, and exercise machines.[ The aims of the Health & Wellness Center are prevention through promotion of healthy lifestyles, and providing specialist care not available elsewhere in the southern West Bank.
]
The Dar Al-Kalima College
The College began operating in 2006 from the ICB complex in Madbasseh Square, offering diploma courses in documentary film
A documentary film (often described simply as a documentary) is a nonfiction Film, motion picture intended to "document reality, primarily for instruction, education or maintaining a Recorded history, historical record". The American author and ...
-making and glass
Glass is an amorphous (non-crystalline solid, non-crystalline) solid. Because it is often transparency and translucency, transparent and chemically inert, glass has found widespread practical, technological, and decorative use in window pane ...
and ceramic art
Ceramic art is art made from ceramic materials, including clay. It may take varied forms, including artistic pottery, including tableware, tiles, figurines and other sculpture. As one of the plastic arts, ceramic art is a visual art. While ...
. The College received accreditation in 2007 from the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education for Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor's degree (from Medieval Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years (de ...
programs in contemporary fine art
In European academic traditions, fine art (or, fine arts) is made primarily for aesthetics or creative expression, distinguishing it from popular art, decorative art or applied art, which also either serve some practical function (such as ...
, multimedia
Multimedia is a form of communication that uses a combination of different content forms, such as Text (literary theory), writing, Sound, audio, images, animations, or video, into a single presentation. T ...
and tourism
Tourism is travel for pleasure, and the Commerce, commercial activity of providing and supporting such travel. World Tourism Organization, UN Tourism defines tourism more generally, in terms which go "beyond the common perception of tourism as ...
studies.
Publications
Raheb has written 16 books and numerous articles on issues relating to interfaith dialogue, social transformation, contextual theology, and culture, many of them available in over 10 languages, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, English, German, and Arabic.
* Mitri Raheb, The Invention of History: A Century of Interplay between Theology and Politics in Palestine, (Bethlehem: Diyar Publishing, 2011).
* Id., Sailing through Troubled Waters: Christians in the Middle East (Bethlehem: Diyar Publishsing, 2013).
* Id., Qass Collings, Rifat Odeh, Palestinian Christians: Facts, Figures and Trends, (Bethlehem: Diyar Publisher 2008).
* Id., God’s Reign and People’s Rule, (Berlin: Aphorisma 2007).
* Id., Bethlehem hinter Mauern, (Guetersloh: Guetersloher Verlaghouse 2005).
* Id., Bethlehem Besieged, (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress 2004).
* Id.; Fred Strickert, Bethlehem 2000 - Past and Present, (Heidelberg: Palmyra Verlag 1998).
* id.; Fred Strickert, Bethlehem 2000 – Mehr als Stern und Stall, (Heidelberg: Palmyra Verlag 1998).
* id.; Fred Strickert and Garo Nalbandian, Bethlehem: A World Heritage (Bethlehem, Diyar Publishing, 2013).
* Id., I am a Palestinian Christian, (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress 1995).
* Id., Ulrike Bechman (ed.), Verwurzelt im Heiligen Land, (Hamburg: Knecht Verlag 1995).
* Id., Ich bin Christ und Palaestinenser. Israel, seine Nachbarn und die Bibel, (Guetersloh: Guetersloher Verlaghouse 1994).
* Id., Das reformatorische Erbe unter den Palaestinensern: zur Enstehung der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche in Jordanien, (Guetersloh: Guetersloher Verlaghouse 1990).
* Id., et al. , (Bethlehem, Diyar Publishing, 2011).
* Id., , (Bethlehem, Diyar Publishing, 2011)
* Id., Faith in the Face of Empire: the Bible through Palestinian eyes, (Orbis Books
Orbis Books is an American imprint of the Maryknoll order. It has been a small but influential publisher of liberation theology works. It was founded by Nicaraguan Maryknoll priest Miguel D'Escoto with Philip J. Scharper in 1970. Its editor- ...
, 2014).
Raheb has also researched the life of the Palestinian photographer Karimeh Abbud
Karimeh Abbud or Karimeh Abboud (1896 – 1940; ), was a Palestinian professional photographer and artist who lived and worked in Palestine in the first half of the twentieth century. She was one of the first woman photographers in Palestine and ...
.
Awards
* 2011, Deutscher Medienpreis
* 2011, Lux Mundo Award
* 2011, Esther Award
* 2008, Aachener Friedenspreis
* 2006, Internationaler Mohammad Nafi Tschleibi
* 2004, Best Spiritual Books
* 2003, HCEF Award
* 2003, Wittenberg Award
* 2003, Honorary Doctorate
Some Jewish groups protested the granting of the 2011 Deutscher Medienpreis to Raheb,[ among them Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the ]Simon Wiesenthal Center
The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a Jewish human rights organization established in 1977 by Rabbi Marvin Hier. The center is known for Holocaust research and remembrance, hunting Nazi war criminals, combating antisemitism, tolerance educati ...
, B’nai Brith
B'nai B'rith International ( ; from ) is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit Jewish service organization and was formerly a cultural association for German Jewish immigrants to the United States. B'nai B'rith states that it is committed to the secu ...
International, and Deidre Berger, head of the Berlin office of the American Jewish Committee.
Raheb's work has been recognized by the Luther Institute in Washington, DC (Wittenberg Award, 2003), Concordia University
Concordia University () is a Public university, public English-language research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1974 following the merger of Loyola College (Montreal), Loyola College and Sir George Williams Universit ...
in River Forest, IL, USA (Honorary Doctor of Letters, 2003), Spirituality and Health Magazine (50 Best Spiritual Books of 2004 for ''Bethlehem Besieged: Stories of Home in Times of Trouble''), and the Central Islamic Archive Institute (Mohammed Nafi Tschleibi International Peace Award, 2006).[ In 2008, he was awarded the Aachen Peace Award.
]
Press
Raheb’s work has attracted attention from major media networks, including the BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
, ABC News ABC News most commonly refers to:
* ABC News (Australia), a national news service of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
* ABC News (United States), a news-gathering and broadcasting division of the American Broadcasting Company
ABC News may a ...
, and HBO
Home Box Office (HBO) is an American pay television service, which is the flagship property of namesake parent-subsidiary Home Box Office, Inc., itself a unit owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The overall Home Box Office business unit is based a ...
, and has been featured in publications such as Reuters
Reuters ( ) is a news agency owned by Thomson Reuters. It employs around 2,500 journalists and 600 photojournalists in about 200 locations worldwide writing in 16 languages. Reuters is one of the largest news agencies in the world.
The agency ...
, The Economist
''The Economist'' is a British newspaper published weekly in printed magazine format and daily on Electronic publishing, digital platforms. It publishes stories on topics that include economics, business, geopolitics, technology and culture. M ...
, Newsweek
''Newsweek'' is an American weekly news magazine based in New York City. Founded as a weekly print magazine in 1933, it was widely distributed during the 20th century and has had many notable editors-in-chief. It is currently co-owned by Dev P ...
, The New York Times
''The New York Times'' (''NYT'') is an American daily newspaper based in New York City. ''The New York Times'' covers domestic, national, and international news, and publishes opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews. As one of ...
and The Boston Globe
''The Boston Globe,'' also known locally as ''the Globe'', is an American daily newspaper founded and based in Boston, Massachusetts. The newspaper has won a total of 27 Pulitzer Prizes. ''The Boston Globe'' is the oldest and largest daily new ...
.[ He has also been interviewed by the ]Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia’s principal public service broadcaster. It is funded primarily by grants from the federal government and is administered by a government-appointed board of directors. The ABC is ...
, CNN
Cable News Network (CNN) is a multinational news organization operating, most notably, a website and a TV channel headquartered in Atlanta. Founded in 1980 by American media proprietor Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld as a 24-hour cable ne ...
and CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc., commonly shortened to CBS (an abbreviation of its original name, Columbia Broadcasting System), is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainme ...
.[
]
See also
*Palestinian Christians
Palestinian Christians () are a religious community of the Palestinian people consisting of those who identify as Christians, including those who are cultural Christians in addition to those who actively adhere to Christianity. They are a reli ...
* Political theology in Middle East
References
External links
*
The International Center of Bethlehem (Dar Annadwa Addawliyya)
MitriRaheb.org
Dar Al-Kalima College
The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem
BethlehemMedia.net
Luther in Arabic
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Raheb, Mitri
Living people
Palestinian Lutheran theologians
Palestinian Lutheran clergy
20th-century Lutheran clergy
People from Bethlehem
Year of birth missing (living people)