Since 2018, Pinnacle has been blessed to be in an educational partnership with Dar al Kalima University in Bethlehem, on the West Bank. DAK is a locally run university born from the ministry of the Lutheran church in Bethlehem. It strengthens the stressed Christian community, enhances their witness to Christ’s love for all people, builds ties between Christians and Muslims, and does an important work of peace-making. It unlocks hope, where hope was born.
DAK’s emphasis on arts and culture has drawn the attention of church partners around the world, including here at Pinnacle. We were the first congregation to endow a scholarship to annually support the studies of a promising student who otherwise would not be able to attend college. Three students have already benefited from the Pinnacle scholarship. We now have an opportunity to impact even more by supporting a new vocational training venture at DAK. With unemployment in Bethlehem over 50%, this initiative is especially critical. And, because tourism is the primary employer in Bethlehem, a training program in hospitality and restaurant management for Palestinians gives life and affords them the respect of taking care of their families through the work of their own hands. It is a work of peace-making and a priority in the vision of our mission partners there. Most of the project funding will come through an arm of USAID, presuming final approval of the grant. We can be excited by the opportunity to visit, encourage, and take heart in the work our gifts will help make possible for the church in the place of Christ’s birth.
DAK has challenged Pinnacle to supplement the USAID grant with funds for auxiliary offices necessary to support the program. Costs for those are estimated to be approximately $50,000. If you would like to support this initiative with a monetary donation, click on the button below and select Bethlehem Initiative from the drop down giving type menu.
Click here to learn more about Dar al-Kalima University.
Click on audio file on the right to listen to Drs. Wes Avram and Mitri Raheb discuss Israel and points around the concept of "common good".
Aseel Khater - DAK University Scholarship
funded by Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
Aseel is a 24-year-old Muslim woman who lives in Beit Jala. She earned a BA in Education from Bethlehem University and is now in the Sports Program at DAK University.
Currently, Aseel teaches religion and athletics in a school in Beit Jala and has also been playing with Diyar first league soccer team for several years. “Having strong Muslim women in the sports arena is vital to enhance the role of women in their society,” commented Rev. Mitri Raheb.
The Pinnacle Scholarship Fund, held by the Presbyterian Foundation for Dar al Kalima University in Bethlehem, was recently established with the completion of a $100,000 endowment, which will fund an annual scholarship for a promising student. Congratulations Aseel!
American Travel Author & Activist, Rick Steves
"One of the most inspirational experiences I’ve had in my travels through the Holy Land was meeting Rev. Dr. Raheb and seeing the peace-building work he’s doing at Dar al-Kalima, Palestine’s first and only arts and culture university. If you have a heart for Palestine, this will be an inspiration.
And if you've yet to be connected to the impressive work going on there, this will be an eye-opener." - Rick Steves. Watch video to learn more.
