In the Beginning:
The Al Sahouri family sought a place where their five children could live freely, safely and as “normal Christians”.
Their search for peace and security took them from the frequent fighting and political tension that can be felt in Bethlehem between Israel and Palestine. Ghassan Al Sahouri was an Olive Wood carver before fleeing his homeland with his family as a result of the conflict in the Holy Land and moving to the United States for their safety. It has given them an opportunity to live in peace, and the blessing to be able assist the remnant families who are suffering from the same situation that led them and many other Christians to leave their ancestral homeland.
After the Flight:
The Al Sahouri family continued their historical tradition by bringing the trade that the Christian and Catholic community in Bethlehem depends on to the United States in 2003. This craft involves the carving of the Olive Wood tree branches, a sacred patrilineal tradition whose works can typically be seen in the markets and streets in Bethlehem. Initially, Ghassan and his family brought their own crafts, and that of some of their extended families, for sale to their local Catholic parishes. After their beautiful and unique art was met with astounding reception, and with the gracious support of many priests and bishops throughout the Catholic Dioceses, the Al Sahouri family was able to extend this mission to allow many families to maintain their livelihoods and uphold their Christian faith in the Land of Christ. Now, their group called the Little Bethlehem Christians consists of about 400 Christian and Catholic families that live as woodcarvers in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Shepherd’s Field.
Our Current Mission:
The Archdiocese of Baltimore and Washington approved the selling of these carvings in the Catholic churches in the Archdiocese making it possible to continue to support the dwindling numbers of families remaining in Bethlehem. We are pleased to also mention our affiliation with the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA, the Diocese of St. Petersburg, FL, the Most Reverend Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, Archbishop of Hartford, CT, the Most Reverend Archbishop William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, MD, the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT, the Most Reverend Bishop Frederick P. Annie, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, WV, the Most Reverend Bishop Patrick R. Cooney, Diocese of Gaylord, MI, the Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. Carlson, Diocese of Saginaw, MI and Archbishop Myers, Diocese of Newark, NJ , Monsignor John S. Mbinda, Pastor, Mililani, HI as well as many other churches and parishes on the east coast.
