Faces of Bethlehem
Also known as Bayt Lahm
16 people on Faces of Palestine were born in Bethlehem and its towns and villages.
A town of churches, stone and olive wood south of Jerusalem, and in Christian tradition the birthplace of Jesus.
Known for
- The Church of the Nativity
- Olive-wood carving and mother-of-pearl
- Dheisheh and Aida refugee camps
Bethlehem in pictures
Towns and villages of Bethlehem
Born in Bethlehem and around it
16 faces- Cinemab. 1974
Annemarie Jacir
Pioneering filmmaker, first Palestinian woman director, international cinema influencer.
Bethlehem, Palestine
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Architectureb. 1961Aysar Al Saifi
Influential in educational and cultural narratives of Palestinian refugee life.
Dheisheh Refugee Camp, Bethlehem, Palestine
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Youthb. 1984Bassel Al-Araj
Intellectual, Revolutionary, Writer, Activist, Martyr
Al-Walaja, Palestine
Read their story- Medicineb. 1882
Dr. Tawfiq Canaan
Pioneering Physician, Folklorist, National Advocate
Beit Jala, Palestine
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Architectureb. 1984Elias Anastas
Innovative architect
Betlehem, Palestine
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Artsb. 1970Emily Jacir
Pioneering artist exploring displacement, identity, and trans-Mediterranean experiences.
Bethlehem, Palestine
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Educationb. 1972Hanan Al Hroub
Innovator in Nonviolent Teaching
Dheisheh Refugee Camp, Bethlehem
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Activismb. 1953Hind Khoury
Advocate for Palestinian Rights and Dignity
Bethlehem, West Bank (under Jordanian rule at the time)
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Literatureb. 1919Jabra Ibrahim Jabra
Versatile writer, translator, and painter
Bethlehem, Palestine
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Sportsb. 1994Mary Al-Atrash
Inspiring swimmer, overcame barriers to compete at the Olympics.
Beit Sahour, West Bank, Palestine
Read their story- Activismb. 1957
Mazin Qumsiyeh
Influential environmental and social activist
Beit Sahour, Palestine
Read their story - Journalismb. 1966
Nasser Laham
Influential Journalist, Translator, and Mediator
Deheishe Refugee Camp, Bethlehem, Palestine
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Guardians of Faithb. 1979Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac
Prominent voice for Palestinian Christians
Beit Sahour, Palestine
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Architectureb. 1973Sandi Hilal
Influential in decolonizing architecture & urban planning.
Bethlehem, Palestine
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Philanthropyb. 1908Suleiman Jacir
Philanthropist, Influential Mayor, Businessman
Bethlehem, Palestine
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Sportsb. 1987Zakiya Nassar
Trailblazing Palestinian Olympic swimmer
Bethlehem, Palestine
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Other cities
- Jerusalem9 km · 71 faces
- Ramallah22 km · 29 faces
- Hebron22 km · 9 faces
- Ramle40 km · 7 faces
- Jaffa57 km · 12 faces
- Nablus58 km · 25 faces
Know more about Bethlehem, or spotted something wrong? Tell us. Places are matched from each profile’s birthplace.