“Open Bethlehem” screening at St Joseph’s Church

Filmed over 10 years this compelling documentary captures the city of Bethlehem as it has never been seen before. It is an emotional portrayal of one woman’s struggle for her home town and her campaign to bring peace to the Middle East.

Leila Sansour’s campaign is an attempt to marshal an international consensus of Muslims, Christians and Jews to open up the city of the birth of Jesus to allow people to enter and leave freely and stay as long as they wish. Bethlehem, now in Palestinian territory, has been closed off by a huge grim wall, the Israeli Government’s antiterrorist barrier. Is that wall going to be opened up? No sign so far. Sansour fights on. Her bold and imaginative plan is one on which peace processes are built and on that basis she deserves to succeed. Entry by donation (£5) includes refreshment.