Overview

The Birthplace of Jesus Is in Palestine is a narrative of a Christian family in Bethlehem in the West Bank. Based on diary entries and interviews from 2000 to 2023, the Dutch author--an anthropologist and peace activist--chronicles the spontaneous reactions of his Palestinian children and wife navigating the challenges posed by curfews and checkpoints. Problems of Palestinian school life are shown from the perspective of teachers and students. Against the background of Israeli occupation and settlement building, the intricacies of Palestinian culture in its daily rhythms and domestic spaces come to life. Throughout the pages, the key Palestinian concept of sumud, or steadfastness, is explored. The memoir details acts of creative nonviolent resistance, individual protests, affirmations of cultural identity, and inspiring examples of Muslim-Christian community. The book also reveals unexpected connections between Palestinian culture in the Bethlehem area and broader Christian values and traditions. An afterword reflects upon implications of Israel's war in Gaza.

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9798385207251

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Reviews

"""Narrating the mystery of God in the small town of Bethlehem, this new book will perhaps shed some light on the tragedy of Gaza and all of Palestine. It is an invitation to have a better vision--closer to God and closer to man. I hope it will bring light to those who want light."" --Michel Sabbah, Latin patriarch emeritus of Jerusalem ""Toine van Teeffelen's memoir offers a compelling insider's view of living under occupation, blending personal experiences with those of the community. His objective perspective, being an outsider, adds depth to his narrative. Highlighting the concept of 'sumud, ' van Teeffelen connects it to resistance and hope, offering a nuanced understanding of resilience. His book, biased towards people's stories, captures the beauty and challenges of life under occupation. I highly recommend it for its inspiring insights."" --Rifat Kassis, general coordinator, Kairos Palestine & Global Kairos for Justice Coalition ""Toine van Teeffelen has lived in Bethlehem since 1994. With his anthropological background, with his rootedness in Bethlehem both in his own Dutch-Palestinian family and his educational and advocacy work at the Arab Educational Institute, he is well equipped to document the steadfastness--sumud--of Palestinians based on diaries and interviews. His work dispels stereotypes of Palestinians living under prolonged Israeli occupation. A must-read for those who seek the peace of Bethlehem and the Land."" --Bernard Sabella, retired associate professor of sociology, Bethlehem University"

Author Information

Toine van Teeffelen, an MA graduate in social anthropology and a PhD holder in discourse analysis from the University of Amsterdam, moved from the Netherlands to the occupied West Bank in 1994. Alongside working as a guide, he conducted workshops for universities, schools, and educational NGOs, and served as the development director at the Arab Educational Institute in Bethlehem. His contributions on discourse analysis and Palestine have appeared in local publications and international journals.

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