A theatrical and musical journey and much more. A true message of peace.
The students of Ladina di Fassa School in Italy, brought the show ‘The First Christmas’ to the stage, with the students of some schools of Bethlehem. The play took place in the John Paul II Foundation, in the heart of the city of the Nativity.
A unique twinning. Music, dance and theater allowed the Italian and Palestinian students to unite in this particular ‘intercultural exchange’.
Fr. IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm
Custody of Holy Land
“I visited the area of Val di Fassa in Italy, which is a beautiful area, and while I was there, I met this group, who informed me of their show called “The first Christmas”, so I suggested that they should come to present it here in Bethlehem.
And this is how their dream began.”
Prof. MIRELLA FLORIAN
Sorastan / Director – Ladina di Fassa School
“My teachers explained the project and Father Ibrahim immediately suggested us that this project should be brought to Bethlehem: it was a dream!
During the World Youth Day, Pope Francis said : “dream big”…….I believe we did and now we are here today for his show.”
RAGHAD ZGHAYAR
Student – Latin School – Beit Jala
“We worked very well with the Italians and they were happy with our performance. This show is about the birth of Our Lord Jesus where our role is to represent evil that tries to oppose good.”
The journey is the common element in the storytelling and the music plays a fundamental role. A way to educate and promote the culture of peace, respect for cultural diversity and for man dignity.
Prof. MIRELLA FLORIAN
Sorastan / Principal – Ladina di Fassa School
“The school is located in a reality of linguistic minority. Ladin is our language and tonight we will hear songs in both Ladin and in Arabic. This is a beautiful thing because it means that we truly care and we respect people’s identity.”
Fr. FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm
Custos of the Holy Land
“I think this is an example of what the Pope calls “building bridges”. This is very important between countries and cultures, especially for young people who grow up with an open-mind towards others and towards the world ….. I think it is increasingly essential also in view of the future.”