Guestsplaining: Edita Krunic on Christians in the Holy Land
Nov 25, 2024
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Edita Krunic, the President of Select International Tours and founder of Select to Give, discusses vital support for Christians in the Holy Land. She explains how charitable giving intertwines with pilgrimages, enhancing the experience while aiding local communities. Edita emphasizes the resilience of these Christians amidst challenges and the need for awareness, especially during Advent. Listeners learn how to keep Christ in Christmas and the importance of personal connections during pilgrimages, creating a deeper spiritual journey.
Select to Give focuses on improving the economic conditions for Christians in the Holy Land through education and employment opportunities.
The podcast underscores the importance of pilgrimages as a means to foster understanding and solidarity between American Christians and local communities.
Deep dives
The Mission of Select to Give
Select to Give was founded in 2014 to support Christians in the Holy Land, particularly after witnessing the hardships faced by local communities. The inspiration for this charity arose from a pilgrimage where a conversation with a Christian woman in Bethlehem unveiled the limited opportunities available to them. The organization aims to improve the economic conditions for these communities by providing education and employment opportunities tailored to their specific needs. Amidst the difficulties heightened by the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical issues, Select to Give serves as a vital lifeline, emphasizing the urgent need for outreach and support.
Combining Pilgrimage with Charitable Giving
The podcast emphasizes how pilgrimage and charitable giving can intersect to foster mutual support and understanding between American Christians and their counterparts in the Holy Land. Pilgrims are encouraged to engage meaningfully with local Christians during their visits, through programs like Sharing the Bread, which allows for personal interactions and shared meals. This direct engagement not only helps educate visitors about the lives of Christians in the Holy Land but also provides much-needed economic support to local families. The approach ensures that travelers not only witness historical sites but also connect with the culture and community, reinforcing the idea of Christian solidarity.
The Declining Christian Population and Need for Support
The Christian population in the Holy Land has drastically declined over the past century, from approximately 20 percent to less than 2 percent in Israel alone, significantly impacting the cultural fabric of the region. Those who remain face a range of challenges, including restrictions on movement and economic instability. The podcast highlights the sense of isolation felt by Christians, particularly in Bethlehem, where access to jobs and basic needs has become increasingly strained. Encouraging communication and prayer for these communities is essential, as it fosters a sense of connection and reminds them that they are not forgotten in times of hardship.
Fr. Patrick and Fr. Gregory welcome Edita Krunic to this episode of Guestsplaining! Edita is the President of Select International Tours and Foundress of Select to Give, a charity that supports Christians in the Holy Land.
How is charitable giving and pilgrimages brought together? How many Christians are currently in the Holy Land? How can we help the Christians in the Holy Land? How can we keep Christ in Christmas?