Palestine - Salesian activities in Holy Land: Bethlehem bakery and Cremisan winery
Featured

24 August 2020

(ANS - Bethlehem) - Among the activities of the Salesians in the Holy Land that have received more visibility in recent years and that have allowed the Salesians to support themselves in the Holy Land are the Bethlehem bakery and the Cremisan wine cellar.

"I've been working here for more than 20 years," explains Ibrahim, who coordinates the bakery's activities. "Here we work in five, and we produce 15 types of bread in rotation during the week. We only sell bread to local customers, we do not work for other shops," he underlines, "and there are a hundred needy families who come and take bread for the whole month without paying, thanks to a system of voucher cards and stamps. In all, we distribute about three thousand loaves a day, using high-quality flour and for traditional products, some of which have been produced in this area for more than 100 years: we only use flour, water, salt and yeast, with no other added ingredients."

The business was founded more than a century ago, initially to serve more than 100 orphans and religious who resided in the Salesian house, and has since opened up to the territory. "Ours," concludes Ibrahim, "is the first bakery of Bethlehem: during the curfew of the Intifada it was the only one open in Bethlehem, and to guarantee the service the staff slept inside the bakery. Our prices are lower than the average in the area: we do it," concludes Ibrahim, "to help all families." Also in Bethlehem, there is a school and an oratory open to the area's children, with activities for both Christians and Muslims.

As for the Cremisan winery, it is located a few kilometers away from Bethlehem and dates back to 1885, therefore before the arrival of the Salesians, who initially took it over for the production of wine for masses. Until 2000 it was one of the four wineries present in the whole territory of Israel: from that moment on it remained one of the four activities of this type of Palestine, while 100 have since been established in Israel.

"From 2000 to 2010 the winery experienced a critical moment," explains Fr Alejandro, "due to the fact that the world market changed with the increase in mass production and low costs on an international scale. But since 2010 we have invested in the relaunch of this activity, also involving internationally renowned winemakers, both in the production of grapes, in the elaboration of wine, and in marketing. After constant experimentation that has lasted for 10 years, today we produce four varieties of 'top' wines, two whites and two reds, and four basic ones. In addition to limoncello cream, brandy and a sweet variant, 'Port', and some special editions."

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".