FAQ’s
Q. Where is Bethlehem?
A. Bethlehem is located in the Palestinian Territories. There is a long separation wall, that separates Israel from the West Bank (as it is also known). In order to enter the West Bank, you need to go through a checkpoint. Bethlehem is located south of Jerusalem.
Q. Do I need my passport to enter the West Bank?
A. You will not need your passport (and visa which is supplied when you enter Israel at the airport). However, you will need it to exit again back through the checkpoint. If you are travelling in a large tour group with a bus, these are often not checked upon exiting the West Bank, however we recommend you carry them just in case.
Q. Is it safe to go to Bethlehem?
A. The location of the prayer room is near to a checkpoint and it is a safe and peaceful area. There have been many visitors to the prayer room and not one has encounter any problems. The British street artist, Banksy, runs the Walled Off Hotel very close to the prayer room, which hosts tourists from around the world.
Q. How far is the prayer room from the old city of jerusalem?
A. It is a 25 minute drive from the centre of Jerusalem. Buses also run frequently to the checkpoint, making the journey very straightforward. We can share details of the buses once a date is confirmed for your visit.
Q. Can we park at the prayer room?
A. If you are coming in a bus as part of a tour, you can park your tour bus very near to the prayer room. Exact details will be given about parking, once a booking has been confirmed.
Q. How can I book a slot in the prayer room?
A. Bookings for the prayer room and other queries can be made to us at prayer.bethlehem@gmail.com or via the “contact us” link on this website.
Due to the sensitive nature of the prayer room, the exact details and location are only shared once a booking has been made. At that time, we will send an email with both directions and contact details with our prayer room hosts on the ground in Bethlehem.
Q. How many people can fit in the prayer room at one time?
A. The prayer room itself is not huge, but can fit up to 15-20 people quite reasonably. Due to the sliding doors in the prayer room, we can host groups of up to 40 people at one time.
Q. What is the donation money used for?
A. Donations raised are used for paying a monthly rent and include covering the running cost of the prayer room.
Q. How long can I pray in the room and can I pray by the wall?
A. The prayer room is part of a family run guesthouse. If you are staying in the guesthouse, you can pray at any time in the room. You are welcome to stay in the room as long as you want, but due to security reasons, unless you are a guest, we ask that you leave the room by 9pm.
We encourage you to go outside and pray by the separation wall as part of your trip.