Glasgow Bethlehem Events & News

Here you will find news about up and coming events and we will post a report after each event

 

Scottish Muslim Awards 2024.

Ghassan Abu Sitta collected the Salahudeen Ayubi Award for the Scottish Muslim Male of the Year 2024. Due to his commitments he was away and unable to pick up the award until this event at the GBTA talk.

Video of the Ghassan Abu Sitta Talk in Glasgow  16th May 2025

World renowned humanitarian; surgeon; and University of Glasgow Rector, Ghassan Abu Sittah will address a public meeting, telling what’s really going on in Palestine.

This public meeting will also incorporate some fund-raising to support:

  • Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund.
  • Scottish Palestine Cancer Nurse Project (for June visitors from Palestine).
  • GBTA (mainly for hospitality for Bethlehem visitors).

In furtherance of the above, donations of baking, etc, and raffle prizes will be greatly appreciated.  Email info@gbta.scot for more info.

Organised by Glasgow Bethlehem Twinning Association (GBTA).  No admission charge, but door donations appreciated.  Tickets  (Prompt registration advised as this event is likely to be over-subscribed).

1900 Fri 16 May, Renfield Centre 260 Bath Street G2 4JP.

You are invited to join Glasgow Bethlehem Twinning Association (GBTA) at a Public Meeting to hear from project founder, Glasgow nurse Gerry O’Hare, describing the amazing 14-year story of the collaboration of cancer nurses from Glasgow and Bethlehem.

In June, four Palestinian nurses are coming to Glasgow with the support of the Scottish Palestine Cancer Nurse Project (SPCNP).  See here for more background.

In the second part of the meeting David Myles will give an eye-witness account of his recent 11-day visit to Palestine, which involved meeting community leaders from more than 25 different organisations including Bedouin Naqab/Negev desert; Bethlehem University; youth and community workers; farmers surrounded by encroaching settlers; businesses such as “Stars and Bucks”! and the Educational Bookshop of East Jerusalem; and several leading Palestinian and Israeli political and human rights campaigners.

1900 Thu 24 Apr. Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, G2 4JP.  Register

Scotland to Palestine by Bike!

The story of a 2400-mile cycle-trip to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Palestine that raised thousands of pounds for MAP.  Join Anne and Graham Bryce to hear the story of their journey from Glasgow to the border of Palestine. Why did they go? How did they get there? What happened on the way?

The event is being hosted by Glasgow City Council under their Civic Twinning arrangement with Bethlehem.  Dr Philippa Whitford will introduce the event which will include time for questions.

The formal part of the event will be followed by a short reception.  1800–1930, 28 March.  Glasgow City Chambers, 82 George Sq. G2 1DU  Tickets

Tent of nations Event

A good crowd attended our February open meeting when speakers shared their experience of the Tent of Nations farm which is on the southern outskirts of Bethlehem.  The farm is under incessant pressure from settlers who are illegally trying to seize its land as they have done with many other farms and small holdings in the West Bank. We were surprised and delighted to discover that more than 7 Glaswegians came forward having at one time or another been volunteers on the farm supporting the youth and environmental programmes.

Involvement in Various Events

We’ve held events and also been able to attend events organised by others including Bethlehem Calling and the Nai Barghouti Concert.  We extended the offer of assistance to these and other events.  It was good to hear the twinning mentioned at both.  Celtic Connections are to be congratulated on their 550 person sell-out concert at the Tramway who proved to be the most excellent hosts.  But for as good as the Tramway were, the UK Government were not.  Artists from Bethlehem in the main were blocked from visiting Glasgow and participating in the concert.  Some made it and received the most rapturous Glasgow welcome.  Particular congratulations to Zoe Hunter and her team who marshalled limited resources to put on a most elaborate and spectacular production.

Here is a very short welcome video