The presence of Christians in the Holy Land is a miracle. Despite challenges and conflicts throughout history, the Christian community is still present in the Holy Land, thanks in part to the continued support of the Franciscans, who for more than 800 years have played a vital role in preserving the holy places and but also the presence of Christians in this land. Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land "Without Franciscans, a Christian presence in in the Holy Land would be more difficult. We offer things that encourage people from this land to stay: we offer education, housing and jobs." Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land "Living conditions are difficult, living in Jerusalem is a huge challenge: almost no one can pay rent for an apartment in Jerusalem. We offer houses to Christians: 400 houses in the Old City and another 250 houses outside the walls, and so we help more than 650 families. Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land "We have been here for more than 800 years to be custodians of the holy places, that is, of the stones, but also of the living stones. More than 2,000 friars have been martyred. In Syria there were also martyrs in the days of Isis, and today, with this terrible earthquake, the doors of our convents have opened to welcome thousands of people. Br. Ibrahim Faltas, Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, calls for intervention by the international community for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land "We need the support of the international community to find a peaceful solution to this conflict and make every effort to do so. Every man must be able to live here with dignity. Pope John Paul II said, 'Without peace in Jerusalem, there is no peace in the world.'" Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land "The most important thing for us is the people, more important than anything else. We are here to serve the people, the people of this land, to maintain the Christian presence here, to be with them, by their side, to help them stay in the Holy Land." The Christian presence in the Holy Land is a living testimony to the power of faith and hope.