The Legacy of De La Salle Brothers:
A Century of Education in the Holy Land and Jordan
The De La Salle Brothers, also known as the Christian Brothers, have been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape of the Holy Land and Jordan for over a century. Their mission, inspired by St. John Baptist de La Salle, focuses on providing high-quality education that serves all communities, particularly the poor and marginalized. Since their arrival in the late 19th century, the Brothers have established several schools and institutions that continue to operate successfully today, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, academic excellence, and service to the community.
​Here’s a detailed timeline of their activities in the region:
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1876 – La Salle Jerusalem (New Gate)
The first La Salle school in the Holy Land was established at New Gate, Jerusalem in 1876. This school, Collège des Frères, became a foundational institution offering a bilingual education (French and Arabic), serving both Christian and Muslim students. Over time, it has grown into a prestigious institution known for promoting peace, interfaith understanding, and academic excellence.
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1882 – La Salle Jaffa
Collège des Frères Jaffa, founded in 1882, was another significant institution established by the De La Salle Brothers. Located in Jaffa, it offered a similar bilingual curriculum and became a crucial part of the educational and social fabric of the city, serving a diverse student body.
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1893 – La Salle Bethlehem
In 1893, the Brothers expanded their mission to Bethlehem, where they established a school that would later evolve into Bethlehem University. Initially serving as a primary and secondary school, the site became a vital educational center. In 1973, this school became the foundation for Bethlehem University, the first Catholic university in Palestine, which remains a cornerstone of higher education in the region. The university serves thousands of students and upholds Lasallian values of service, faith, and community development.
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1950 – La Salle Amman
La Salle College Amman was established in 1950 in response to the growing demand for quality education in Jordan. Located in Jabal Hussein, it follows the same Lasallian principles of providing holistic education, promoting academic excellence, and fostering moral values. The school remains a prominent educational institution in Jordan, serving both Christian and Muslim students.
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1997 – La Salle Beit Hanina
The La Salle Beit Hanina school, founded in 1997, is one of the more recent additions to the Lasallian educational network in the region. Located in East Jerusalem, it was established to address the growing educational needs of both Christian and Muslim communities. With modern facilities and a comprehensive curriculum, La Salle Beit Hanina continues to provide a well-rounded education that fosters leadership, compassion, and academic success.
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Bethlehem University (since 1973)
Following Pope Paul VI’s visit to the Holy Land in 1964, the Vatican initiated the creation of Bethlehem University as a response to the need for higher education in Palestine. Officially opened in 1973, the university sits on the original site of the La Salle Bethlehem School and has grown into the first registered university in Palestine. Today, Bethlehem University educates thousands of students and remains a joint project of the Vatican and the De La Salle Brothers​
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Conclusion
The De La Salle Brothers have been pivotal in the educational development of the Holy Land and Jordan. From the foundation of La Salle Jerusalem in 1876 to the establishment of Bethlehem University in 1973, and continuing with schools like La Salle Jaffa, La Salle Beit Hanina, and La Salle Amman, the Brothers have left a lasting impact. Their institutions continue to foster education, peace, and interfaith harmony across the region.
