The press office of the Franciscans in the Holy Land has explained that despite the current economic difficulties, "This is a win-win agreement because at the same time that we are offering constant prayer for loved ones who are living or deceased, we are ensuring a Christian presence in the Holy Land, which is increasingly threatened by radicalism."
Thanks to the plaques at the Memorial Hall and the inscriptions in the Book of Remembrance, the Franciscans will be able to offer free elementary-level education for the children of Christian families that are suffering economic hardship. In addition, their School Grant Program will help Christian children to receive free education for four years. The program offers assistance to students who are more academically advanced to continue on with their studies.
The Foundation also helps adults and young Christians "in their search for employment in the Holy Land, both in the public and in the private sector. Most of our graduates from school now work in medicine, business, engineering, architecture and education."
The project will also enable the Franciscans to build affordable housing to prevent the exodus of Christians. "We have completed more than 300 units in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jericho and Nazareth. We also maintain hundreds of apartments in Old Jerusalem for our Christian families," the press office has indicated.