بلدية بيت جالا

Welcome to Beit Jala City

Beit Jala is situated approximately 2 kilometres from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, traditionally recognised as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Its name is derived from Aramaic and means “carpet of grass.”

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History & Culture

Situated on a hill adjacent to Bethlehem, the city of Beit Jala has existed for thousands of years, and its Christian community is one of the oldest in the world. The name ‘Beit Jala’ comes from Aramaic and means, “Grass Carpet”. Anthropological evidence shows that humans have lived in the Bethlehem area since pre-historical times, even as far back as the Stone Age 200,000 years ago. Little is known about the first permanent dwellings in Beit Jala, but it is likely that the Canaanites settled there about the same time as in neighboring Bethlehem, around 3,000 BC. Beit Jala is thought to be one of several possible locations of the biblical city of Gilo, mentioned in Joshua 15:51 and II Samuel 15:12.

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Numbers and Statistics

14563

City Population

13km²

City Area

775m

Above Sea Level

250.000

Annual Visitor Rate

Mayor Message

Beit Jala is a city of history, identity, heritage, and deep-rooted community belonging. Our municipal work is a shared responsibility, with citizens at the heart of decision-making and development. We are committed to improving services, infrastructure, tourism, culture, sustainability, and opportunities for youth. We believe that preserving Beit Jala’s identity and heritage goes hand in hand with progress, innovation, and a sustainable future. Together, through partnership and collective action, we will preserve our past, strengthen our present, and build a future worthy of generations to come.

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Beit Jala 360