The Abraham's House in Jerusalem
Located in East Jerusalem’s Ras El-Amud quarter, facing the Old City, we welcome visitors and pilgrims from all backgrounds, and extend a very special welcome to those with the least resources so that they can also live the experience of the Holy Land.
As part of its mission, the Abraham’s House encourages exchanges between those engaged in the promotion of peace and justice in Palestine and Israel and is a training and retreat center.
A place of welcome, meeting and voluntary commitment, the life of the House mirrors that of Secours Catholique - Caritas France.
Aïcha
50 years of hospitality in Jerusalem
En 1964, el Papa Pablo VI pide a Monseñor Jean Rodhain, presidente de Secours Catholique, que funde la Casa de Abraham para acoger a todos aquellos que deseen
In 1964, Pope Paul VI asked Mgr Jean Rodhain as head of Secours Catholique-Caritas France to found the Abraham’s House to welcome those who want to discover Jerusalem, and particularly those with the least resources, in a former Benedictine monastery now owned by the Syriac Catholic Church. This house has been a place of welcome, contemplation and peace ever since. As an integral part of its surrounding community, the Abraham’s House is a witness of the presence of the Church in this tormented region.
The team of the Abraham’s House is made of a director, a chaplain, a community of Dominican Sisters, local employees (Christian and Muslim) and volunteers.
Pope Francis, 2014
The missions of the Abraham's House
- A house of welcome for visitors and pilgrims that is open to all, but gives priority to those with the least resources
- A meeting place for those who work for justice and peace
- A place of regeneration and education through the discovery of the biblical roots of faith and encounters with those who work for peace and solidarity alongside local communities.
An exceptional destination
Located on the Mount of Scandal close to the Mount of Olives, the gardens of the Abraham’s House provide a haven of peace at the heart of the Holy City; a perfect place to enjoy one of the best views over Jerusalem.
The House of Abraham offers:
- 35 separate bedrooms in the main house, with private bathroom (1-3 beds)
- 16 double rooms in wooden bungalows, all with private bathroom
- a dining room (meals must be booked)
- An 60-seater conference room
- two places of worship; one indoor and the other outdoor
- parking - WiFi - disabled access
- tree-lined gardens and terrace with panoramic views
“Live the meeting experience”
Ever since it was founded, the House has opened its doors to everyone from every type of background, but particularly travellers with the least resources.
The Abraham’s House also hosts Bible sessions and voyages of hope for delegations from Secours Catholique-Caritas France. These travellers, volunteers and people in difficulty from all religions share a precious time of meetings, discovery and regeneration together as a group in the Holy Land.
Jean Rodhain
The Abraham’s House can accommodate up to 100 visitors in individual, double or triple rooms. A religious community (Dominican Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin) and 80 volunteers share responsibility for welcoming pilgrims throughout the year.
We work with the House chaplain to welcome groups wishing to conduct Bible sessions and any other organised trip that enables visitors to discover the Holy Places and the men and women of the Holy Land today by meeting local people and those who work here for justice and peace.
Volunteer
To help us deliver the mission of Welcome of the Abraham's House, we invite volunteers from all countries,
who would like to help welcome pilgrims and contribute to the work necessary to keep the house running smoothly. The fully renovated 'Little House of Volunteers' offers them a home in Jerusalem.
To commit your own time to the Abraham’s House is to support peace by experiencing a strong spiritual adventure in the Holy Land working alongside with a team of people from every kind of background.
Chantal, Georges, Marie-Annick, Marie-Françoise, Marie-Lise and Tito all worked as volunteers at the House in May 2017
The volunteer commitment
- Volunteers donate one calendar month of their time to the Abraham's House.
- During their stay with us, they spend 7 hours a day on service (table service, housekeeping, washing-up, reception, etc.) i.e. a total of 35 hours per week.
- Volunteers have one day off per week (returning no later than 6:30 pm to help with the evening work), as well a all day Sunday (after breakfast service)
- Working hours and mealtimes must be respected.
Accommodation
- Volunteers live in the Volunteers' House either in single rooms or double rooms with toilets and showers
- The Abraham's House provides all meals
- Household linen is provided. A washing machine is available for personal laundry
- All other expenses are met by the volunteer
The main activities
- All household work, oncluding linen room duties, outdoor cleaning, housekeeping and sewing
- Table service and washing-up
- Reception
Volunteer eligibility
- Aged between 18 and 72.
- In good physical and mental health
- Understand and speak French
- Available and willing to work as a volunteer
- Prepared to change tasks as required
- Open to others and prepared to listen to others
- Prepared to follow the rules
Would you like more information about volunteering at Abraham's house ?
Write to the following e-mail address: benevoles.maisonabraham@secours-catholique.org or click the button below.
I would like to volunteer for the Abraham's House
Practical information and contact
Come and live the experience of the Holy Land! We will do everything we can to meet your needs and facilitate your stay.
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM GUESTS
|
Type of room |
Typical price including breakfast |
| Single | €60 |
| Double | €100 |
| Triple | €120 |
50% off all rates (accommodation and meals) for children aged 3 to 12.
Meals are charged €15.
The financial issue must not be an obstacle, and our rates can also be adjusted to suit individual resources. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
SERVICES
The House is open 24/7 throughout the year.
Meals:
- Breakfast served from 7am
- Lunch served at 12:30 pm
- Dinner served at 7 pm
Prepared picnics available on request.
WiFi Internet access
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Guest are welcome to celebrate the Eucharist either in the House indoor chapel or the outdoor chapel with its views over the old city.
Lauds and Vespers are celebrated daily with the Community of Sisters.
CONTACT
Abraham's House
Ras-el-Amud
BP 19680
Jerusalem 91190
Israel
- Tel.: + 972 2 628 45 91
- Fax: + 972 2 627 49 17
- e-mail: resa.mda@secours-catholique.org