SPECIAL PROJECTS CONTINUE AT TENT OF NATIONS FARM
The Nassar family continues to plan for a time when the farm will be fully self-sufficient. If you visit soon, you’ll see the following special projects — some recently completed and some still in process.
Agricultural Development:
The aim is to continue developing the farm and make it self-sustainable and self-supportive. New trees – olives, lemons, almonds, grapes, figs, carobs – are planted in winter and spring, then watered through the hot months of each tree’s first 2 years. Harvests are assisted in season by volunteers. Then even the established trees are pruned, cultivated, and fertilized and mulched. By continually developing the land and new projects, the family is keeping their spirit high by investing energy in a positive way.
Infrastructure:
New cave renovations, improvements in volunteer sleeping facilities, completion of the Farm/Gift Shop, expansion of the animal farm, additional kitchen facilities and a new campsite are just a few of the projects underway.
Energy:
Water:
Each year, the capacity of collecting rain water in order to have self-sufficiency in water is increased. Water is life.
Waste Water Treatment Unit:
Nassar family members and farm volunteers have worked to complete a process for recycling gray water to be used for irrigation.
Composting and Biogas Fuel:
Compost toilets are available for all on the farm. A biogas fuel unit is already functioning; it is a pilot project, and the hope is to be able to produce biogas out of the compost to be used as cooking gas.
These projects will help the Tent of Nations become independent. This is important, especially as the Tent of Nations might become more isolated and disconnected from the city of Bethlehem.
Aquaponics System:
This project was started in 2016; the system is for raising fish. The fish tank is connected through a pipe with three open tanks filled with stones and sand. When the water is flowing from the tank into the three open ones, it gets clean from the stones and sand and the fish waste stays there; the water continues to flow into the water tank and from there it is pumped back as clean water to the fish tank. With this system, fish can be raised to eat and vegetables can be grown in the open tanks.
Greenhouse:
The greenhouse has been rebuilt after being destroyed by heavy winds in early 2016. In 2025 it has been completely enclosed again to protect garden veggies from summer heat. A drip irrigation system helps keep greenhouse plants watered.
Animal Farm:
The work on developing a better infrastructure for animals has been a continuous project. Work was stopped many times because of demolition orders, but has continued in small steps. The animal farm project is important for educational purposes during the Children’s Summer Camps for bringing nature into the life of children; the aim is also for self-sufficiency. The plan is to grow the family’s own food and eat from what the farm is producing.
Educational Garden:
In March 2017 this project was completed with the help of volunteers from Germany. The garden has been very useful with visitors and during Children’s Summer Camps. The children have been able to learn about different plants, herbs and trees. Most of the children come from cities and do not know a lot about plants and trees.
