NPI’s partner in Nazareth and surrounding areas

The Nazareth Trust traces its roots back to 1861, when a young Christian doctor, Dr Kaloost Vartan, made the journey from Edinburgh to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, to establish a small four-bed clinic.

At that time, it was the only medical facility in the town, and as far as Damascus and Beirut in the north, and Jerusalem in the south. Dr Vartan carried out pioneering medical work, reaching out to a population whose life expectancy barely reached 25 years.

No doubt, Dr Vartan drew his inspiration from the words of Jesus. As he stood up in the synagogue in Nazareth Jesus proclaimed: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

While the foundations of the Nazareth Trust are in the provision of medical care, today, it is more than just a hospital. The Nazareth Trust is a dynamic Christian organization, with over 300,000 people accessing our services in healthcare, education and volunteering every year.

The organization has a unique history, but also an ambitious vision for the future. There are many people who share in this passion and vision for the Holy Land. We hope you will do too, as you understand how you can make a difference to the people of Nazareth and the regions beyond.