Malala becomes Citizen of Bethlehem

Nobel laureate Malala and her father Ziauddin Yousafzai with their new Bethlehem Passports

Malala, the youngest-ever Nobel Prize Laureate, and her father Ziauddin Yousafzai, the United Nations Special Advisor on Global Education, have become citizens and ambassadors of Bethlehem.

Malala said: "I feel very happy that I got the opportunity to see Open Bethlehem and also met the producer and director of the film Leila. The film artistically is moving and powerful. It makes you cry. It speaks for the freedom of people to have the right to live together no matter what their religion or nationality is. The film somehow had similarities to my life as well. My father inspired me to believe in the power of our voice and so did Leila's great father.

"I strongly recommend this film, it will not just inform you about the tragedies of Bethlehem but will inspire you, by the courage of Leila and her friends, to believe in yourself and your voice and become part of this movement. Thank you Leila. Your film is the voice of the people of Bethlehem and Palestine, whether Muslims or Christians or Jews. It is voice of the people."

Open Bethlehem director Leila Sansour said: "The community of Bethlehem Ambassadors continues to grow as many more join the campaign in the new year. We are particularly delighted and honoured to welcome Malala and her father Ziauddin Yousafzai into our network of friends and supporters.

"As we embark on an ambitious programme in 2016, with launches of our critically acclaimed documentary film Open Bethlehem in Australia, Canada, Chile and the USA, we want to thank all our wonderful Ambassadors and supporters and invite them and you to join us in making a real difference for Bethlehem and its future.

It is very easy to support us: Watch Open Bethlehem. Organise a Screening. Share our messages and tell your family, friends and colleagues about what we are doing. Donate whatever you can, our campaign depends on your generosity.

"Above all, if you have not done so, consider becoming a Bethlehem Ambassador and an honorary citizen of our ancient city. We are looking for people across the world who are prepared to work with us to boost our reach and support a wider program of screenings and events. Help us to make a real difference in 2016, make it a year of positive action, a year to remember."

Visit the Open Bethlehem website to find out how: www.openbethlehem.org/