In 1902, at the direction of Father Michele Rua, then the Salesians’ Rector Major to the Vatican, Father Antonio Belloni established an orphanage in Bethlehem. Soon, with the addition of a congregation, a novitiate and an agricultural school, Bethlehem became the seat of what is now the Middle East province. Today, Salesian missionaries throughout the region run schools, summer camps, sports, enrichment and other extracurricular activities for disadvantaged youth of all religions and ethnicities. In times of war and conflict, Salesian missionaries have been among the few who remain — offering refuge and respite for traumatized youth and families, as well as instruction in intercultural understanding.

Countries where we work in Middle East

Countries that are highlighted have a wealth of additional information to view.

Azerbaijan

Iran*

Israel

Kuwait

Lebanon*

Palestine*

Syria*
Turkey

Yemen*

Salesian Missions works in more than 130 countries around the globe

Africa

Serving in 44 countries since 1896.

Asia

Serving in 17 countries since 1906.

Middle East

Serving in nine countries since 1891.

Oceania

Serving in seven countries since 1922.

North America

Serving in three countries since 1892.

Central America

Serving in six countries since 1897.

South America

Serving in 10 countries since 1875.

Europe

Serving in 36 countries since 1846.

Caribbean

Serving in five countries since 1917.

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.