Iskandar Salameh & Luna Habash
Sophomores Luna Habash and Iskandar Salameh grew up just minutes apart in the little town of Bethlehem, yet they only met for the first time at Notre Dame. Although their hometown was Jesus’ birthplace, Luna and Iskandar are part of a Christian community that makes up just two percent of the population of the Holy Land. Both of them yearned to strengthen their belief and have a safe place to practice Christianity in community–and that’s exactly what they found on campus.
Iskandar says: “Just as the Star of Bethlehem guided the magi, Mary on top of the Golden Dome led us to this special place where Luna and I are neighbors once again. Through campus ministry, Bible study, quiet moments at the Grotto, and the graces we encounter every day, we’ve grown together—spiritually and holistically—living out our faith not in isolation, but surrounded and supported by a community that walks with us.
“Early Christians often faced hardship and misunderstanding, yet persevered with courage and peace, holding fast to the gospel. In a way, our story echoes theirs: learning to remain faithful, finding strength in community, and trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance. In this season of Advent, how might each of us seek to walk more faithfully and follow the star of Bethlehem, no matter where it leads us next?”
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How beautiful that you were both neighbors in Bethlehem but found each other at Our Lady’s University where your deep faith can continue to grow through each other and with others. Thank you for sharing your story. Have a very blessed Christmas.
Inspiring story. There’s some reason you’re now together in your college years. It’s HIS Will! Enjoy the trip and HONOR and be grateful for your blessings! Keep praying! Our Dear Lord wants to hear from you!!! Be sure to keep in contact with Him!!!
Grandma Mare
Beautiful journey. God bless you both in the years ahead ☘️❗️
Thank you for sharing your story!
What is so amazing is that these two girls , who lived minutes away from each and were only 2% of their population , never met. You would think the commonalities of this 2% would be a bonding experience. Then they come to this huge institution in another country and find each other. It shows that God has a sense of humor. The diversity of ND is a tribute. In reading the sacred stories, I’m aware of the multitude of cultures that converge on this prestigious campus. I believe it is in part what makes the ND experience so wonderful. It has a strong faith atmosphere and its diversity is part of its strength. It’s like a microcosm of the world. This was a very enjoyable sacred story.
Iskander is a male, not a female. They’re not two girls.
Your courage and faith are inspiring and your journey and friendship a testament that God’s plan is always perfect – even when it doesn’t seem as though it is. Thank you for inspiring me and others and for reminding us the blessings that have. A merry Christmas to you both.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful, amazing story and for your strong faith witness. Merry Christmas 🎄
Thank you for sharing your beautiful, amazing story of great faith. Merry Christmas 🎄
So very beautiful and inspirational. The Holy Spirit is with you both every step of your journey. Thank you for sharing the Light of Christ in your lives.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. So amazing how God guided you both to Notre Dame. What a bond you will always treasure. Merry Christmas to you and your families! 🙏❤️🎄🍀
My friend and I found Notre Dame in wonderful summers together!
This story reminds me that God is always leading us on to many graces and blessings!
Wow, what a great story. To live , as you put it, “In the Cradle of Christianity”, is so special and that you both connected while at ND. This is yet another example of God’s timing. He knew that you both would meet at a certain time and place… Thank you for sharing. This is a lesson for ALL of us. We live our lives, unaware that someone else, who may live in our town, or is in another part of the country..both our lives are moving toward each other for a purpose.
Thank you for sharing your experience and beautiful story.