The first successful effort to establish an organization for the Beit Sahour community in Michigan began with a planned Christmas Day meeting at a local restaurant in Flint, Michigan, in 1989. During this gathering, the idea was discussed and developed, and soon after, the necessary legal work was initiated. This led to the formation of the Arab American Beit Sahour Association.

While the Association initially aimed to serve the broader Beit Sahour community, challenges such as travel distances and limited communication led to a stronger focus on the Flint-area community. Despite these constraints, the early 1990s saw the Association thrive as an active and vibrant organization. Annual general assembly meetings were held during Easter dinners, where executive committees were elected, reports presented, and Association business discussed. The group organized numerous activities, including picnics, parties, educational meetings, monthly family fun nights, a Debka dance group, and Arabic language classes.

Supporting Beit Sahour was always a key priority. From fundraising efforts to shipping medical equipment, assisting those in need, supporting specific projects, and helping students complete their education, the Association stood steadfast in its commitment to the community. It also maintained strong ties with Beit Sahour, welcoming distinguished visitors such as Father Ibrahim Ayad and Mayor Hanna Alatrash, among others, further affirming its identity as a Palestinian-American organization.

Unfortunately, by the end of 1996, the Association’s organized activities ceased due to personal challenges faced by its members. However, the spirit of the Association lived on, and over the years, many attempts were made to revive it. During this time, community-driven events such as fundraising initiatives, picnics, parties, sports events, Debka performances, and welcoming visitors from Beit Sahour—including Father Issa Musleh, Dr. Elias Iseed, Mayor Hani AlHayek, Bishop Attalla Hanna, and Mayor Jehad Khair—continued to bring the community together.

These efforts culminated in 2019 with the formal establishment of Beit Sahour USA in Michigan. This milestone laid the foundation for the creation of the National Beit Sahour USA in 2020, fulfilling a long-standing dream of uniting and serving the Beit Sahour diaspora across the United States.