During a recent visit to the Holy Land, Select International Tours President Edita Krunic was recognized by the Latin Patriarchate for the company’s impactful work through its Select to Give Foundation. At the Latin Patriarchate, Krunic met with Fr. Davide Meli and The Most Reverend Aux. Bishop William Hanna Shomali of Jerusalem. During the meeting, she was honored with the prestigious Golden Medal of the Holy Sepulchre. The award is given in deep gratitude to those who support the Latin Patriarchate’s pastoral and humanitarian mission in the Holy Land through steadfast charity. Furthermore, the award acknowledges her “merits and excellent deeds for the good of the Church of Jerusalem and its works and initiatives.”
Founded in 2014 by Edita Krunic, Select to Give is a IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. The foundation’s approach has always been collaborative, prioritizing engagement with the Christian community it serves in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem to understand and directly address their needs. Operating with zero overhead and a strictly volunteer staff, Select to Give contributes 100% of all funds raised directly to ensuring Christians can remain in the Holy Land. In addition to the generous contributions of our pilgrims, our group leaders’ and fundraising efforts, Select International Tours donates proceeds to Select to Give on behalf of every pilgrim traveling on any of their pilgrimages.
In 2025, over $80,000 was donated directly to support the remaining Christians in Gaza through programs run by the Latin Patriarchate.
“Receiving this recognition for the work Select to Give has accomplished for the Christian community in the Holy Land means a great deal to me personally, as this is our mission at Select International Tours. More importantly, I hope this award inspires others to dedicate their time and treasure to help keep Christians present in the Holy Land. This ongoing presence is essential so that all followers of Jesus can continue to visit and venerate the sacred sites of His birth, ministry, teaching, trial, crucifixion, and, most importantly, His resurrection. We will continue to donate financial assistance to the Christians in Gaza as well as help the Christians of Bethlehem.
“During our meeting, Fr. David shared more details about the plight of just over six hundred remaining Christians in Gaza. Several significant projects were discussed, and we will share more information as they get finalized,” says Edita.
Over the past 12 years, Select to Give has undertaken a wide array of projects. These efforts have included direct financial support for children’s education, assistance with medical needs for the severely disabled, and direct aid to Christian families who faced job loss due to the pandemic or were displaced by the conflict in Gaza. Select to Give recently launched a new project to bring qualified medical professionals to serve the severely disabled in Bethlehem through its Select to Care Initiative. In the spirit of full transparency, Select to Give regularly posts receipts and letters from the organizations and individuals it serves on its website, selecttogive.org.