On June 22, 2003 his Excellency Johannes Rau, President of the Federal Republic of Germany was welcomed to Talitha Kumi Lutheran School in Beit Jala by the students and teachers, Principal Willhelm Golller and Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan. He spent time visiting with children and touring the school complex. President Rau was very impressed by the school which the German government and related agancies help to support.