Fostering a just peace in Israel and Palestine through education

May 2026

New decorated outdoor space with shades hung above for protection

against summer heat, in front of High School at Mar Elias

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello Friend,

We have received word from colleagues at Mar Elias that in-person schooling has resumed. This is quite welcome news, not only because of the benefit to students to learn together with their peers and not to be isolated at home, but also it is an indication that violence has subsided sufficiently deeming it safe enough to venture out.

We are certainly relieved that this is the case, as all the reports we had received previously were quite alarming. We continue to direct our prayers to the region and may we see an easing of violence, allowing youth to thrive; nothing more than what we would expect for all youth around the world.

In the newsletter below you'll see the results of your support for projects at Mar Elias and peace partners, and a short video update from the High School about the dangers of smoking and drugs.

Thank you for your continuing support for these important initiatives.

Wishing you a joyful springtime,

Essrea Cherin

Executive Director

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MESSAGE FROM ABUNA

You are making a difference!

“The High school is showing a permanent success and is rated several times among the ten first schools in Israel, Arabs and Jews alike.

I am convinced that last Wednesday was one of the most beautiful re-openings of the school. I went early to watch the children come back, joy and happiness was clear on the face of every one.

I addressed them telling the story of Pilgrims and their generous collaboration, mainly through the financing of every development project.

I wish you were there when I mentioned Pilgrims of Ibillin, the applause.

I want to remind all those who contribute with their prayers and their funds, you represent the very beautiful face of America. Without your help, America would be viewed with a very different feeling.”

SHADE FOR HS STUDENTS

Your Gifts Support the Well-Being of MEEI Students

Pilgrims of Ibillin provided funding for Mar Elias last year in order to install permanent shade structures across the High School campus's outdoor space.

In the Mediterranean climate of the Galilee, outdoor temperatures remain high for the majority of the school year, creating unsafe and uncomfortable conditions in assembly areas, student gathering spaces, outdoor learning zones, and areas for sport and play.

This project directly addressed the physical well-being, safety, and daily experience of students and staff.

The absence of adequate shade has historically limited outdoor assemblies, recreational activities, and social interactions — all of which are essential to students’ holistic development.

These new high-quality shade structures in key outdoor locations across the High School front yard now protect students and staff from direct sun exposure and provide more useful space to conduct activities beyond the classrooms.

MEEI HS CAMPAIGN AGAINST SMOKING

MEEI High School students participated in a day-long campaign to educate and better understand the impacts of smoking and drug-taking on the body as well as the ability to function and perform well in life.

STATUE OF PROPHET MAR ELIAS

Prophet, Messenger,

Righteous One

The photograph to the right was taken at the unveiling of a new statue of Mar Elias the Prophet, placed at the turn near Mar Elias Educational Institutions in Ibillin.

This event took place in a delicate time when rockets from Lebanon and Iran continued to reach the north of Israel. In that context, the decision by the local municipality—with the involvement of both Muslim and Christian residents—to undertake a shared religious initiative is not a small matter. It reflects a conscious choice to maintain a sense of partnership and ordinary life under sustained pressure.

The figure of Elijah is rooted in this landscape—in the place names, in the traditions that run through the region across centuries and across communities.

Placing the statue in a public space does not assert one community's claim over another. It finds something already held in common and makes it visible.

For Mar Elias Educational Institutions, founded by Elias Chacour, this is not an isolated event, it's an echo of MEEI's message and of a deliberate choice made from the beginning: to bring together students from all faiths and to build a shared space where they learn to live with one another, not apart.

Even as rockets reach the Galilee, the values at the heart of Mar Elias—respect, responsibility, and shared belonging—continue to shape how this community responds and how people choose to stand together.

LIVING STONES PILGRIMAGE RESCHEDULE

We invite you to join us when we return to the Holy Land to meet and learn from those who have dedicated their lives to building peace — on desktops and throughout their community.

Additionally, on this upcoming visit Abuna Chacour is excited to accompany the group to visit many special holy places in the Galilee and will share with us the meaning and interpretation of their importance, as well as his personal experience as 'another man from Galilee'.

We have two options on the calendar for you to choose from:

November 1 - 14, 2026

March 30 - April 12, 2027

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

PEACE PARTNER UPDATE: ZABABDEH

Your Gifts Are Feeding Families

Yesterday was a beautiful day, as Father Firas of St. George Catholic Church in Zababdeh went to the city of Jenin and filled an entire car with food supplies. Afterwards, they were prepared into boxes and distributed to families in need. It was a day full of grace and blessing.

"God is working through you and through us. We are strong in Him because He is our God and we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Our fortress is Him, and in Him we trust."

(Biblical references: Psalm 100:3, Psalm 46:1)

We are now planning to organize a summer camp for the youth: one for children and one for the scout group.

STUDENTS IN GAZA STRUGGLE TO BE EDUCATED

How Israel obstructs education for over 780,000 Gaza students amid destruction

A recent article goes into depth about how education infrastructure in Gaza has not only been intentionally targeted and destroyed but the ability to revive it is continuously hampered.

“In what has been termed scholasticide, the deliberate attacks on the educational infrastructure have left almost nothing 1of the once-bustling schools and universities that produced near-universal literacy in the besieged enclave despite inordinate constraints.”

Read the full article here.