Hello Friend,

We are nearing the conclusion of another school year. This one similar to the five or six previous school years that have been marked by significant challenges — whether missiles landing precipitously close to MEEI's campus, or pandemic requiring remote learning, and, sadly, so much more. Yet, the faculty, students, and administrators at MEEI continue to rise above all these challenges and succeed — against all odds.

We are proud and honored to play a part in this phenomenal success and send our hearty congratulations to one more graduating class!

Palestine is Resiliance

As the war between Iran and the US/Israel rages on, we are prayerful, yet anxious, for Mar Elias Education Institutions (MEEI) in the wake of this recent terror. How is the school doing? The students? The teachers? How is Abuna (Fr. Chacour) holding up in the midst of a conflict that only heightens the daily struggles of our Palestinian friends and colleagues?

If you find yourself asking these questions and hoping for answers, this webinar is for you.

Dear Essrea,



I feel compelled to update you about the situation in MEEI. But before speaking about the school, I want to assure you that the best thing I did ever in my life was to create the Pilgrims of Ibillin as an association to tell the story of the school, and to raise funds to help maintain the school in its journey. I thank you for being faithful and persevering. 

The school reopened two weeks ago; it was a celebration with smiles on the faces of all the students. They were happy to end the confinement in their families, with the sirens going on, and explosives shaking our security and hoping for the end of the war. The students are now all back at school.

...

With regards to the elementary school, the principal of the school, Johaina, has become very well-known all over Galilee.

The registration for new pupils is always a big problem for us. It is difficult to decide whom to accept because if we need 50 new pupils we register 200 or more children. Indeed, that means if we wanted every year, we could open a new school. The demands are becoming increasingly big. They continue coming from very different villages in the Galilee region. And mostly Muslim children. Indeed, it is so difficult for us, for parents who come with the hope that their child would be registered...we wish to accept all of them, but we are limited with our capacity.

...

More of my time is given to prayer and you are often mentioned. I pray God to reward you hundred-fold, for every good word you mention about the school and every prayer you make for us.

Yours Sincerely,

Abuna Elias Chacour                                          

Archbishop em. Of Galilee  

At Mar Elias Educational Institutions, we are proud to witness students turning curiosity into extraordinary achievement. Moufaq, a Junior High School student, has shown exceptional passion for learning from a very young age. Known for his discipline, love of reading, and strong interest in technology and high-tech innovation, he constantly seeks opportunities to grow and challenge himself.

One of Moufaq’s greatest accomplishments came in 2025, when he was accepted into the prestigious “Outstanding Youth Program” at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology — a remarkable achievement for a student his age and a dream he has carried since childhood.

At Mar Elias Educational Institutions, education has always meant much more than academic achievement alone. It is about forming young people who carry values of dignity, compassion, teamwork, and responsibility into the world around them. This spirit was beautifully reflected in a recent sports initiative organized by the school’s outstanding Physical Education Department.

Inspired by the excitement and energy of the World Cup atmosphere, the event combined the joy of sports with a meaningful humanitarian message that emphasized unity, respect, and shared humanity.

Andres is a very shy child from a broken family. He arrived at Hope School with three failing grades, low self-confidence, and a lack of dignity. He felt marginalized and unsocialized, preferring to be alone most of the time. Placed in the Special Education Program, Andres received a tailored psychosocial intervention plan targeting his behavioral and academic challenges.

Initially, he showed only slight progress, and the school struggled to penetrate his private world. Over time, however, he began to cooperate and became ready for an intensive orientation program. This helped him release his internal energy and overcome the difficulties he faced.

We are absolutely thrilled to see Andres transformed into a different person; social, cooperative, and equipped with a positive attitude. His journey from isolation to engagement demonstrates the power of patient, individualized support. Today, he actively participates, interacts with peers, and faces challenges with resilience; a remarkable turnaround from his earlier struggles.

Simon has landed once again at Hope School after a painful childhood journey. Having faced closed doors everywhere, he returned to the school's boarding section with no social recognition or support from those around him. But at Hope School, he was given a fresh start.

The school enrolled him in a nearby vocational training center, where he began training on electric devices.

Violence against Christians in Jerusalem is escalating,

raising fears of displacement and highlighting

concerns over political and social shifts.

This article conveys the experience of Christians in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the West Bank and widespread concern of an evaporating Christian community.

“For years, incidents such as vandalized monasteries, attacks on churches, and desecrated cemeteries have been documented. But according to religious leaders, the nature of these acts has changed. They are no longer confined to the margins or carried out under cover of darkness.

Nikodemus Schnabel, Abbot of the Dormition Abbey, describes an environment in which hostility is increasingly public. 'As soon as I visibly step out onto the street in Jerusalem as a monk, I can count how many times I’m verbally abused,' he said, noting that he is now spat upon in broad daylight.”

Read the full article here.