Fostering a just peace in Israel and Palestine through education | |
Executive Director Message | |
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Greetings,
I wish I had better news, but at the moment, even with the International Court of Justice’s ruling that, “…the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa to have been committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the (Genocide) Convention…,” and the expectation that this ruling would lead to a cessation of the violence, I am saddened that this has not, to date at least, been the result.
Of course all our prayers continue to be laser focused on the well-being of all the people caught in this extraordinarily devastating situation. “May they find a road to peace and justice for all,” we cry to the heavens in unison.
I continue to hear from peace partners how challenging this time is, much more than previously, and that was no cake walk either. However they do what they can to support the youth and communities as a whole, knowing how very badly their ministries are needed.
We, and they, welcome your care and friendship — truly desperately needed. I encourage you to continue doing all that you do to inform and educate others about the plight of Palestinians whether Muslim or Christian, all face the same mercilessness. In fact, below you'll learn more about an upcoming webinar with Father Chacour (March 2) this would be a perfect opportunity to introduce your friends, family and/or faith community to this remarkable peacemaker and teacher to us all.
Many Blessings,
Essrea Cherin
Executive Director
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Webinar with Abuna Chacour | |
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Blessed are the Peacemakers: Hope Beyond Despair
Saturday, 2 March
Palestine/Israel 19.00 | 12pm ET | 11am CT | 10am MT | 9am PT
Pilgrims of I’billin will host a conversation with Abuna Elias Chacour, the Archbishop Emeritus of Galilee, author of the book Blood Brothers, and Founder of Mar Elias Educational Institutions (MEEI) in I’billin, Israel.
Abuna Chacour has spent his life working to build peace through education, teaching students to see the beauty and value in each other regardless of their religious or ethnic background. In his words, “We are all children of God. We were all born babies.”
Abuna Chacour will discuss a recent book, "Sermon on the Mount: the Way to the Kingdom," his understanding of the Beatitudes, a distillation of his faith and life. (For those who have been patiently waiting for the English translated version of this book - you'll be happy to know that the translation is under way and we hope it will be published and available soon.)
He will also speak about MEEI and some of the challenges they face in the year ahead.
We Welcome Your Joining this Conversation!
Note: There will be time for questions from those attending. For security reasons, it has been requested that political questions be avoided. We appreciate your understanding.
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A Day of Tolerance
We received a letter from Abuna offering a ray of light — his work as a peacemaker continues with an offering to MEEI students to dialogue with diverse religious dignitaries about “How to promote tolerance and peace” even amidst some of the worst that humanity has to offer surrounding these youth. Following is an excerpt from Abuna’s letter:
"Mar Elias High School in Ibillin celebrated the Day of Tolerance and Coexistence on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The meeting included several sections, starting with a morning meeting that brought together religious men from all spectrums with the prominent presence of ArchBishop Elias Chacour, the founder of MEEI. The meeting was exciting and nourishing for the spirit and mind.
Afterward, students met with the participating delegation in the schoolyard and planted an olive tree. The scene was very expressive and impactful, knowing that the olive tree, with its symbolic depth, carries concepts and constants of utmost importance that align with the foundations of coexistence, affection, and continuity.
It should be noted that MEEI live these foundations daily as the students gather under one roof, students from all sects and towns. The school prides itself on diversity and pluralism and works hard to instill the sweetest values in the hearts of its students.
We concluded the day with a March on the institution's premises, where slogans condemning violence and demanding a dignified and respectful life for all humanity were raised. After the parade, the students gathered in the auditorium under the Church of the Sermon, where a group of students posed their questions to the clergy, who in turn offered the best and most refined answers, making the meeting truly successful and brilliant.
We thank all those responsible for the success of this project, and the officials of the Department of Religions in the Ministry of the Interior, particularly Mr. Iyad Sarhan, who made great efforts to make this meeting a success.”
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Students march - sign translates to: “Violence is still violence, fire cannot be extinguished by" | |
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View from MEEI High School
“Joining Mar Elias High School in 2015, I quickly discovered it was more than just an educational institution—it became a vibrant community that resonated with me, far from the triteness of calling a workplace 'a second home.' It truly is.
In my dual role at this prestigious high
school, I'm both a navigator and a nurturer.
As a math educator for the 10th and 12th
grades, I guide our students through the
intricate world of numbers and equations,
equipping them with problem-solving skills
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essential for acing the Bagrut exams [Israeli national exams similar to the American SATs]. The success of our students in these critical assessments is not just a point of pride for the school; it's a personal triumph for me. | | |
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Simultaneously, I orchestrate the daily symphony of schedules, ensuring that each class and teacher is harmoniously aligned for an optimal educational experience. This strategic coordination is vital for the seamless operation of our academic environment.
At Mar Elias High School, challenges are opportunities for growth, and the rewards are the successes of our students and the smooth operation of our educational programs. My commitment to both teaching and coordinating is a testament to our dedication to excellence in education and our students' futures.
My busy days are motivated by many success stories.
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One story that stands out is the journey of Mariam, a student who joined the High school this year in September. Mariam has a background of educational interruptions due to her family's constant relocations. The case of Mariam is similar to cases we have witnessed recently of families moving from other areas to live in Ibillin or Shfoammer. Recognizing her potential, her home teacher and I tailored a personalized learning plan focusing on her strengths in Math. This strategy assisted Mariam in believing in herself, especially in these difficult times that all students are going through.
I can share that Mariam blossomed, and her confidence increased. This was reflected in her improved grades. By the end of the first semester, she had also caught up with her peers. Mariam is in the tenth grade, and I can’t wait to see her success within the next two years. Her story is a vivid reminder of the impact personalized attention can have. I am saying this as a mother of two kids, a teacher, and a human being.”
By Maisa Halloun,
Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Math at the University of Haifa
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Pilgrims Center of Hope in San Antonio, TX has produced, as part of its Journeys of Hope series, a program to highlight Archbishop Emeritus Elias Chacour, Mar Elias Educational Institutions, and Pilgrims of Ibillin with board member (and former Executive Director) Robert Sawyer.
The program is now available at this link:
Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian.
Journeys of Hope encourages, teaches and challenges listeners on topics of faith.
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A note from Father Firas (slightly edited to correct some grammar):
"I have one story make me feels proud of the school:
One year ago I was driving my car in Jenin feeling quite sick. I stopped my car, unable to feel better: trees moved in front of my eyes. A car stopped and the driver took me to hospital.
I picked up my mobile and called a friend who is a doctor, Yasser, a graduate from our Catholic school in Zababdeh.
He works at Alrazi Hospital, supported by Islamic organizations, the doctors are Muslims, in some cases very religious. In fact, Dr. Yasser preaches in the mosque in his city, Qabatia.
Yasser and a nurse met me at the main door of the hospital upon my arrival. They carried me in and gave me special care. Dr. Yasser left everything he was responsible for to stay with me.
After some tests, Dr. Yasser sent me back home, asking me to return the next day for more tests. I returned to make the test but was worried about Dr. Yasser who wanted to return home to be with his family, as he had promised his wife and children to have lunch with them.
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His wife called to ask why he was late and he told her my friend Abouna needs me to stay with him a bit longer. She agreed to wait. After one hour she called again, “All the family are waiting.” He explain to her that Abouna will be done with his tests soon, and smiled.
Finally, when he felt good about my tests he said that you are fine, now I can go be with my family.
This Dr. Yasser is a religious leader in his city but he told me, “I will never forget what the Catholic school has done for me. I’m so honored by your friendship.”
Of course we are friends forever. He invited me to his son’s wedding, the only Christian invited to this wedding among thousands of Muslims.
This is the mission of the school in Zababdeh: building friends, caring about each other.
This story is reminiscent of the biblical Good Samaritan story. The students who graduate from the Catholic school become activists to be Good Samaritans.
We train them through the school and the church to be teachers and to build friendships with every human being, no matter if he is Christian or Muslim or Jewish. This is my ministry in this place in Palestine and what Jesus Christ himself had done (to build the community)."
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Pilgrims’ Study Tour Status | |
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We held a meeting last week with individuals who had registered to travel to the Holy Land this coming April. We came together to explore whether to postpone or go forward with the Study Tour.
After a thorough consideration the group arrived at the consensus to postpone the trip.
We will of course keep our eyes, hearts and minds focused on that moment when travel to the Holy Land feels right to resume and will be sure to let you know of future plans!
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We have sent out over 1,000 copies of Archbishop Emeritus Elias Chacour’s book, We Belong to the Land, with roughly 140 or so copies remaining. Now is the time to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to share Abuna’s inspiring story while enlightening folks in your community or congregation — the copies will not be around much longer. | |
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Go to this web page: pilgrimsofibillin.org/we-belong/ and complete the form to request your copies of We Belong to the Land.
The form only allows you to select 10 copies, but if you wish to receive more than that, please let us know how many in the comment field. Our only request is that you cover the cost of postage to one address, approximately $1/book.
We are grateful for a donation from Middle East Books in Washington DC of over 1,000 copies of Father Elias Chacour’s influential book, We Belong to the Land.
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We Found a Graphic Designer! | |
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We are so grateful to Tabetha Chaney for offering to volunteer to be the Pilgrims of Ibillin Graphic Designer! Tabetha comes to us via our new board member Emily Nesvold and we are thrilled to have her skill and talent to support our work.
Welcome to the team Tabetha!!
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Your donations support the ongoing work of
Pilgrims' Peace Partners in fostering a just peace
through education in Israel and Palestine.
Thank you.
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Essrea Cherin
Executive Director, Pilgrims of Ibillin
(303) 928-0923
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