Fostering peace and justice in Israel and Palestine through education.

November 2021

Message from Executive Director

Happy Fall to you! We at Pilgrims of Ibillin are so very grateful for your continued support of a just peace for all in Israel and Palestine. Together we have played an integral part in giving students access to an unparalleled education, guided by Abuna Chacour’s vision: "Just add the letters 'B' and 'R' to the word 'OTHER' and you have 'BROTHER'. When we accept each other as brothers and sisters, we feel whole. Christ teaches us that we are our brother's and sister's keeper.” Over this month and next we are working toward two end of year events - just below, you’ll read about the effort to support the translation of one of Abuna’s newest works. We also aim to have an end of year holiday gift for you, our supporters, so please keep your eye out for the next newsletter for more details. In peace and solidarity, Essrea Cherin, Executive Director

GIVING TUESDAY – November 30, 2021

Pilgrims is excited to announce this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign will support the English translation of Abuna Elias Chacour’s new book, The Sermon on the Mount – The Way to the Kingdom. Abuna wrote this book in 2020 during the height of the COVID19 pandemic. He describes this book, which focuses on a deep understanding of The Beatitudes, as the culmination of his life’s work in faith and peace-building.

“If I summarize all the book about the Beatitudes, it would be to say to every reader: Don't stop here, go beyond what you read, and listen to the spirit telling you what is in between the lines." – Abuna Elias Chacour

GIVING TUESDAY - NOV. 30

Thank you for your Giving Tuesday gifts to support the translation of Abuna Chacour's latest book. The translation is expected to cost $10,000 – about $50 per page. Monies raised beyond the cost of translation will be directed to the Mar Elias Educational Institutions.

Mar Elias Update

School is off to a great start. COVID still presents challenges to students and faculty alike. Faculty hosted a fun day of team building activities for students last week –

Sports Day - Here's a Glimpse

Hope School Update

Hope School graduate visits school One of our graduates, Sari Salim Zeidan graduated from Hope School in 2010, he attended Bethlehem University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in social development. Sari worked at a local NGO dedicated to social and economic development for three years, after which he moved to Shepherd’s Society as the Head of Department. Recently, Sari visited Hope School and expressed his excitement and appreciation: “I am very happy to visit the school after such a long time, this is the place where I started my dreams which became true after graduation; thanks for all that you do for the children of Hope School.”

Tent of Nations - Webinar Summary

Thanks from Daoud Nasser of Tent of Nations In September we invited Daoud Nasser of Tent of Nations to share with us his work to maintain ownership of his family’s land, under unfathomable and consistent threat. His story touched many hearts - we were nearly 80 people in attendance, and with the generosity of so many were successful in raising over $1,000 to help with this effort. Deep gratitude to all who stepped up to help our friends out!

Join Pilgrimage 2022

“I travel around the world in a way that tries to open my mind and give me empathy and inspire me to come home and make this world a better place.” – Rick Steves Travel with us to Israel and Palestine in March 2022! $100 off if you sign up by November 30

Living Stones Pilgrimage to Israel & Palestine   2 March - 13 March, 2022   Pilgrimage Leaders: Instructor, Rev. Dr. James Thomas West Bank Tour Guide, Usama Nicola Tour Coordinator, Brenda Mehos Living Stones Pilgrimages - Father Chacour says,“We invite visitors to see the ruins of holy sites but also engage with the “living stones” — the people who make their homes there.”   With this as inspiration, since 1995 Pilgrims of Ibillin has taken nearly 350 individuals on two-week pilgrimages to Israel and Palestine. Led by Pilgrims staff, board members, and local partners in the West Bank and the Galilee, we visit Christians, Muslims, and Jews who are working creatively to plant and nourish the seeds of a just peace. Our tours include visits to various holy sites and conversations which connect our experiences with our faith.   For prices, itinerary, and to indicate your interest, contact: Brenda Mehos brenda@pilgrimsofibillin.org +1-303-928-0923

Donate to Pilgrims of Ibillin

Your donations will support the ongoing work of Pilgrims' Peace Partners in fostering peace through education in Israel and Palestine. Thank you.

Essrea Cherin Executive Director, Pilgrims of Ibillin (303) 928-0923 essrea@pilgrimsofibillin.org www.pilgrimsofibillin.org