Executive Director Message |
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Hi my friend,
I have learned from colleagues in Ibillin that the situation for Palestinians in Israel has worsened recently with escalating tension and violence. Please join me in sending prayers to our friends and all people in Israel and Palestine during this particularly fragile moment.
We’ve been busy at Pilgrims of Ibillin making the transition to a new database which is a far more involving process than I had any idea. We are very near completion on this project.
To help with the transition and so much more, I am happy to share that we’ve recently hired Paige Webley to replace Branwen (who has moved to our board of directors). Paige will support our work in an operations and administrative capacity.
In the newsletter to follow, you’ll find a variety of updates about Mar Elias student activities.
We had a very good turnout for our most recent webinar, Come and See, Go and Tell. You’ll find a link to the recording in this newsletter….and an announcement of our next webinar in the 2022 series — an update from Peace Partner Seraj Libraries.
Finally, I hope you’ll consider joining us in October for the Living Stones Pilgrimage, the first in three years. We have a few remaining spaces and we’d love to fill them with you!
Blessings to you and yours,
Essrea Cherin, Executive Director
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Mar Elias students seem to rise to the top
Thirty MEEI Students attended Galilee Dreamers International Youth Conference — From Discrimination to Reconciliation — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
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MEEI student and incredibly talented pianist, Nabeel, surrounded by Palestinian and Jewish students at Galilee |
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Mar Elias Debate Club Advances to Finals Competition
The Debate Club at Mar Elias is delighted to advance to the Israeli national championship debate. Here are a few pictures and videos from the qualifying debate.
Topics:
- Taxing all activities which harm the environment
- Replacing tests with projects at school
- Teenagers should quit social media
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MEEI Debate Team advances to finals |
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MEEI Student at Debate Competition |
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MEEI Elementary welcomes Jewish students |
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Book Update
The Sermon on the Mount - the Way of the Kingdom
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Translator has been found!
Peace Partner Wi’am’s director, Zoughbi Zoughbi, has offered to help translate this important work by Abuna Chacour. The process will begin shortly.
As soon as Abuna’s book, Sermon on the Mount — the Way to the Kingdom is published in English, we’ll let you know!
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Learn about the critical role libraries play in Palestinian communities
We will host our Peace Partner Seraj Library Project to learn about their current activities and how they have been serving the needs of communities across Palestine to offer books, culture, and convening spaces.
Seraj supports by developing libraries in rural Palestinian villages, assisting in the education of Palestinian villagers of all ages and faiths through the development of high quality and accessible library programs. The project is based on the belief that civic education is the best route to democracy, human rights and peace.
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We hope you can join us
Saturday, May 14
12pm ET | 11am CT | 10am MT | 9am PT
(and 7pm in Palestine)
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Come and See, Go and Tell: Webinar Recording
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As part of the Embodying the Way of the Prince of Peace Lenten Series, sponsored by the Central Pacific Conference Palestine Israel Network, Pilgrims of Ibillin was the featured guest on the third segment, entitled "Come and See, Go and Tell;” incorporating powerful stories of those who have traveled to the Holy Land and experienced walking in the footsteps of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
If you were unable to attend this very thoughtful Lenten Series segment you may view the recording here.
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If you’ve been thinking about a visit to Israel and Palestine - now is the time to register to ensure your spot on the next –
Living Stones Pilgrimage to Israel & Palestine
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Sept. 29 - Oct. 11, 2022
Pilgrimage Leaders:
Instructor, Rev. Dr. James Thomas
West Bank Tour Guide, Usama Nicola
Tour Coordinator, Brenda Mehos
“Living Stones” Pilgrimages are unique tours of witness and pilgrimage in the service of peace in the region a third of humanity call “The Holy Land.”
The trip is both magical and enriching, not to mention life-changing!
You’ll meet local peacemaking colleagues in the West Bank and the Galilee when we visit Christians, Muslims, and Jews working to plant and nourish the seeds of a just peace. Our tours include visits to holy sites and conversations which connect our experiences with our faith.
In addition to visiting Mar Elias Educational Institutions and meeting staff and students, you’ll also engage with individuals representing organizations such as the Christian Peacemaker Team, Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, Hebron Defense Committee, Youth Against Settlements, Parents’ Circle, Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Center, and more!
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You’ll visit historic treasures such as the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Sea of Galilee, amongst many many other heritage sites.
For prices, itinerary, and to indicate your interest, please provide your contact information at the bottom of this webpage and trip coordinator Brenda Mehos will be in touch!
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Pilgrims 2021 Annual Report - Updated |
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We added a few pages to recognize our most generous donors from 2021 to the Annual Report.
See how we put your gifts to work in fostering a just peace for all in Israel and Palestine by clicking here or on the report cover.
We hope you enjoy reminiscing!
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Blood Brothers Available in Spanish
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Hermanos de Sangre a Spanish Translation — available — who do you know who would be deeply inspired by Abuna Elias Chacour’s story who speaks Spanish?
We have copies available - for a donation of $50 or more I will send you a copy of this book to read yourself or gift to a friend who speaks Spanish.
When completing the form, make a note in the Comments field that you’d like a copy.
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If so, first of all, huge gratitude for your steady contributions. We so appreciate being able to count on your support each month.
Most of you have made the switch to our new and improved credit card processing system, thank you!!
If you’ve not yet done so, please go to this donation form and input you information again in order to continue monthly payments.
When completing the form, you’ll need to make sure to click the little box just below the Amount field, as is shown here:
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And if you’re not already a monthly donor, well, we sure appreciate your considering becoming one!
We thank you for your help to cultivate a just peace for all in Israel and Palestine!
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Your donations will support the ongoing work of
Pilgrims' Peace Partners in fostering 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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