Hello from the Holy Land!

This trip has been very long awaited with travel having ground to a halt over the pandemic years; it feels so good to be back!

I am excited to share that last week I had the honor to visit Abuna Chacour and the incredible Mar Elias Educational Institutions. I met so many wonderful teachers, students, administrators, and board members (General Assembly). My heart was warmed by the breadth and depth of passionate, dedicated, and so committed people across the board. Clearly Mar Elias is in a category all its own. I asked everyone I met what they loved about MEEI. Without exception I heard repeatedly how MEEI feels like more than a school but a family where each member truly cares about the well-being of others — and appreciates the differences — as students and teachers arrive at the school from near and far. 

I didn’t truly grasp the unique-ness of this until my visit this week — most schools in Palestinian villages are not mixed the way MEEI is — and the students choose MEEI for that reason — they desire expanding beyond the confines of their villages (and besides, MEEI has such a strong reputation across the country for preparing students to succeed post High School).

I was continually moved by stories from teachers how they go above and beyond (and some drive nearly 3 hours per day to work at MEEI) because being a part of MEEI is so rewarding.

This week I visit other Peace Partners in Palestine. I visited Seraj’s newest library and storytelling center in Kafr’Aqab - in the Jerusalem district. The space is truly gorgeous and Fidaa who oversees the project there welcomed me and explained how the new space is being used for an array of events all related to reading and storytelling — and how they are helping to revive the ancient art of storytelling — as you may know, Palestinian heritage has been orally passed down for centuries — often by grandmothers in the homes and professional storytellers in the public square so to speak. The Center offers a peaceful, calm, and beautiful setting for those in the community — which is otherwise unavailable. What a gift to the community — that took so many years to plan, renovate, and create — and it is now providing a much need service for Kafr’Aqab members.

Check out our social media channels to keep up with the updates (you’ll find the links to them in the section below).

I love experiencing Mar Elias, the incredible people who make it such a special place, and our inspiring Peace Partners. My heart is warmed seeing the impact your donations and support over several decades have made to create a thriving and unique school environment at Mar Elias and provide much needed help for so many in Palestine!

Blessings and gratitude,

Essrea Cherin

Executive Director

Day #3: From Brenda Mehos, our Pilgrimage Coordinator:

We started off today visiting a farm called the Tent of Nations near Bethlehem. The Nassars recently celebrated 105 years on their land. Their 100 acres in the West Bank is now surrounded by 5 illegal settlements (by International Law) and in fact their farm is the only hilltop in the area without a settlement on it.

They have olive and fruit trees, grapes, and they have chickens and goats as well. They have met incredible challenges to hold onto their land. They have unfortunately had physical attacks, destroyed roads, and destroyed olive and fruit trees, but they’ve persevered by inviting people to visit and volunteer for planting and harvesting.

The dry climate makes it incredibly challenging to replace lost trees and they are denied water and electricity, but they’ve thrived in spite of it by employing sustainable practices to preserve the environment. Daoud Nassar told us they refuse to hate, they refuse to be enemies, and they are challenged daily. He believes in standing up for what is unjust and their Christian faith is their center.  

Daoud in his office with art from a children’s workshop on the farm.

A painting titled “religion should bring people together.”

There is more to share!

Read along... to hear about the impressions and experiences pilgrims are having on the first pilgrimage to the Holy Land in three years!

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The program provides a unique educational opportunity to join a research group at the

Weizmann Institute of Science and to be involved in experimental or theoretical research under the direct guidance of scientists at the institute.

What 8th Grade Students LOVE about Mar Elias

A Visit to Seraj Library

Essrea Cherin visited Seraj’s newest library and storytelling center in Kafr’Aqab - in the Jerusalem district. The space is truly gorgeous and Fidaa who oversees the project there welcomed me and explained how the new space is being used for an array of events all related to reading and storytelling.

We have received several inquiries regarding our plans for the next Living Stones

Pilgrimage in 2023. We are working out those details just now and hope to share them with you very soon.

Your donations will support the ongoing work of

Mar Elias Educational Institutions (MEEI) and

Pilgrims' Peace Partners in fostering peace

through education in Israel and Palestine.

Thank you.