Blessed are the Peacemakers: Hope Beyond Despair

Last weekend we were blessed with the presence of Father Chacour to share with us his deep wisdom and essentially the distillation of his life’s work when he shared with a very large audience about his understanding of the Beatitudes and other's of Jesus's teachings. Those in attendance deeply appreciated a very helpful message during this dark chapter.

We fully intended to offer the recording to our entire community however it appears that due to a technical glitch, the recording was not made. We are very very sorry about this unfortunate news.

What I can offer is that Father Chacour has offered a couple recorded messages and he also shared his wisdom on other recent programs - not the same, of course, but also heartwarming and enlightening.

Two Video Recordings to Father Chacour's Supporters:

1. A Message Discussing the Present Situation
2. Who are the Palestinian Christians in Israel of Today?

Another recent presentation offered by Father Chacour is available on the Institute of Catholic Culture site — which asks you to become a member, by giving your email address, in order to view their videos:

1. Secrets of the Kingdom: Understanding the Parables of Christ - recorded very recently.
2. Blood Brothers - the Unforgettable Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel - an older recording.

Once again, our deepest apologies for not having the recording of the webinar to offer. Technology can be frustrating at times.

My name is Sylvia Salma from Ibillin I am a graduate of Mar Elias institutions and now work as an Arabic language teacher and deputy principal in the elementary school.

My affiliation with my school is indescribable in words, for it is truly my second home, a home that embraces its students and teachers with immense love and great respect. My school is the source of my happiness and joy, where I have developed my competencies and skills through dealing with students, the teaching staff, and parents over the past years.

Just one of many examples of what makes MEEI unique and special that comes to mind is somewhat old but still positively impacts me. It revolves around a student named George (a pseudonym) from a town near I'billin. He joined our school in the first grade and was known for his recklessness, impulsiveness, and violence, often resorting to verbal and physical violence in his interactions with his peers.

George was quick to anger, and his success story did not come from anywhere, nor was it frivolous. It was a story based on a transparent mechanism. We embraced George with indescribable love, but this love was accompanied by constant guidance and direction. We reinforced to George that we loved, respected, appreciated, and accepted him, but we did not accept his violence and impulsiveness due to the disadvantages they entailed. We strove to be role models through our sessions and dialogue with him and his parents.

When he resorted to violence, he saw that we addressed the issue with constructive dialogue, free from abuse or belittlement, highlighting the alternatives available to him in facing the situation he was in. The dialogue was accompanied by some punitive measures available to us to deter him in future instances.

This action plan was followed up by the parents and by the time George reached the fifth grade, the result became tangible; he became a calm, sensible, and well-mannered student, transforming from one extreme to another. George completed the elementary, middle, and high school stages in our institution with great success, and as I recently learned from one of his relatives, he is continuing his university studies abroad. I, for my part, wish him all the success and good fortune.

It is worth mentioning that our containment of George and our follow-up with him positively affected the behavioral change observed in the student. This change positively reflected on his performance and academic achievement.

Making Pizza with Seniors

MEEI Faculty member, Tarek Layouss, home-room teacher of the senior class, organized a day of learning how to make and bake pizzas.

The aim was to help seniors relax and gain some positive energy before the very stressful national exams.

Our peace partner Diyar invests in its female players to provide them with the means and tools that contribute to their interpersonal and professional development. Diyar empowers Palestinian females to rise above the prevailing cultural patriarchal practices and challenge the stereotypical image of women to enable them to grow stronger, enhance their interpersonal skills (communication and leadership for ex.), and boost their self-confidence to become active citizens and role models for an everlasting social change.

Here is just one example of their success:

Diyar Women Soccer Team, where Elaaf first played soccer, became like a second home for her. a place that gives her the chance to get better and succeed.

During the winter vacation, Elaaf actively participated in activities at DAK Society. She took on a variety of roles, including training younger kids in soccer, and benefiting from the guidance of her Coach Sarab.

Elaaf's journey at DAK Society and the guidance from Coach Sarab shaped her into a strong and confident young woman. Every time she plays soccer, she learns important lessons about discipline and believing in herself. Her story is like a bright light, showing other girls that no matter how hard things are, if you follow your passion and have people who support you, you can overcome anything.

As Elaaf continues chasing her dreams on the soccer field, she becomes a role model for girls everywhere, proving that sports have the power to change lives and help you become the person you want to be. And so, the story of Elaaf continues to inspire others to believe in themselves and reach for the stars.

Tent of Nations, an international peace center located in the West Bank on the Nassar family farm, is requesting volunteers and pilgrimage groups to be present with them at the farm during the upcoming months. 

This is a time of great uncertainty in Palestine, and additional steps are being taken to isolate the farm and restrict access to it. The “solidarity of presence” is being requested and provides some level of protection.

If you are organizing a group to travel to the Holy Land, or will participate in a group, please see that Tent of Nations is part of the itinerary. 

If you wish to volunteer at the farm, visit Tent of Nations website https://tentofnations.com/volunteer/ review the information on volunteering, and complete and submit the contact form.

We have just over 100 copies of Archbishop Emeritus Elias Chacour’s book, We Belong to the Land, 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. 

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.

Your donations support the ongoing work of

Pilgrims' Peace Partners in fostering a just peace

through education in Israel and Palestine.



Thank you.