editor: brenda@pilgrimsofibillin.org • pilgrimsofibillin.org |
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Ibillin, 09 Dec. 2020
Dear Pilgrims,
We are approaching Christmas. The Christian world is decorating homes and institutions, and many among them are preparing themselves to welcome the Lord. lt's with this state of mind that we want to wish you and all our dear friends from Pilgrims of lbillin a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
ln these times, your country is preparing to welcome a new administration with a new president. From far away, we are praying for the USA to gain back again it's unity and it's real place in the world. This said, we are writing to thank you for sending the last amount of money which is $72,000 US. We received them in our school account and they are equal to 233,538.98NIS.
lt's important to mention that this amount is simply vital for the survival of the school. More details about the use of this money shall be probably, sent to you by Emil, our representative with Pilgrims of lbillin. Please convey to the Reverend Peter and to all members of Pilgrims of lbillin our heartfelt appreciation and our permanent prayers for the health of everyone and for the well being of all of you beloved brothers and sisters.
Yours prayerfully,
Abuna Elias Chacour
Greek Catholic Archbishop em. of Galilee
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Happy New Year - Interim Executive Director Brenda Mehos |
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Dear Friends,
Happy New Year from Pilgrims of Ibillin! We hope 2021 finds the world moving towards a better place and wishing you a happy and healthy 2021! We thank you for your financial support and prayers for our work towards a just peace in Israel and Palestine through education.
The Mar Elias Schools (MEEI) serve Arab students who would otherwise attend underfunded government schools. The teachers are among the best in the nation and their curriculum and philosophy of inclusivity and forgiveness provides an excellent education for future peace makers in Israel/Palestine. The top-notch education at MEEI produces leaders who go on to help their community and wider society. An example is alumna, Noor Abu Hjool. (See her story below).
During a regular year 2/3 of the student population needs some scholarship assistance and unfortunately in 2020 this was much higher due to COVID, but we were able to give $20,000 extra for a total of $60,000 in scholarships thanks to your gifts.
Mar Elias Schools reopened in December, then had to close after only 3 days due to students testing positive for COVID. The faculty were truly saddened as were the students, but safety is first. Abuna and the school also sends the message that they are truly grateful for the November donation, the last of Jean Blackwell Hopson’s bequest money (read more about Jean in next month's newsletter). The middle school has been completely refurbished thanks to the bequest money and they report that it is beautiful! Pictures coming soon hopefully in 2021.
We thank you for your generosity and interest as we close out 2020 and look forward to a new year. Your gifts really make a difference in young lives.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
Brenda Mehos
Pilgrims of Ibillin Interim Executive Director
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Update from Mar Elias Alumna, Noor Abu Hjool |
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An extraordinary Mar Elias alumna, Noor Abu Hjool, tells us about her senior year at MEEI, her exchange year in the states, and what she’s up to today. Your gifts have an incredible impact on a life! These youth go on to help others. Read Noor's full update on our website.
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My name is Noor Abu Hjool.
I actually had two senior years in high school. I applied to the Youth Exchange and Study program (YES), fully funded by the U.S. Department of State, and, during the US school year, September 1, 2016 to June 4, 2017, I attended school in Oshkosh, WI, for my "first" senior year. I lived with a WONDERFUL host family. We developed a strong bond and I learned a lot from them and my AFS liaison.
High School with Host Family in U.S.A.
While in high school, Oshkosh North, during my exchange year: I participated on the volleyball team; was an active member in Key Club and Rotary; was the co-founder of an Arabic club in my high school that was run by both me and, Maryse, a Lebanese exchange student; and co-managed a blood drive campaign as a leadership class project. I made over a hundred cultural presentations in elementary schools, middle schools, my high school, various clubs and at the University of Oshkosh.
Being an exchange student in the United States has given me the opportunity to contribute to the well being of the less fortunate, so I volunteered throughout the whole school year with refugees, and I participated in volunteering events in the Day by Day Warming Shelter. In addition, I was part of Oshkosh Rotary and engaged in community service projects.
Mar Elias High School
After my exchange year in the United States was over, I attended Mar Elias High School for my “second” senior year, September 2017 to May 2018. During that senior year, in addition to my studies, I helped Abdalla and Hassan, two former classmates, organize an international book club for which we read the book, Balcony on the Moon: Coming of Age in Palestine, by Ibtisam Barakat with several students at Mar Elias and in the United States. Archbishop Chacour also participated with us.
Learn more about Noor's young life:
- Selected to Global Change Makers Summit in Switzerland
- Volunteered in Greece, Ibillin, Germany, Italy
- Worked as a Tutor, Waitress, Instructor, Mentor
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Accepted at All Four Medical Schools Where She Applied
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Usama Nicola shared pictures of Christmas in Bethlehem in the December webinar. In a normal year, more than 11,000 people pilgrimage during Christmas, celebrated on three dates to honor different Christian traditions. (Above) Manger Square's few visitors during the pandemic wait for the lighting of the tree and fireworks to celebrate Christmas. (Below - clockwise) Usama Nicola, Zoughbi Alzoughbi, Interim Exec. Director Brenda Mehos, and Rev. Dr. James Thomas present \ facilitate Pilgrim's recent webinar. |
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If you missed Pilgrims of Ibillin’s “Christmas in Bethlehem” webinar you can watch the recording here on Pilgrims' YouTube site with presenters Wi’am Founder and Director Zoughbi Alzoughbi and West Bank Tour Planner Usama Nicola. Thank you presenters, facilitators, participants and contributors.
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Rev. Dr. Peter Henry
President
Rev. Dr. Lucy Forster-Smith
Vice President
Ms. Sarah Morgan
Secretary
Kip Nickel
Consultant & Treasurer
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Haifa Bautista
Rev. Don Brown
Rev. Gail Doering
Rev. Mary Sue Dreier
Ms. Rima Kawas
Dr. Lamontte Luker
Ms. Judy Masserang
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Dr. Brenda Mehos
Rev. Bobby Morris
Rev. Susan Mozena
Ms. Wren Shealy
Rev. Dr. James Thomas
Rev. Anne Weirich
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Brenda Mehos
Interim Executive Director, Pilgrims of Ibillin
(303) 928-0923
brenda@pilgrimsofibillin.org
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