Sabeel Narrative Report 2011 SABEEL ECUMENICAL LIBERATION THEOLOGY CENTER CONTENTS
FOREWORD - NAIM ATEEK ...... 1
BIOGRAPHIES OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS ...... 2
COMMUNITY BUILDING PROGRAM ...... 3
WOMEN’S PROGRAM ...... 4
CLERGY PROGRAM ...... 5
YOUTH PROGRAM ...... 6
SABEEL NAZARETH ...... 8
MINISTRIES OF OUTREACH ...... 11
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS OF SABEEL ...... 12
SABEEL PUBLICATION...... 14
SABEEL GENERAL ASSEMBLY...... 15
SABEEL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE...... 16
STAFF ...... 16
DONORS ...... 17
VISITORS ...... 17 FOREWORD
Dear Friends,
It gives me pleasure to present Sabeel’s Narrative Report for 2011. It includes Sabeel’s major programs and activities for both the Jerusalem and Nazareth branches. I encourage you to read through our report and familiarize yourselves with Sabeel’s last year activities. To begin with, I would like to express my thanks to all of our partners who have been faithful in their support of Sabeel’s work. Your moral encouragement and financial support has given us the incentive and impetus to carry out our responsibilities as well as the ability to meet our budget. I also express my thanks to all of our friends who have supported us through small gifts. You too are our partners and we appreciate your help and prayers. In this foreword, I would like to highlight Sabeel’s Eighth International Conference that was held in Bethlehem last year; and to express again our deep appreciation for all those friends and partners that made the conference possible through their prayers and financial support. It is worth reminding our friends that Sabeel has published the conference proceedings in a book entitled, Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness, and Resistance. One of the most important changes that took place toward the end of 2011 was the election of a new board for Sabeel. For the last twenty years, Sabeel was blessed with a dedicated board of men and women, some of whom were the founding members. They have faithfully served Sabeel for many years. In the last few years, they presided over the preparation of the financial regulations and procedures for Sabeel; and more recently, by charting Sabeel’s by-laws. They also expanded the number of the general assembly by including a good number of young adults. Consequently, on the 18th of November 2011 the general assembly of Sabeel elected a new board. In its first meeting, the new board elected its executive committee.
The new board consists of 9 members including myself as chair. The first four make up the Executive Committee. Hind Khoury – vice president Salwa Duaibis – secretary Estiphan Salameh – treasurer Eliane Abdennour – member Abla Nasser Maher Hanna Peter Khoury Sami Khoury
Their biographies will follow the foreword.
I am thankful for the new board, most of whose members are young adults; and I hope and pray that they will enrich, extend, and deepen the ministry of Sabeel during their time of service.
At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the outgoing board members who served faithfully and especially the Executive Committee. Special thanks to Samia Khoury and Cedar Duaybis who gave Sabeel so much of their time, energy, and dedicated work. Although their commitment for justice and peace was done to the glory of God, I owe them much gratitude for always being ready to help me, come what may, rain or sunshine. I am sure that they will continue to serve Sabeel beyond the call of duty.
This is also a good time to express my thanks to all of our friends local and international; and especially, to all the Sabeel coordinators in the various countries. It is also important to remember past coordinators who gave very much of their time for the work of justice and peace. I thank God for everyone and am grateful for all the dedicated sacrificial voluntary work that was offered. For us as Christians, it is a faith commitment to work for justice and peace and to be in the center where God wants us to be standing with the oppressed and the marginalized.
We urge all of our friends to pray for us and support this important ministry.
With best wishes, Naim Ateek Director - 1 - BIOGRAPHIES OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Sabeel Board members’ bios and group pictures:
Naim Ateek (Board President) is the Founder and Director of Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. He is a retired Episcopal priest, with a doctorate from San Francisco Theological Seminary. His writing and speaking have reached broad audiences, locally and internationally.
Salwa Duaibis (Board Secretary) is an Israeli Palestinian currently living in the West Bank town of Ramallah. She studied Biochemistry at Birzeit University and Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE). She heads the International Advocacy programme at the Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling (WCLAC). Before joining WCLAC in 2009, Salwa was a partner with the Mattin Group.
Maher Hanna is a lawyer working with Attorney Jonathan Kuttab in Jerusalem, focusing on adjudication in the area of land laws and confiscations, international law, and human rights issues. He obtained his first law degree from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the second from American University in Washington, DC.
Hind Khoury (Board Vice-President) had a long career in economic development with international organizations such as UNDP where she headed the economic development unit and coordinated the work of UN economic agencies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. She also worked for USAID, SIDA, UNESCO, and the Norwegian Government. She joined President Mahmoud Abbas’ government in 2005 as Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, and from 2006-2010 as the Ambassador of Palestine in France. She studied economics at the American University of Beirut and business management at Boston University.
Peter E. Khoury is a Certified Public Accountant currently working as the Deputy Finance Manager at St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. Previous to this he was the Senior Accountant at the Lutheran World Federation. He majored in Accounting & International Business with a minor in Finance at North Park University (Chicago, IL, United States) and obtained his CPA certification in 2009. He received the NGO Financial Management Diploma- provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Sami Khoury works for World Vision in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza as the Design Team Manager. Prior to that he worked as a project coordinator for Caritas Jerusalem. He has a Master’s Degree in International Cooperation and Development from Bethlehem University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Brewton Parker’s College (Georgia, United States).
Abla Nasir recently retired from an illustrious career in education, administration, and institutional governance. Most recently she was the National General Secretary of the YWCA of Palestine. She also held positions at Tamer Institute for Community Education as General Director, and at the Friends’ Schools in Ramallah as Counselor and later Principal of the Friends Girls School. She holds an EdM in Counseling Processes and Psychology from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She received her BA in Developmental Psychology and Education from Beirut University College in Lebanon (now known as Lebanese American University LAU).
Eliane Abdinnour (Executive Committee member) worked in the youth programs at Sabeel, then for many years as the head of the Higher Certificate Program and Student Affairs at Notre Dame. She currently works as the Director of Development and Fundraising at Notre Dame. She graduated from Bethlehem University with a major in Hotel Management.
Estephan Salameh (Board Treasurer) is a Special Advisor to the Palestinian Minister of Planning, heading the Aid Management and Coordination Directorate. He holds a PhD in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters degree in Community Economic Development from North Park University. Prior to completing graduate school in the United States, Dr. Salameh earned a B.S. from Birzeit University in Architectural Engineering.
Picture of the Incoming Board:
Pictured (L-R): Eliane Abdinnour, Alba Nasir, Naim Ateek, Estephan Salameh, Sami Khoury, Hind Khoury, Peter Khoury, and Salwa Duaibis. Not pictured: Maher Hanna
- 2 - COMMUNITY BUILDING PROGRAMS
The Sabeel Community Program, through its broad ecumenical engagement with people from every Church- family and the Palestinian Community, continued its efforts to build, educate, and empower men and women in the community through lectures, panel discussions, seasonal spiritual programs, field trips, and involvement in the civil society.
The community gathered at St. James Catholic Church in Beit Hanina for Sabeel’s annual Christmas dinner. Walking along the path where others have walked before us… On the 17th of June 2011 Sabeel held its first Pentecostal picnic in a public park near Jerusalem. More than ninety participants joined on this unique outing. It started with a bus tour around the Park which was founded over the ruins of three Palestinian depopulated villages since 1967, Yalo, Emmaus (Imwas) and Beit Nuba. Forty-four years ago the people of these villages were forced out of their homes, lands and work by the Israeli army, leaving them to wander to other villages and countries waiting and hoping for the day that will bring them back to their villages. However, instead the Israeli government received donations from its Canadian Jewish lobby to establish a national park over the destroyed houses and other ruins.
Rev. Naim Ateek narrated the history of the villages and the harsh truth of their destiny. Afterwards he led a walking tour through the depopulated village of Emmaus, mentioned in Luke 24 as the village where Jesus met two of his disciples after his resurrection. Today, one can only find a grave yard with some tomb stones with Arabic inscription that tell you a few things about the people who used to live here before they were thrown out as well as the remnants of their destroyed houses. Further along the way we saw two wells that supplied people with the water necessary for their daily life. One of the wells was dry without any water, but strikingly, one can see a big fig tree growing out from the stone sides of the well with its huge rigid roots digging deep into the middle of the well, reflecting a beam of hope for survival and steadfastness (sumoud).
Rev. Naim Ateek ended the program with the biblical reflection where Jesus appeared to the two disciples at the village of Emmaus and with Pentecostal hymns. The participants gathered in a circle singing, praying and hoping that the people of these villages will one day be able to come back to their lands and homes.
COMMUNITY PROGRAM LIST OF ACTIVITIES IN 2011
Community Lenten Program Community and Clergy Lenten Program Taybeh Lenten Program, Joint Community and Clergy Program St. Vincent Home Lenten Program, Joint Community and Clergy Program Open Forum “Community Program” Arabic Contemporary Way of the Cross for Lent, Joint Community and Clergy Program Burqiin and Kufr-qud visit, Joint Community, Clergy and Women Program Ecumenical Worship Service for Jerusalem Pentecostal Picnic to Yalo, Emmaus (Imwas) and Beit Nuba Open Forum, Reflections on going to the United Nations, “The Palestinian People Deserve” Open Forum, “Betahone, (security) the new god of Israel.” Ecumenical Prayer Service after Palestine went to the U.N. Book Review, Cedar Duaybis on Mark Braverman’s book “Fatal Embrace” in Arabic Open Forum on Alternative Medicine Open Forum, “Betahone, (security) the new god of Israel.” Book Review with Mark Braverman on his book, “Fatal Embrace” in English Annual Ecumenical Christmas Dinner - 3 - WOMEN’S PROGRAMS
In the face of the increasingly difficult situation, there is an ever-growing need for women throughout the region to join together to face the challenges of everyday life. Concern for future generations is a powerful motivator for involvement. Through education, partnership and mutual support, women can have a great impact on society. Through the Women’s Program, Sabeel encourages networks of women, fosters inclusivity, broadens knowledge of existing support resources, and educates women on their spiritual history and their responsibility as Christian women. The women’s program also develops the capacity of women to take on leadership roles to build a healthy holistic community. Women on a hike through the depopulated village of Lifta.
The Women Continue to Walk and Learn of their Heritage…
Sabeel conducted a field trip to the Galilee region of Israel as one of its women’s joint programs. On the 28th of October 82 women from the West Bank, Jerusalem and Galilee toured through the region and visited three depopulated villages that are part of the Acre district. The villages of Ruways, Al Damun and Al Birwa witnessed firsthand the Palestinian exodus in 1948. The women heard stories that catastrophe (called Nakba in Arabic) and how the people of those three villages were driven out to the nearby villages or refugee camps in Lebanon. They left in 1948 assuming that they would be able to return within a matter of weeks to their homes and villages.
Unfortunately, the villages were completely destroyed by the Zionists who denied the Palestinian refu- gees the right of return. The army deleted their lively features, and later planted pine trees over their ruins in an attempt to erase their existence and the onslaught that happened there. Ruways has the most ruins still visible. Al Birwa was changed into a Kibbutz, and the land of Al Damun is used by settlers for agriculture.
Afterwards, the women went to the villages of Makr and Jedaydeah (also in the same Acre district). They met with Father Ibrahim Daoud from the Melkite Church of Makr. He gave them a brief history of the two villages. The visit concluded with a hymn.
The buses then headed to the village of Kufr Yasif, where they ate a delicious Middle Eastern lunch—a combination of traditional Palestinian cuisine and exquisite Lebanese cuisine—at the Greek Orthodox Church. Lunch was prepared by the women of the Arab Orthodox Charitable Society.
After lunch the women of Kufr Yasif joined us and met with Father Atallah Makhuleh, a Greek Orthodox priest. He explained the amicable Christian and Muslim relations in Kufr Yasif where Christians make up 70% of the population. The remainder of the population is Muslim; additionally there are about 250 Druze living there as well. The sojourn ended with prayers for all the families of the region, and for a safe journey home, led by Father Makhuleh.
Women’s Program List of Activities in 2011
Women’s Trip to Jericho, Joint Women and Clergy Program Burqiin and Kufr-qud Visit, Joint Women, Clergy and Community Program Book Review with Sameeh Ghanadreh on his book, Almahd Al’arabi Aboud and Bir Zeit Visit, Joint Women and Clergy Program Potluck Dinner with Younger Women in Jerusalem Women Hiking Trip to Lifta Visit to St. Vincent Hospice Women’s Trip to the Galilee Book Review with Cedar Duaybis on Mark Braverman’s book, “Fatal Embrace” in Arabic, Joint Women and Community Program - 4 - Book Review with Mark Braverman on his book, “Fatal Embrace” in English, Joint Women, Community and International Program Advent Program in Jericho Advent Program at the Cremisan Convent and the land near Beit Jala Visit to Yabous Production Cultural Center which was recently reopened after it was closed during the 1st Intifada Annual Ecumenical Christmas Dinner
In addition to the above, sabeel organized monthly meetings for women in Jerusalem and Nazareth to hold regular book discussion groups. The meetings had an average attendance of 33 women. Sabeel was able to implement all the events projected in our action plan. The community support has enabled us to expand our work and carry out more activities.
CLERGY PROGRAM
This year Sabeel continued to focus on strengthening interfaith relationships between the local Christian clergy of all denominations and the Muslim sheiks. Sabeel’s work with the clergy continued to focus on developing good relations, building trust and encouraging ongoing dialogue between clergy from the different churches. This year’s clergy retreat focused on the Kairos Palestine document, two years after its declaration and the global response. Restrictions on movement for Palestinians due to the occupation continue to be a major challenge for clergy programs as it is very time consuming and costly to arrange for meetings Jerusalem area clergy who participated in Sabeel’s Ecumenical Prayer in places where all of the clergy can attend. service when the Palestinian people went to the United Nations in order to be officially recognized in the international world.
Living together and the challenges we face…
One hundred and forty Christian clergy and Muslim sheikhs from Ramallah, Jerusalem, Nablus area, Hebron, Bethlehem area, Aboud village and Galilee came together for a one day conference in Beit Sahour, West Bank (Occupied Palestinian Territories).
Reverend Naim Ateek from Sabeel and Dr. Jeries Khoury from Al-Liqa’ center welcomed the participants and thanked them for coming to the important event. His Beatitude Patriarch Michael Sabbah and His Honor the Mufti of the Holy Land, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, spoke together on a panel entitled “The Stand of Religious Leaders with regard to the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations.” Sabeel board member and former Palestinian Ambassador to France, Ms. Hind Khoury, moderated the panel.
In this session both speakers addressed the importance of having a Palestinian state, and affirmed the Palestinian Authority’s decision to apply for statehood. They also highlighted the importance of working together as one body in our state, despite religious differences.
The second session was a panel about “The Future of Shared Living in Light of the Establishment of an Independent Palestinian State.” The participants focused on different aspects. The comments of Father Dr. Rafiq Khoury and His Honor Sheikh Abd Al-Majeed ‘Ata centered on religious aspects and discourse. Mr. Musa Darwish focused on the educational curriculum (his comments were shared by proxy of Jeries Khoury), and Attorney Mary Rock commented on the legal aspects. Sabeel board member Ms. Jean Zaru moderated this panel. Significantly, all speakers were honest and open. They debated with immense respect and acceptance of each other.
After a short break participants divided into Group Sessions in which they discussed what they heard throughout the day.
- 5 - After sharing a meal together the program concluded with the final Panel: “Practical Suggestions for the Upcoming Period.” The participants for this were the Rev. Dr. Naim Ateek, Mr. Zuheir al-Dab’i, and Dr. Jeries S. Khoury; moderated by Rev. Ibrahim Nairouz.
In this session the speakers again were very open and each one of them expressed how he saw the relationship should ideally be between Palestinians as they face this important historical period. Each emphasized the importance of carefully and constructively sharing these sensitive topics with our people, taking the chance to address them during ceremonies, preaching times, and other opportunities.
Clergy Program List of Activities in 2011
Ecumenical memorial service for the victims of the Coptic bombing, Joint Community-Clergy-Women Women’s trip to Jericho, Joint Women-Clergy Program Symposium on: The Synod of the Middle East, Joint Community-Clergy Program Abu Dis Lenten Program, Joint Community & Clergy Program Taybeh Lenten Program, Joint Community & Clergy Program St. Vincent Home Lenten Program, Joint Community & Clergy Program Arabic Contemporary Way of the Cross for Lent, Joint Community-Clergy Program Burqiin and Kufr-qud Visit, Joint Clergy, Women & Community Program Aboud and Bir Zeit Visit, Joint Women and Clergy Program Clergy Spouse Retreat at Taybeh Ecumenical Clergy Retreat at Mar Ephraim Guest House, Taybeh Clergy Spouse meeting at the Greek Catholic Church in Beit Sahour Interfaith Conference Annual Ecumenical Christmas Dinner
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Sabeel holds weekly Bible studies for young adults in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Ramallah to reflect in a contextual way on Scripture and apply the teachings of Christ in their lives. The Bible studies provide leadership training for following in the footsteps of Christ to work with the entire community of the land for justice, peace, and reconciliation. The weekly youth gathering is usually 15 in size with equal gender representation. Youth and young adults on a day of service picking olives to help a local farmer in Jerusalem.
The youth in action...
Saffurya and Haifa – Early in the year, over 40 young adults from Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Haifa joined together for a trip to the Galilee. Because many of the young adults from the West Bank were granted permits to enter Israel and Jerusalem over the Christmas season, it was a once a year opportunity for this fellowship to happen in Israel. They volunteered by doing yard-work around the ancient church built over the home of Hannah, the mother of Mary, in the depopulated Palestinian village of Saffurya. They sang, danced, and studied the bible together at Stella Maris in Haifa; and explored the Baha’i Gardens and discussed the differences between life in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea; the weekend was a meaningful and fun time for all.
The youth and young adults participated in many types of activities which have greatly impacted not only their lives on a personal level, but also the communities in which they live. They have learned their history by walking through villages; they have shared their stories as they continue their journey in life.
- 6 - List of Youth and Young Adult Activities in 2011
Bible Studies Every Wednesday the youth hold a weekly bible study in Jerusalem and Nazareth; sometimes the youth read and study the bible on their own while other weeks a clergyperson from a church will come to lead the study. The bible studies’ aim is to read the Gospel through the eyes of Palestinians and anchor the faith of young people in an ecumenical spirit. 26 meetings were held for young adults in Ramallah, Jerusalem and Nazareth, on how to work on transforming faith into action. Contemporary Way of the Cross – Lenten Program
Advocacy Outing to Suffurya and Haifa, joint program with Nazareth Youth Publicized and attended a mass in Bethlehem organized by the Catholic Church Bishop council in the Holy Land to stand in solidarity with the Christian Community in Iraq after the tragic attacks on the churches An Ecumenical Prayer service in Jerusalem in solidarity with the Palestinian request for independence Young Adults remember the Nakba in the Galilee and visit the village of Kufr Yasif and the village of al-Bassa to clean the church and mosque – Joint program with Nazareth Hiking through depopulated village of Lifta Kairos Palestine Young Adult Conference Hiking in the depopulated villages of Lifta and Ein Jiddi
Workshops 3 workshops on non-violent resistance Workshop for young people on their daily struggles Month long Photography program to help young people deal with depression and re-discover the beauty of their city
Volunteer programs Planting olive trees at the Tent of Nations Planting olive trees in Beit Jala Entertainment for disabled people Visit to disabled people in their homes Picking olives during the harvest time to help farmers Easter Egg Hunt – Joint Youth Program with Catholic Scouts at Cremisan Monastery near Beit Jala Distributed over 1200 colored Easter eggs that carried popular slogans from the Arab spring to call for an end of divisions within the Palestinian community
Other Young Adult Easter Meal at St. Andrews Church of Scotland in Jerusalem, the youth shared about their dreams and challenges in life Young Adult Sports day Stand Up Comedy and Karaoke Night Young Adults in Nazareth Annual Ecumenical Christmas Dinner
- 7 - Sixth International Young Adult Conference
The young adult participants gathered for the opening worship at the Garden of Gethsemane for Sabeel’s 6th International Conference.
The conference theme was “Christianity in the East, Islam in the West: Prophetic Voices from Palestine and Israel.” The days were filled with adjustments to the hard truths of life under occupation. The beauty of the holy sites of Jerusalem were shown in stark contrast with the fragmentation of Palestinian communities; communities which are constantly being torn apart by the separation wall, being devastated by the demolition of houses, being suffocated by military checkpoints that stifle freedom of movement in the Palestinian territories. All of this we bore witness to, while also receiving briefings detailing the humanitarian crisis caused by the siege of Gaza and the West Bank, and the inability of the international community to take action without Israel’s consent. However, through daily devotions, nightly debriefing sessions led by conference leaders in small groups, and the building of fellowship through shared meals and cultural activities, the diverse groups of conference participants from across the world came together with a commitment, as Christians and people of conscience, to take a stand against occupation and for peace justice, and reconciliation.
This year’s conference participants came from twelve different countries, including: Canada, England, France, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, and the United States of America.
SABEEL NAZARETH
Sabeel’s Nazareth office works with a different population, the Palestinian Christian citizens of Israel, who often face different challenges. This year Sabeel Nazareth organized activities for youth, children, women and the wider community. The Sabeel Nazareth board and staff also provided hospitality for visitors wanting to learn more about the life of Palestinian Israeli Christians living inside Israel.
Good things are happening with the people of Nazareth…
Olive Tree Planting in Beit Jala, a joint Sabeel Jerusalem-Nazareth Young Adult Program centered on the spring-time planting of olive trees brought together Palestinian Christian young adults from Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah and Nazareth. Friday morning the Sabeel young adults planted 100 olive trees seedlings in two locations in Beit Jala: near the Beit Jala checkpoint and by an illegal Israeli settlement near al-Walajeh. This act of non-violent resistance and steadfast resilience will hopefully prevent further expansion of illegal settlement or other construction onto these lands since the excuse of them being “empty” is no longer valid.
Through our programming, we are able to impact the lives of our own people in the Nazareth area. When it is possible we join with the Sabeel Jerusalem programming, these opportunities remind all of us that we are connected on so many levels, even through our current daily challenges/struggles are more localized, it offers each of us opportunities to learn from each other. - 8 - LIST OF ACTIVITIES 2011
Youth Program
Young adults on a hike in the Bethlehem area.
Christmas Visit to Beit Cana’s home for children with special needs Outing to Suffurya and Haifa, joint volunteering work program with Jerusalem Youth Monthly Bible Study with many topics including: The Beatitudes, Temptations, Lazarus Lent Dinner Join program in volunteering work planting olive trees Workshop on Diversity and Acceptance in the Arab Community met 2 times Workshop on Living in a Pluralistic Society: how to respect each other and work together Visit to disabled people, joint program with Jerusalem Young Adults International Day of the Child – visited Beit Cana and Renee villages New Vision Retreat at Mt. Tabor Olive picking with the Young Adults from Jerusalem Young Adults remember the Nakba in the Galilee and visit the depopulated village of Kufr Yasif and the village of al-Bassa to clean the church and the mosque, joint program with Jerusalem Preparation for photo exhibit 26 meeting for young adults in Ramallah, Jerusalem and Nazareth, on how to work on transforming faith into action
Community Program Helped and attended Sabeel’s 8th International Conference Women’s Rights and the Health Care System Contemporary Way of the Cross in Jerusalem and Cultural event in Bethlehem Nakba Remembrance Day, visit to depopulated and destroyed villages Lecture with Fuad Farah about his new book, “The Christian Existence in the Holy Land” Visited villages in the Galilee Panel with Christians and Muslims “Nazareth and the Memory of Her People” Christmas Holiday Concert
Sabeel Nazareth program on a visit to holy places in Nablus with Father Yousif Abu Saada explaining their significance. - 9 - Women’s Program
Monthly meetings Women’s Trip to Jericho, Joint program with Jerusalem Women and Clergy Book Review on Naim Ateek’s book, “Justice and Only Justice” met 5 times Special event for Mother’s Day Women’s Rights and the Health Care System Women’s trip to the Galilee, Joint program with Jerusalem women Women gathered for a program in Nazareth.
Women of Sabeel meeting with Jewish women seeking justice and peace Visit to Aboud and Bir Zeit, Joint program with Jerusalem women and clergy Discussion on the role of women Advent Program in Jericho, Joint program with Jerusalem women Touring the Mahsom Watch center in Qalqilia and Salfit Workshop on Advent
Children’s Program
Children gathered to learn about St. Don Bosco who is the patron saint of young people.
Jesus speaks at the Temple St. Valentine’s program Groups Lent and fasting program 9 Swedish groups Mother’s Day and Annunciation Day 7 French groups Land Day – celebrating the reacquisition of previously Mennonite Group confiscated land 3 Italian groups Easter in the Carmelite Sister’s convent 1 Australian group Nakba Day awareness 1 German group International Day of the Child – visited Beit Cana Contemporary Way of and Renee villages the Cross with an Italian group Cross Day celebration Witness Group The Olive tree and its blessings Advent
- 10 - MINISTRIES OF OUTREACH
Web site: www.sabeel.org is the place to learn more about the many exciting ministries of Sabeel. It has all of the past Cornerstone publications, the weekly Wave of Prayer, information about upcoming programs and our current activities, as well as pictures from past events.
Worship: Each Thursday we host our weekly communion service where all are welcome for an open homily and fellowship. Hundreds of visitors joined the staff over the course of the year.
Wave of Prayer: Sabeel prepared a weekly list of local, national and international prayer concerns that were sent to friends of Sabeel around the world. Every Thursday at noon people gathered in their respective countries to pray for the week’s concerns. Sing up to receive the Wave of Prayer through the Friends of Sabeel in your home country or by e-mailing [email protected], or on the web site www.sabeel.org.
Ahlan Wa Sahlan: Sabeel’s international ministry of education and advocacy hosted over 2,218 people, from 79 groups, including seminarians, pastors, pilgrims, church leaders, supporters and donors in 2011. Countries included: Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Your group is welcome to visit and hear more about the ministries of Sabeel! Please e-mail [email protected].
Contemporary Way of the Cross: Visitors continued to experience the present “Via Dolorosa” of Palestinian life – checkpoints, walls, and refugee camps – through liturgy, song and prayer in our Contemporary Way of the Cross. Sabeel welcomes all tour participants to take three hours in their schedule for this spiritual experience. It has been found particularly helpful towards the end of tours to this land, when people are overflowing with information and seeking a spiritual framework and connection; or as a Lenten devotion to do from afar. This booklet is available from Sabeel.
Sabeel’s 8th International Conference Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance 23-28 February 2011
The conference was held in Bethlehem, Occupied West Bank. The conference attracted over 300 participants from fifteen different countries. It was a comprehensive experience for our international and local participants. It included worship, Bible study, lectures, testimonies, group discussions, workshops, field visits, and a variety of other first-hand experiences with the local Palestinian community. The international speakers included Father John Dear, the Reverend Christopher Ferguson, Dr. Richard A. Horsley, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, and Mr. Ched Myers. The book, “Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance” edited by Naim Ateek, Cedar Duaybis and Maurine Tobin has recently been published and is currently available from the Sabeel office. The book includes the lectures of each of its presenters.
Witness Visits: In October, internationals from the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom gathered under the sponsorship of Sabeel to travel to areas in Palestine and the Galilee. The group participated in Sabeel’s Contemporary Way of the Cross, spent time in local churches and experienced the lives and daily realities of Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem and inside Israel.
Study Circle: Sabeel provides the space to discuss and present papers that deal with aspects of the local culture or situation with internationals and Palestinians together. List of Study Circles in 2011 - Mark Braverman: presented his book, “Fatal Embrace”
- 11 - INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS OF SABEEL
FRANCE In our second year of France Friends of Sabeel, the following are what we were able to accomplish in 2011.
Every week: the “Wave of Prayer” was translated into French. CORNERSTONE, issues 59, 60, 61 were translated into French. We translated into French various Sabeel documents (for example, Mark Bravermann) Sabeel’s 8th International Conference, Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance, was attended by Christiane Gillmann as the FFOS delegate in February 2011. FFOS wrote a five page introduction to “Palestinian Liberation Theology” in French in April. For the 6th International Young Adult Conference, FFOS supported Bénédicte Henry and Marion Heyl to attend the conference in July. A FFOS member, Fred Lucas, attended the Kairos Conference, in Bethlehem in December. A FFOS member, Christiane Gillmann, attended the B. Russell Conference, in Cape Town in November. A FFOS member, Bernard Flichy, gave reports about his EAPPI mission experience, in several places. FFOS organized different manifestations of WWPPI – PIEF in May and June, and relayed Jerusalem Claim for Peace to mainline Christian churches in France, and to political leaders (report to WCC, in attached file). A FFOS Team studied the Kairos Palestine Document, and the FFOS Board relayed Bethlehem Claim of Kairos Conference to French church leaders in December. FFOS Board held 4 working meetings. FFOS General Assembly was in Avignon, on 6th June where 104 members: participated. FFOS’ data base of E-mail addresses has grown to 510. FFOS mailings are reaching more than 800 people. Other stamp articles, and broadcasts. We relayed some personal or collective gifts to SABEEL.
Best and warm greetings, Gilbert Charbonnier
NETHERLANDS For the Friends of Sabeel in the Netherlands 2011 was an important year. Although we devoted much attention to grass roots education and exposure, especially within the Protestant Church, also politics in Holland asked our attention and the planned participation in the Gaza fleet by our board member: Bert Middel. The Kairos Conference in the autumn (co-organized by our board member Janneke Stegeman) was a turning point for us. First, because the content of this conference and the inspiration we draw from, but also through conversations with Naïm Ateek and Cedar Duaybis and the training by Stiaan van der Merwe after the conference. That helped us to focus on our core business. On that basis we made a plan for the near future.
We were very disappointed at the attitude of the synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands: one more reason to focus more on grassroots.
Our chairman, Jan den Hertog, became ill. Not only the treatment in hospital but also the visit of Naïm Ateek and Cedar Duaybis had a good effect. Jan den Hertog resumed his work. Because he wants to give more time to prepare his Ph. D., Rev. Jan Willem Stam took over over his duties as chairman.
A new initiative of the Friends of Sabeel in the Netherlands is worth mentioning: in cooperation with Palestine Link (Ghada Zeidan) we organized a day when the film Budrus was shown. The purpose of this day was to draw attention to the many forms of nonviolent resistance that are used daily by Palestinians. Europe and the U.S. have largely ignored these actions. After this film there was opportunity for discussion. The participants were enthusiastic. In the next year we’ll continue this initiative.
There is much more to tell. This incomplete report makes ( I hope) clear that the Friends of Sabeel Netherlands continue to work for just peace in Palestine / Israel.
With kind regards, Rev. Willemien Keuning Secretary, Friends of Sabeel Netherlands. - 12 - NORWAY Friends of Sabeel Norway has not had its own open seminar, but has participated both in the national committee for the ICAPPI, with Nora Carmi and Arik Ascherman as the main speakers. Moreover, we have been presenting at three seminars: 1. Christian Council 20 January (The Land and the Promises – Israel, Palestine and the Biblical Prophecies. Theology and Ethical Implications; Landet og løftene – Israel, Palestina og de bibelske profetier. Teologi og etiske implikasjoner) 2. Palestine Committee, Norwegian Quakers and Norwegian Quaker Aid 11 March (Israel: Democracy and Freedom of Expression – for All?; Israel: Demokrati og ytringsfrihet - for alle?) 3. Church of Norway Council on International and Ecumenical Relations 31 August (Consultation on Israel and Palestine; Konsultasjon om Israel og Palestina), which is a part of a process to write a full theological and ethical response to the Kairos document.
There were an all-time high number of Norwegian participants at the Sabeel 8th International Conference with 10 persons, and most of those who attended have become supporters. Since Friends of Sabeel Norway is not a formal organization, we do not have membership, but approximately 110 receive the Cornerstone, and more receive a quarterly email-update; and instead of a democratically elected board, there is a self-recruiting management committee. The cooperation with the Church of Norway on the recruitment of one person to attend the Young adult conference has again proved very useful, and we have again received funding from the Church of Norway Development Education Service for a speaking tour for Naim Ateek which will take place in March 2012 –including a seminar with the bishop of Møre.
Sabeel wrote an open letter to the Minster of Foreign Affairs on 14 September, attaching the two statements by Sabeel on a Palestinian state. The open letter was printed in the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet 16 September, and is known, Norway voted for full Palestinian membership in UNESCO. The web page sabeelnorge.org is updated once every two months.
Hans Morten Haugen Chair, Friends of Sabeel Norway; also serving as member in board of Friends of Sabeel Scandinavia
UNITED KINGDOM 1. Office News -We have a new administrator, Alison White, who has now been in position for a year and has made a huge difference to the office and to me as Coordinator. -We had the help of an Intern for 3 months part time who did research for us on various subjects. -We have worked on getting our communications more up to date. We now have a newly formatted News Letter that goes out along with Cornerstone 3 times a year, a new website that we can update ourselves, which includes a link to Facebook and we have developed a monthly email briefing. This means that along with the Wave of Prayer we have a variety of ways that we communicate with our members and the general public. -We elected 3 new board members who are a making a good contribution to FoSUK. Under the Board we have set up a group to look at our governance and to update our rules to comply more with the requirements of the UK Charity Laws. -We attended the funeral of Samira Hassassian in London on behalf of Sabeel and to give our condolences to Manuel. 2. Some highlights in the year- -Sabeel Conference in Bethlehem good representation from FoSUK -AGM and Conference with Stephen Sizer and Ilan Pape on Christianity, Zionism and Justice? An excellent day with over 120 attending. -Hind Khoury’s visit to speak at a meeting in Parliament on Jerusalem and to attend the Methodist conference where she spoke to an evening meeting which was well attended and she was very well received. -Development of the Regional Groups especially the start of a new group in the South West. -Attending the Summer Festivals of Greenbelt as usual, but also the Keswick Convention, a conservative evangelical conference held over 3 weeks. -We took part in the annual Lobby of Parliament which was very successful in terms of the numbers of MP’s contacted. -Lead a workshop at a 6th form college conference, the main speaker being Peter Kosminsky of “The Promise” 3. Development of E.E. (Engaging Evangelicals”) our small subgroup of 4 organisations which has come together to make efforts to reach into the evangelical community. We have plans in place for a conference in Oxford in September 2012.
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
2011 marks the end of FOSNA’s 15th year of ministry. In recognition of this milestone we celebrated with the theme of The Tree of Life: for the Healing of the Nations from Revelation 22. A full color painting by Portland artist Linda Sawaya appeared first in our summer fundraising appeal on beautiful greeting cards. For Christmas, Archbishop Desmond Tutu provided a letter to be mailed with a large poster (shown here). The painting is of the Palestinian olive tree, the Palestinian tree of life, surrounded by all the life forms dependent upon it for survival: the Palestinian farmer, the gazelle, a white stork, a common turtle, a fish, and the Palestine Sunbird. These cards and posters were mailed to over 6,000 of our members and supporters in the United States. We also distributed two issues of the Cornerstone and two issues of the FOSNA newsletter The Voice. It has been a fruitful fundraising year. During the summer and fall of 2011 work began to plan FOSNA conferences to be held in 2012. Events are set to take place in Sacramento and Sunnyvale, California—both in March—and in Albuquerque, New Mexico in September. In November our conference in Atlanta, Georgia, had over 200 participants, many young adults from area seminaries. In May we participated in a regional conference of Jews, Christians and Muslims in Seattle: I Am My Brother’s Keeper: Confronting Islamophobia. Earlier in the year Rev. Canon Richard Toll announced that he would retire from his ten-year service as board chair and program director. Dick has accomplished amazing things as a full-time volunteer, promoting Sabeel and its message through regional educational conference—34 of them. With that announcement we began the long process of deciding to create a new staff position—Program Director—to do the work that Dick had been doing as a volunteer. After meetings in Chicago and Washington DC and much discussion we hired Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner whom you all know, a long time Sabeel supporter, author, professor, activist par excellence. Don will begin the transition, working with Dick Toll and Elaine Kelley beginning in February 2012. Dick will continue serving on the steering committee and to promote the work of Sabeel. We continue to support Sabeel in Jerusalem with financial grants and to provide scholarships for young adults to participate in the annual summer conference. We have accomplished much this past year, but there is so much left to do for justice and peace to become a reality in our world.
Sister Elaine Kelley Friends of Sabeel--North America www.fosna.org
SABEEL PUBLICATIONS 2011
Cornerstone: Sabeel’s publication continued to reach people with news of Sabeel’s activities and topical issues to consider to the wider community. All of our past issues are available on our website, www.sabeel.org.
Issue 59, Winter 2010/2011 Where the Empire Lies, People Suffer
Issue 60, Spring 2011 Sabeel’s 8th International Conference Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness and Resistance (highlighting speakers and articles of the conference)
Issue 61, Winter 2011 The Land Is Groaning… (focusing on the Palestinian environment)
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English Statements: Sabeel’s Open Letter to the Archbishop of Cantebury Sabeel’s Statement “The UN: Problem or Solution” “Dilemmas and Opportunities Facing Palestinian People” Sabeel’s Christmas Message – “Envisioning a world where peace with justice reigns”
Arabic Statements: Christmas message in Arabic
PUBLICATIONS Selected Publications available from Sabeel. Call or e-mail to order. Postage will be added. Our newest book reflecting the 8th International Conference is now available, and we have reprinted some publications indicated by *.
PUBLICATION AUTHOR COST (USD) A Palestinian Christian Cry for Reconciliation Naim Ateek $25 A Time to Remember Sabeel Publication $ 5 An Advent Study Course Sabeel Publication $ 5 *Challenging Christian Zionism (in English and Arabic) Ed. N Ateek, $25 C Duaybis, M Tobin *Challenging Empire: God, Faithfulness & Resistance Ed. N Ateek, $15 C Duaybis, M Tobin *Challenging Illusions Seeking a Just Peace Sabeel Publication $ 5 *Contemporary Way of the Cross Sabeel Publication $ 6 I Come From There… and Remember Sabeel Publication $10 *Justice and Only Justice Naim Ateek $25 Morally Responsible Investment Sabeel Publication $ 5 Our Story: The Palestinians N Ateek and H Rantisi $10 Pilgrim Preacher Naim Ateek $18 Suicide Bombers Sabeel Publication $ 5 The Forgotten Faithful (in English and Arabic) Ed. N Ateek $20 C Duaybis, M Tobin Tapestry Cards 12 for $10
SABEEL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The following are the Board Members who served faithfully in 2011, in November new board members were elected to begin their term in 2012. Abla Nasir Aida Hadad Eliane Abdinnour Estiphan Salameh Khalil Doughbaje Lina Majaj Maher Hanna Munir Fasheh Nadia Abboushi Peter Khoury Radgonde Amer Raffoul Rofa Ramzi Rihan Rawan Zahran Salwa Dubibis Sami Khoury Suliman Rabadi Tania Nassir Wassef Daher - 15 - Zoughbi Zoughbi SABEEL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(Elected from Members of the General Assembly) Naim Ateek President Archbishop Elias Chacour Vice President Jean Zaru Vice President Cedar Duaybis Secretary Samia Khoury Treasurer Jonathan Kuttab Member
STAFF
Jerusalem Office: Naim Ateek Sawsan Bitar Omar Harami Nicolas Atallah Dima Said Nivine Nasrallah (check dates) Abir Salem* (Jan-Sept) Rawan Zahran (dates) Francis Tams*** Dina Zreineh*** Elias Habash*** (Sept-Dec) Kristen L. Brown**(June-Dec) General Board of Global Ministries – United Methodist Church Meta Floor** Kerk in Actie, NL Sara Brubacher** (Jan-July) Mennonite Central Committee Sarah Thompson** (Sept-Dec) Mennonite Central Committee
International Volunteers Margriet Westers (Jan-Mar) Kerk in Actie, NL Marlijn de Jager (Dec) Kerk in Actie, NL and ICCO Tina Whitehead UM Individual Volunteer (various times) Linnea Jacobsson Equmenia, Sweden (various times) Olivia Sporre (Sept-Dec) Equmenia, Sweden Jess Belding (June-Aug) Libby Rouse Fellowship for Peace @ Yale University Staci Imes (June-July) Fund for Theological Education @ Pacific School of Religion Lauren Wade (June-July) California, U.S.A. Ruth Prentice (July) Scotland Natasha Pavlov (May-June) California, U.S.A. Tonia Sapia (June-Aug) Italy Ann Franklin (conference) North Carolina, USA Elly Andujar (conference) North Carolina, USA Bob & Maurene Tobin (conference) Maine, U.S.A. Ann Hafton (conference) Texas, USA
Local Volunteers (Jerusalem) Maha Ateek Annie Sipielian Abla Freij Nadine Bitar Nadira Atallah Christine Abdallah Julian Abdallah Hiba Dahdal Irene Nalbandian Shatha Bannoura Iba’ Fatho Nivine Nassrallah Rawan ‘Odeh George Rishmawi Sirine Shahwan Salwa Sous - 16 - Nazareth Office: Violette Khoury Lana Mazawi Enas Geraisy volunteer Habib Karam volunteer
*Part time staff **Seconded staff ***Contracted staff
Sabeel offers profound thanks to all those who freely give of their time and talents to volunteer with Sabeel. The work of Sabeel would not be possible on the financial resources available were it not for the dedication and commitment of so many individual helping in the office, with activities, in the Friends and serving on the Executive Committee and the General Assembly.
SABEEL DONORS 2011
Sabeel thanks its donors for all the support and encouragement offered in partnering in Sabeel’s ministries. Sabeel’s work could not continue without the support of so many people, groups and organizations throughout the year, including those who have given more than US $1000.
Carla Ward Development et paix Diakonia Friends of Sabeel North America General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church Kerk in Actie Global Ministries Mennonite Central Committee – MCC Methodist Church Norges Kritne Rad The Presbyterian Church of Canada The Presbyterian Church Svenska Mission Skyrkan The United Church of Canada United Church of Christ
VISITORS 2011
Sabeel’s Jerusalem office was blessed to welcome 79 groups and more than 2218 visitors in 2011. Groups included:
Bob & Maurine Tobin’s University Group Catholic Boston College (Birthright Unplugged ) CMEP Board Members 5 Interfaith Leaders: Aziz Abu Sarah Trinity Lutheran Seminary Patty Shelly Group –Bethel and Tabor Colleges Bishop Beisner Anglican Group American Jeff Wright Group from Siraj Bethel University from HLT Rev. James Shannon Philly Tour Group Unite Church of Canada Official Delegation Ayus Buddhist Organization from Japan Denver American Baptist group Secours Catholique/Caritas France Belgium Group CPT Delegation Lehigh University Student Group Atlanta Pal Craftaid STI: International Group Guy & Prof Barcliff Group Beuna Vista UMC Colorado Student Group Swedish Botkyrka Group - 17 - Peter Lodburg: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark M2011 from Norway Rev Martine Millet Group Bishop of New Castle Bernard Flichy French Group MF Norwegian Theology Student Group MCC Ontario Delegation French Journalists CWC Protestant Church Geneva Swedish Festival of Theology Group Tom Ault UCC Group Albina Tours--Ainsworth Shepherd’s Tours--Barrington and Lawrence Pilgrimage Eastern Mennonite Seminary Amos Trust Mount St. Mary’s University, Catholic, Maryland Presbyterian Church Canada Palms Church Group American Interfaith Group Omar Group in Hebron Marlin and Sally Vis-Light for the World Study Tour CPT Delegation Gregory Jenkins Group Janet Lewis Groups (Tobey/Cates VIM team) Paul Parker Group (Siraj) Marlin and Sally Vis-Light for the World Study Tour Lewis Group (Vicki Spurgeon VIM team) Grace Tours--Work Trek Earlham Neighbors East and West Group Fuller Seminary Fourth Presbyterian in Chicago Caritas New Zealand meeting (Liz Sullivan) Richard Blackburn GBGM Study Tour - United Methodist Basilian Peace & Justice Pilgrimage (Bob Holmes) Interfaith Peace builders, African Heritage Delegation UCC Group CPT Delegation Tantor Study Group Hope Equals Group Peter Makari, United Church of Christ Church leaders Kiel University Theology Students CPT Germany Bishop of Bangor and Welsh Delegation Beaverton Church of the Nazarene Dutch group Church of Scotland, Rev. Ian Galloway Dutch Group Elaine Daly Group Light for the World PCUSA-Compassion, Peace & Justice Nicholas Grady CPT - Sally Diakonia Activists
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