Munayer Family Musings Study Tours Hello Everybody, championships which he did along with his Sam 12 Comments from Musalaha It’s been so long since I last wrote an update. brother John who also got the gold medal At last! At last! can ride in the front seat of Study Tour Participants I can’t remember what has happened in be- in his age bracket. He came in 13th and was the car. He has been waiting for this to be like tween, looking at my calendar I see Christ- fantastic as a non–trained runner. He has a his brothers. He has to sign on the forms for mas and New Years passed twice, Daniel had heavy exam load now until the end of June. his passport re- an 18th Birthday party, Salim went to the US He is thinking of going to YWAM as well the camp, we toured the country for a The quiet drive north allowed us all to newal…..oohh and back, numerous running and swimming and in his words, “but not the same as Jack.” the excitement Steve Openshaw week. Part of it was a traditional tour rest and start processing some of what competitions [nothing new there!], Musalaha Of course we say and nod wisely. He is very of getting older. St. Peter’s Church, Bolton, UK of the biblical sites, but the last few we’d heard, and we all embraced the retreat at the Dead Sea, a few exams and I am committed at the congregation and loves his days were completely unconventional. “rest” that is so much an element of life He may think soon to have birthday with an 0 at the end of youth group [Neria]. He has turned out to be We stayed in Bethlehem which is sur- around the lake. The Galilee has a peace he’s 16 but the it. So news in brief……… an outstanding young man and great witness People have had their eyes opened to rounded by an imposing security bar- and quiet about it that was much more law says other- to his faith [Phew!]. some of the wonderful things the Lord rier, enjoying the wonderful hospital- powerful in contrast because of our wise! Jack 20 is doing in Israel and the Palestinian Au- ity of Bethlehem Bible College. There days in a busy urban environment with John 16 This is his last year of elementary school, in Seven months of being at home after YWAM thority through ministries and individ- we experienced many eye-opening a “breakneck” educational program John has started with exams in 10th grade to- September he will go to the high school [he was about all Jack and us could take. He is uals. The trip was also a spiritual jour- moments of lectures and tours. Walk- that was stretching our minds. wards his final graduation. As John seems to can’t wait]. John will be there to keep an eye Musalaha Spring 2010 Newsletter now studying Arabic in Amman until the ney for some of the people who came ing through the long corridors of the glide along life in a happy and contented way on him. end of June. To fill in this previous 7 month along. I am sure this trip will make a border on our way to catch the bus to this was somewhat of a shock for him. He’s Lance Brown time he did various childcare jobs, applied He qualified in four races at the National long lasting impact on the people who Jerusalem at the end of a work day as learning [forced] Mind Mapping for History. Chapel Hill Presbyterian, WA, USA Swimming Championships. He’s very fo- came along – as did the last one. the Palestinian workers returned from and was accepted to 4 Universities in the UK, John and Daniel decided to try and both win cused on swimming and wants to grow so Lives Transformed in the Midst of Conflict their day’s work in Jerusalem struck me. and took the TOFEL English and SAT exams. gold medals in the Jerusalem 5,000m races as much to be more powerful. That’s something I learned about their constant reality of I so deeply appreciate all Musalaha did The long term plan is that he will study Psy- Mary Pandiani it was a last chance to do it together [Daniel out of my control. he lady behind the desk handed me a brightly-colored derly lady in a shawl and black stockings shuffled by. I asked separation from their Jewish neighbors, to make this a life changing experience – chology and Sociology in the UK starting in Chapel Hill Presbyterian, WA, USA leaving in June] and they did so they had a Tmap of Jerusalem’s Old City. her if she might know where the Jerusalem Alliance Church security checks and their unequal treat- and the personal investment you made October. Salim’s long term plan is to pay for Salim great bonding/running day at the Nationals was located. ment in terms of rights and resource yourself to unravel the very complex it! Travelling to USA and Canada, jetlag and “The Alliance Church,” she said loudly in response to my in January. John came in 15th, which is also From walking the streets of Bethlehem distribution, namely water. Seeing the ball of yarn in my head and in my heart. Daniel 18 more jetlag. question, “is here.” “You’re looking for Pastor Jack,” she said, and pointed in a huge achievement. Two brothers together, front of us to a sign with the name of the church over an to sitting in a Messianic Jewish service, way the land is being carved up to pro- I have a deep desire for this to be more Yes he’s a fully fledged adult and drives the Her finger thudded against the thick paper on a spot a few off for the day with their sandwiches and big Keeps adding up columns of figures and tot- old door. we were given a taste of two worlds. vide more room for Jewish settlers and than just a profound life experience that car without his father or I blocks from where we stood at the Ministry of Tourism inside smiles. ting and shaking his head preparing for Jack’s Through Musalaha’s eyes, we began to to keep bitter enemies apart was a site enables me to read the newspaper dif- having to sit there in a state studies and Daniel’s year off. A bit older, a bit the Jaffa Gate. At some point, you have to stop looking at maps and start grasp the necessity for a bridge between one can only appreciate visually. Hear- ferently. of nervous exhaustion. We John is swimming in the Na- looking around you to see where you need to go. balder, a bit more tired, but a bit slimmer! I walked outside to a bright, clear day. I love any excuse these two worlds. From Refugee camps ing about the difficulties that the Chris- celebrated his birthday with tional Swimming Champion- that brings me to the Old City. The diversity spilling through I walked inside and up a spiraling staircase into a pew-cov- and settlements to guards and police tians on both sides of the issue face on a a meal/party at a nice hotel ships. More sandwiches and And then there’s me buzzing along with the Brigitte the streets is fascinating: ancient shops burrowed into de- ered sanctuary. Several keyboards and microphones framed and the Holocaust and Al Nakba, the daily basis and witnessing their courage which ended with a pea shoot- smiles but no big brother this Third-Side, Alpha 2, and Charity work, driv- Phillipus Dienst Group, Germany scending walkways, next to cramped banks and DVD stores; a doorway on the opposite wall. A thick man with glasses conflict seems overwhelming. A -sim and conviction inspired me. Most of all, ing battle ……peacefully in year. John has many, many be- ing various children about to various places, noisy tourists wearing matching scarves perched on a rounded nose poked his plistic answer trivializes the extent of I realized that to American Christians, true Middle Eastern style. lieving friends, many of which writing to Jack, general slave at home and stumble behind the group leader with a head out and smiled. probing damage. Yet, in the midst of it the Christians in Palestine are often in- A young man’s life transformed during live miles away, this keeps him taking a wellness course. He won a gold medal in the Je- hoisted flag; scents from mountains of “Prison and the all, Christ’s message of reconciliation visible and that I want to do what little I a Musalaha desert encounter as he went busy on Facebook and non-stop phone con- “You’re John, yeah?” asked Jack rusalem youth 5,000m race [in his age brack- That’s it for now, thanks for reading! spices mingle with the smells of fresh brings hope. In fact, it is the only an- can to change that. from being somebody who threw stones versations……..guess it’s the age. intifada changed me... Sara. et] and thus qualified to run in the national bread and baklava from bakeries; old swer. Musalaha provides the opportu- to someone who realized, that a peace- Kay Munayer. bent men in tweed jackets and khaffi- But, meeting with He welcomed me with a wave into his nity to face the pain and suffering of all ful answer is much more necessary than Chuck Orrestad yehs pace over the smooth stones as cozy office. Mazzem, the associate those involved: Jews, Christians, Mus- violence touched us deeply and we real- people who cared from CISF Group they knead prayer beads behind their pastor, brought us tea with thyme. lims, Palestinians, Israelis. And at the ized that such changes could only hap- backs; young women wearing hijabs the other side, I do be- A large painting of Moses parting the same time, lifts up the covenant given pen through the grace of Jesus Christ. Musalaha shop for clothes with jeans and high lieve, changed me Red Sea hung on the wall behind the to followers of Jesus Christ – we are to This trip was eye-opening, enlightening heels peeking from beneath the hem of wide desk. Bookshelves lined the plas- reconcile to one another as Christ has and provided information that perhaps Contact Information: PO Box 52110, Jerusalem, Israel 91521 Tel: 972-2-672-0376 Fax: 972-2-671-9616 forever.” their dresses, skirting around huddled tered walls beneath the low ceiling, reconciled us to himself. is accessible in some books, but is so www.musalaha.org; [email protected] John Nitta men smoking hookahs; Israeli soldiers filled with biblical teaching guides. much more powerful when we are all EV Free Fullerton, CA, USA in bullet-proof vests survey the crowds, one hand on the Jack’s two-and-a-half year old daughter sat behind him on away and isolated from our home con- Sheri Blackmon International Contact and Contribution Information: gun and the other hand on the radio; Jews and Muslims and the windowsill, playing with the telephone. She looked at texts hearing it “live.” Obviously, that Oak Park, CA, USA USA: Reconciliation Ministries, P.O. Box 238, Medina, WA 98039-0238 USA Christians brush shoulders as they go to pray in synagogues me curiously for a few moments when I entered, but the same “separation” that is so powerful Training at Musalaha was great and UK: The Andrew Christian Trust, Rockwood, Storth Road, Sandside, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7PH UK and mosques and churches. You can watch the world pass phone silently rang and she had to answer the imaginary on your desert encounters offers the well-thought through. The students en- through those streets. caller. She was the youngest of three, Jack said. His wife, Most American Christians who visit the UK Contact: Martin Ragan 37 Redcar Road, Smithills, Bolton, BL1 6LL UK same advantage to visitors who can re- joyed their time with Salim and were Madeline, has a second degree, or Masters, in Counseling, Holy Land never get to meet Palestinian I walked toward New Gate and then turned south beneath ally focus on the material. encouraged to hear his heart. The over- and teaches a course every semester at Bethlehem Bible Christians and thus miss an important Please note: If sending checks to the addresses above, please write the check to that organization (e.g. Rec- archways into a quiet residential area of the Old City. The all consensus was that his lectures pre- College. She also helps coordinate the women’s groups at part of what Israel has to offer its visi- onciliation Ministries or The Andrew Christian Trust) and in a letter designate the contribution to Musalaha air was cool and water trickled through the middle of the The “heavier” part of our agenda the pared the students well in understand- the church. But, Jack said, she believes her main vocation tors. We spent a week getting to know streets from a recent rain. I glanced at the map several intellectual, theological (land), emo- ing the conflict. or the Munayer family. Reconciliation Ministries can also receive donations by credit card. Contributions are is being a mother. Jewish and Palestinian Christians at a tional….was powerful. Going to the tax deductable. Thank you very much! times. Maybe I made a wrong turn, because I thought I might camp for 9-12 year old children. After Galilee on the back end was just right. have come too far. I considered turning around when an el- Jack grew up in the Old City, only a block from where we You can now make a secure online donation simply by visiting our website: www.musalaha.org sat, in a Roman Catholic family. Very nominal and tradition- things, like rage. I would go to protests and not care if I This volume will hopefully be published lat- and benefits of life as a Palestinian Christian Desert Encounter al, Jack said. He was fifteen when the first intifada began. got shot, bullets all around you. I would think about what er this year. It will include a number of dif- minority in Israel. This spring we will take a new group of happened when I died. But, meeting with people who cared ferent articles from Israeli Messianic Jewish, youth between the ages of 13-15 to the desert “I was involved heavily in what young kids did,” he explained from the other side, I do believe, changed me forever. To Palestinian Christian, and Western Christian for a time of relationship building, caravan- between cautious sips from the hot paper cup, “like writing These youth are influenced by Palestinian tell you the truth-” n every newsletter we share with you re- region or local community. We also train contributors on the ning on camels and hiking the high places of graffiti, raising the Palestinian flag, distributing fliers for our culture, Arab world ports of some of our projects. However, these women in taking an active role in lo- topic of Theology of the Negev. They will study the life of Joseph independence. Everything we did was illegal, so I was put in His daughter sniffed loudly. She slid down his arm and onto I culture, global youth this spring we would like to share with you cal social involvement through facilitating the Land. and engage in discussions as they meet and prison at least seven times. Not for long times, but still in the floor, playing with several bottles from her dad’s desk. culture, Israeli cul- some of the finer details of the work that social and reconciliation activities such as encounter one another. prison.” Jack looked down at her and smiled. ture and Islamic encompasses our daily lives. Each of our summer camps, handicap day, and outreach We are also wrapping culture. As a result, Jack joined the Communist party, which was extremely pop- “To tell you the truth,” he began again, “I didn’t have a full department coordinators will share with to the needy. Musalaha currently runs three up a book project that these youth engage West Bank Training ular among Palestinian youth. But, he said, he felt like he understanding of who would be there on this Musalaha trip. you the various programs and goals impact- regional groups and five local groups. Jonathan McRay has in a lifestyle of drugs, Two years ago, in preparation for a youth and living within walls. The Young Adults was going nowhere. I thought it would only be guys from the Bible College. I had ing Israeli and Palestinian children, youth, been working on. Jon- alcohol, smoking, leaders training project, Musalaha found out no clue that there were Jewish people who believed in Je- program provides a platform for forming re- “It was a cycle that got me thinking if this is what I want my young adults and women towards reconcili- Third side group athan has spent the last violence and become that there were youth groups, but a lack of sus. The most conversation I built was with Evan Thomas, a lationships, sharing, grieving and forgiving life to be like. I protested, then got arrested and beaten by ation. This is a group of women who are not Jew- 5 months interviewing at-risk youth who youth leaders in the West Bank. To better Messianic Pastor from Netanya. We would sit close together together. army and secret police, then released and protested, arrest- ish or Palestinian but are long-term residents Israelis and Palestin- are filled with anger, serve these youth we found it necessary to in a circle and share. That was integral to my change. Evan Women’s Department or citizens in Israel or the PA either through ians who have been frustration, bitterness train youth leaders in reconciliation, non- ed and beaten. This cycle just continued. I got out of prison Bridgebuilders was so gracious. In the desert, we were uncertain and scared Coordinator Louise Thomsen marriage to locals or long-term work posi- involved with Musalaha, and has compiled and rejection. These youth face a moral and violence, and tolerance to become effective for the last time in 1991, and I just wanted to find something A group of Norwegian, Palestinian and Is- at first. Others felt the same and we would talk together to tions. As long-term residents these women a series of narratives based on these inter- ethical dilemma as they adapt to individual- else. I was always thinking how I could help my people in a raeli young adults headed to Norway last overcome the fears. I still had all these things I was chained In conflict, the feminine voice is one of in- are also greatly affected by the conflict and views. ism while their community and traditions better way, maybe through education and counseling.” summer and will continue their journey of to from which I needed to be free. The most important thing fluence and power but in our societies of have a unique potential to be bridges be- call for community. Jack’s daughter hopped has been fostering the re- gendered politics and asymmetric gender tween the two sides. These women meet reconciliation by experiencing a Desert En- Finally, the Musalaha staff has also been counter. During the Passover holiday, the down from the window- lationship. It’s more than power, women’s voices are often ignored three times a year and meet with the national working on a Reconciliation Curriculum for Palestinians are lacking a healthy infrastruc- young adults will take one step closer to sill and into his lap and he keeping in touch with Evan. and marginalized. Women in conflict are groups twice a year. the last few months, and is nearing the mid- ture that provides a place for addressing confronting issues involving the Israeli-Pal- grunted. She climbed on to It’s a partnership. I’ve spo- not only victims but also powerful agents of way point for this project. It is a very large, and dealing with these conflicts. Because estinian conflict. his shoulders, wiping her ken in the Beit Asaph con- important change, who with their courage, Muslim-Christian Committee very ambitious enterprise which includes a Palestinian-Israelis are the natural bridge runny nose on her sweater gregation and we’ve had commitment and determination and with In 2009, we broadened our women’s ministry lot of research and writing. It will serve as between Israeli and Palestinian society, it is Follow-Ups sleeve. She interrupted a him and other Messianic their tolerance, compassion, forgiveness and to facilitate dialogue between women of oth- a training manual for our women’s leader- critical that they learn to become agents of Many of our young adults who have been in- few times, chewing gum pastors speak from our pul- practical solutions are very capable of tak- er faiths to promote a better understanding ship training as well as to other Musalaha’s change within their local communities and volved in the journey of reconciliation for a with short gasps of breath pit.” ing action and demanding to see a change. and reconciliation among these communi- programs, and other organizations that share then within the larger society. We hope that into his ear. few years are already delving into historical Musalaha offers Israeli and Palestinian ties. With this project we aim at empowering our vision for reconciliation. through training we will equip these youth youth leaders and empower them to become His daughter interrupted narrative and identity and will fly to Cyprus “I had this neighbor,” he women a forum for meeting and reconciling women to initiate joint reconciliation activi- and youth leaders to become that bridge be- agents of change. In the 2008-2009 year, we again, this time whispering this May to learn about Palestinian and Is- continued, “who was a with each other and empowers the women ties within their communities. A group of 7 Youth Galilee Training tween the two societies. had nearly 60 youth leaders in our begin- in his ear. He laughed. raeli historical narratives. believer. His life always through training to take an active role as Muslim and 7 Christian Palestinian women Coordinator Shadia Qubti ner’s course. These 60 will now be entering “She wants me to tell you intrigued me. He was a leaders of reconciliation in their local com- from Bethlehem meet monthly to engage Youth Department our advanced leadership training. that we have several ham- Sound and Sand Encounter preacher. We had many con- munities. Hundreds of Palestinian and Israeli in dialogue and cooperate for the benefit of Our work is expanding all over the country Coordinator Tamara Kuttab sters. Our cages are full of Israeli, Palestinian and American young versations for hours over women meet frequently in small, organized their communities. In 2011 we will include and the Lord has opened the doors to begin West Bank Youth Project hamsters!” adults will be bridging the divide as they tea in his home, which was groups on national, regional and local levels. Jewish women into the dialogue. The youth are our leaders of tomorrow. It is Our youth leaders who have been trained in meet together for camping, hiking and learn- training Palestinian-Israeli youth leaders. just down the street. And, She whispered again. they who will determine our future. There- previous years are now running a program ing and will speak in Our goal is to empower Palestinian-Israeli eventually, I became a be- National Groups Community Develop- fore, it is critical that we train them, that they that aims at creating educational, political, “And that we have a cat churches throughout liever. My life changed dras- Groups of 10 Israeli and 10 Palestinian ment Project meet the “other” and develop relationships cultural, democratic and social awareness named Arshi.” Washington State in tically and rapidly, and all my friends thought I was crazy, women meet to tackle difficult issues affect- The women’s depart- with those their societies label as the enemy. among the youth and teaching youth how to 2010. They will spend because it was a 180 degree change. Now, I see the religious The Jerusalem Alliance Church is sixty years old. Jack began ing both sides and receive leadership train- ment is starting a new Youth also make up a substantial part of Is- pass on these skills and knowledge in their two weeks in the sum- and political still connected. I love my people. But my views attending under the influence of the preacher from down ing. The groups meet four times a year. Cur- community develop- raeli and Palestinian society. They will learn communities. The mentioned issues are not mer of 2011 trekking needed to change about justice. I still work for justice and the street, and was soon playing the keyboard during ser- rently Musalaha has six national groups and ment project in Beth- the importance of actions that are moral and sufficiently dealt with at an institutional lev- through the sands of mercy.” vices. Now, a wide group of people come to the church from a new group is established each year. lehem that aims at ethical. Through Musalaha, they will share el in Palestinian society and they are essen- Wadi Rum, Jordan as outside of the Old City, and members of the congregation empowering the less days sleeping in the desert and sitting under- tial resources for building and contributing Through his relationship with this preacher, he heard about they camp underneath have been on Musalaha trips and follow-ups. Regional and Local Groups privileged women neath the stars as brothers and sisters in the to a developing society such as the Palestin- Bethlehem Bible College, where he was soon accepted. Sa- the stars; learn cross Groups of 50 women in Israel and the Pal- of all faiths through body of believers who are learning to love as ian society. lim Munayer was one of his first teachers and invited him “I think Musalaha did very well with the follow-ups,” Jack cultural communica- estinian Authority meet monthly for training educational programs, God tells us to love in I John 4. to participate in one of Musalaha’s first Desert Encounters. said, “because keeping the relationships going certainly tion, reconciliation, in reconciliation and issues relating to their women’s rights work- Summer Camp But he was hesitant. He had a lot of anger and resentment helped me in the process of change. There’s a big divide fear and forgiveness. shops, and social outreach initiatives. youth leaders to become agents of change in Children are the next generation of reconcil- toward the Jewish people. between our people, but change is a choice I have to make. Everything changes here. If you only come to visit once, you the Galilee Region through youth leadership ers who can learn to grow up in a society “I think I had hatred,” he said. “But it was planted there. Young Adult’s Department Publication’s Department will miss it. But if you come more you can see how the coun- training. As part of the training curriculum, not influenced by the hatred and enmity that I didn’t grow up with this. Our family did not engender ha- Coordinator Nussi Khalil Manager Joshua Korn try has changed so much, and so often for the bad. Maybe youth leaders will be required to implement is so evident in their communities. Summer tred. My dad was an electrician, and he worked for an Israeli Young Adults are at a crossroads in their a youth educational trip that impacts the camp allows for Palestinian and Israeli chil- we can make it change for good.” The Publications Department is currently company. He had all sorts of friends who were Jews, and life, making decisions, confirming their youth by emphasizing their historical and dren to become peacemakers already at a involved in a number of different exciting before the intifada they would come and eat in our home values and learning to take a stand for what religious connection to the land so that they young age. They are given this opportunity writing projects. Salim is co-writing a book and we would in theirs. Prison and the intifada changed me. they believe in. Israelis have gone through learn to take ownership of their own society. in a neutral, friendly and fun camp setting By Jonathan McRay on Theology of Reconciliation with Akiva the army and Palestinians have experienced They will also be required to participate in a where they learn from the Bible how to im- “And the interrogations,” he added quietly. “I still have Jack Sara is also a member of Musalaha’s Board Cohen and is to be published by Paternoster. life as adults living in the midst of the con- youth media project, which documents the plement tolerance, reconciliation and love. the marks on my body from that time. At fifteen, sixteen, Salim is also co-editing with Lisa Loden, a flict, such a passing through checkpoints lives of the youth, showing the challenges what else would you imagine? I’m storing all these second edition of The Bible and the Land.