Musalaha Summer 2009 Newsletter

A Danish perspective on peace in the Middle East The Middle East is just one mesh of cul- When I arrived, I soon had a taste of that Despite these feelings and though I worked Staff Update Upcoming Events Congratulations tures filled with people living side by side reality, especially since I began working in the Palestinian territories, I had also Women’s Social Project who come from totally different worlds. with the Palestinian youth leaders in Beth- seen another side to things through work- June 5 to Salim! Many are living in despair, without hope lehem, Ramallah and ing in the Musalaha We are excited to announce that Ta- mara Kuttab has joined our team here Bethlehem for a peaceful future with their neighbors. Nablus. I saw first-hand office. Israelis and Pal- We would like to announce that Dr. at Musalaha. Tamara has taken over In Denmark, there is no respect for Pales- how they struggle with estinians work side by Salim J. Munayer, director of Musalaha our youth department as the project’s Death and Fear of Death Seminar tinians. They are perceived as the enemy the political situation, side, laughing, joking June 5 Ministry of Reconciliation has received coordinator. She began her role as co- inflicting all of the pain and the reason for which affects their and enjoying each oth- Talitha Kumi, Beit Jala this year’s Christian International ordinator by leading Musalaha’s Youth disaster in the region. So, coming from everyday lives. While er’s company, which Scholarship Foundation Scholar-Lead- Galilee Encounter during the Passover Denmark, I didn’t know what to expect. these youth leaders showed me that there Young Adult Follow-up er of the Year award. And, naturally, friends and family were are being trained to is hope. Though peace and Easter holidays. June 5-6 apprehensive in me heading to the Middle raise up a new genera- is not ringing through- Tamara grew Talitha Kumi, Beit Jala This honor was awarded to Salim for East, especially at the height of the con- tion to become agents out all of society, there up in Ramallah his quality of life, influence in the home flict in the Gaza Strip. of change and have a is a place where Is- and Amman, Youth Leadership Training, Part 1 context, and accom- willing attitude to find raeli and Palestinian I was frustrated when I started at Jordan. She re- June 25-29 coexistence with Israelis, they must also can come together and make those initial plishments as he Musalaha. Frustrated, because I wasn’t Ephesus, Turkey battle their own internal struggles. Many steps to a brighter future. ceived her BA continues to serve sure how there could ever be reconcili- doubt that there will actually be peace in Education in a distinguished ation between Israelis and Palestinians. Musalaha has been a blessing to me and I Palestinian Children’s Summer Camp Challenges that keep us looking upward with Israelis. Ohio. She then purpose for the ad- The people I met seemed so closed, they hope and pray it’s a blessing to many oth- returned to Ra- Week of July 6 in Bethlehem region vancement of God’s thought of reconciliation as a good thing, The Palestinians feel disowned. They too ers. I thank God I came here to meet so mallah to work Week of July 27 in Zebabdeh region Kingdom and thus For many years Musalaha has invested its energies in God and see his fullness if we don’t move within society? as long as it didn’t involve them. How is are without hope, that there is no place many wonderful people, who are all so bringing Palestinian Christians and Israeli Messianic Jews for one of her father’s non-profit me- embody the very es- But the lessons we learned through our Desert Encoun- it ever possible to change people’s minds? for them to just be themselves and that open and welcoming to change. Israeli-Palestinian Children’s together and we are encouraged by the accomplishments dia programs, Sesame Street in Arabic, sence of CISF’s mis- ters and years of involvement in reconciliation gave us How can you change their thinking about they are without ownership of society. Summer Camp and milestones different people have made in their jour- By Dina Schroder which is designed to educate children sion. CISF members visiting the region some confidence to move on within the rest of our society. another people they supposedly hate? July 20-24 ney of reconciliation. But, the larger society of Israelis and Danish Youth Leader in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. awarded Salim the honor in a special Not only do we want to do it, but people are watching Baptist Village, Petah Tikvah Palestinians that we’re living in is Muslim and Jewish. So, ceremony in Bethlehem. the progress that we have made in reconciliation, and are She lives in Bethlehem and is actively how are we going to move from being called light to be- Bridgebuilders Conference asking if they can join, wanting to know how they can be Munayer Family Update involved in the young adults group at coming salt in our society? The apostle Paul tells us in August 7-17 CISF is a non-profit ministry focused involved. the Independent Baptist Church of Beit Romans 12 that we are called to renew our minds. When Jack is returning to Belfast for the last week of toring in Hebrew grammar since he was tested a demonstration outside of the govern- Norway on developing Servant Leaders for the Jala. we renew our minds, it will show in our actions as we We are now seeing how we can implement the wilder- his YWAM reconciliation course. For the past and we found that there were gaps in his He- ment offices for renovations of my sons’ majority-world Church by identifying begin to demonstrate love to fellow believers and live at ness experience with other groups, and how we can have two months he has been serving in Rwanda brew comprehension. But, back to this phone school – it’s in a terrible state. After that Family/Leader’s Conference and investing in the advanced theolog- a major impact in their personal lives. In order to build and Burundi, helping children business, there’s no doubt I have invited the Alpha group ladies to August 14-21 ical education of gifted Christian lead- peace with all men. It will then then be easier to love our bridges and impact the whole of society, we must start in clinics and orphanages. He should they make a water my house to do Color Me Beautiful as a Karlsbad, Germany ers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, enemies. small before we move upward and onward. We began has lost a lot of weight and phone he’ll be talking on the treat for finishing the course on which and Eastern Europe. How do we promote reconciliation that is centered with a small group of Muslims and Christians who were had some stomach problems. phone while at his swimming I was a helper. I must also go through around our Lord, the Messiah with others in the commu- willing to take these first small steps towards coexistence When we told him we were lessons. physical therapy for treatment on my nity that do not have the same convictions that we have? going to make him see a doc- foot bone spurs and Arthritic neck. And through using the Biblical principles of reconciliation and Sam is seriously training Do we only proclaim him as the Savior and fall short of tor, once he returns to Israel in so it goes on and on, in fact whilst writ- we were encouraged by their responses. for the upcoming Nationals doing what Jesus called us to do when he said, “blessed June, he claimed that he was ing this John called from the swimming competition. The preliminary are the peacemakers.” Where can we express and dem- One of our other key bridge building initiatives has been fit as a fiddle. However, I, as pool and there is an overnight swim- heats will take place in June Musalaha onstrate the peace we have with our Lord so that it influ- our Sports Camp. Sports has been an excellent means to his mother will be the judge ming competition tomorrow. He has to and the finals in August. But, ences society around us? As ambassadors of the Lord, we break down barriers between people as it has the foun- of that when I see him. He be there at 8 a.m. on the other side of swimming doesn’t seem to Contact Information: PO Box 52110, Jerusalem, Israel 91521 Tel: 972-2-672-0376 Fax: 972-2-671-9616 must also be bridge builders between other people from dation for creating unity. Our sports camp, which began has decided he wants to study the city miles away. Of course there are be his only affairs since he www.musalaha.org; [email protected] diverse faith backgrounds without compromising tenets in 2006, includes Jewish, Muslim and Christian youths psychology and we are pray- no details about the cost, what is he go- came home from school the of our own faith by being humanistic or deceptive. We who have the unique opportunity to build relationships ing for the where, when and ing to eat and what time I need to pick other day with huge scratches with those of other faiths and deal with their differences. how’s of it all. him, only that we must take him and his International Contact and Contribution Information: weighed these thoughts, carefully considering the conse- down his face. When I asked This program allows us to look for ways to share Biblical friend tomorrow! USA: Reconciliation Ministries, P.O. Box 238, Medina, WA 98039-0238 USA quences as we as a board sought how to best impact the Daniel is in the middle of exams in his second him what happened, he then told me that it was UK: The Andrew Christian Trust, Rockwood, Storth Road, Sandside, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7PH UK rest of our society. principles of reconciliation in a non-believing context and to last year of schooling...oh dear, the pressure. just an accident that happened while he was Sound familiar anyone? provide conflict resolution activities and training. Recently, he gave a 5 min word at our congre- playing football. I wonder, is that what really Reconciliation is not an easy journey; it has a lot of chal- The Pope’s visit has caused all sorts gation when the youth lead the service, it was happened? Please note: If sending checks to the addresses above, please write the check to that organization (e.g. Reconciliation Min- lenges, but it is also an act of obedience to bring the Mes- Please continue to pray for our bridge building activities of driving histrionics, but still we are very good and we were proud of him that he istries or The Andrew Christian Trust) and in a letter designate the contribution to Musalaha or the Munayer family. Rec- siah of peace into every aspect of our society whether it such as our Sports Camp that God would provide fund- And, I am super busy. This week I have a ba- happy and actually glad to be involved met the challenge head on. onciliation Ministries can also receive donations by credit card. Contributions are tax deductable. Thank you very much! is social, political or economical. Aren’t we called to be ing as well coaches so that we can continue influencing a zaar where I will work as a volunteer to raise everything going on, it must be grace or a prophetic voice against hatred, anger, enmity and vio- larger sector of society towards reconciliation. John still seems to be happy, content and popu- funds for the Shepherd Society and help as divine intervention! lence? If we shy away from it, we shun ourselves within lar. His main free-time activity is talking on the many people as I can from Bethlehem. We You can now make a secure online donation simply by visiting our website: www.musalaha.org Untill next time, Kay [for the lot of a narcissist ghetto. How can people taste the Kingdom of By Salim J. Munayer, PhD phone all the time. He is also continuing his will be having another one of our Third-Side them]. swimming lessons as well as receiving extra tu- Meetings. Following that I am participating in Youth Galilee Encounter, 2009 Women’s Conference Petra, Jordan 2009

ence of some of include truth, se- Climbing the mountain of reconciliation the leaders, they curity, sacrifice Cyprus Reflections slowly began in- and communica- It was with some hesitation that the Israeli, enabling us to really stand by each other and Palestinian and Third Side women participated support each other as we continue our journey teracting through tion. May 1-4 Musalaha brought a group of 20 it away, pray and maintain resolve. After in our women’s conference in Petra, Jordan onward. I have never felt our bond as strongly the games and Israeli and Palestinian women to Cyprus some time, the judge summons him to stand There was a dif- at the end of March. The previous conference as in this conference. excursions. to begin the journey of reconciliation. Our before him, and declares him not guilty. His ferent dynamic on brokenness, seen through the examples of fear dissipates into immediate relief, but as In reconciliation there are also many amazing The theme of this year as we time in Cyprus was blissful, peaceful, pro- the Holocaust and the Naqba, and the war in the verdict sinks in, he becomes indignant, moments, many mountain tops. It is there that our youth trip brought along ductive. We learned about listening, the Gaza this past January, stirred feelings of pain, and angry. He demands an explanation for you have a clear view of what you’ve gone was biblical Sudanese partici- stages of reconciliation and the character anger, frustration and fear in us. Uneasy, anx- the rendering of such a verdict. The dream through. The more you tackle the valleys and love. True love pants. Within the of a reconciler. The time was fruitful, filled ious and fainthearted, the women didn’t know mountains the better you become at it. You between broth- last two years, with laughter and fellowship. ends with the judge’s words: “The court is what to expect. Would we have to deal with the indifferent towards your Bible reading and have a new spurt of energy to take the next step. ers and sisters Darfur refugees In reflecting about the trip upon my return, traumatic experiences of the war? Would we religious meetings; it has no concern for Because the women focused on strengthening is based on four have flooded into some of the things that stand out most were be able to relate to our sisters from the other worship with words and a pen. Continue to their relationships rather than being weighted biblical prin- Israel and slowly my experiences traveling to Cyprus and re- side without anger? Would our relationships be develop your theology, and use it to paint down by the intensity of the conference they ciples, which led us to ask the following but surely are adjusting to a new culture. turning home. Leaving Israel was quite an strong enough or were they destroyed by the pictures of a comforting world in your mind. were very determined to stand together. The questions: How can I love my brother who Many of the Sudanese teens have an advan- ordeal. Our mixed group of women was war? But because we are determined to contin- We have no interest in such church-going atmosphere was positive and soothing, with is so different from me? How can I love my tage because they speak both Hebrew and questioned, delayed, looked at suspiciously. ue on our journey of reconciliation we would artists who spend their time creating mental many moments of laughter. brother who comes from a totally different Arabic. On our Musalaha trip, the Sudanese “What could Israelis and Palestinians pos- not allow the world around us break the bond images of a better world. We exist for those world than I do? participants were able to interact with both sibly have to do with one another?,” was the of unity that we worked so hard to build. And, who would lay down that brush, and their sides. unasked question. so, 38 women attended this conference. While at the conference we set out to explore In Matthew 22:39, Jesus exhorts us to “Love life, in a Christ-like endeavor to create such the beauty of Petra, trekking through valleys your neighbor as yourself.” It is this com- Because the Sudanese boys live in Israeli All this was soon forgotten as we were fi- a world.”[1] The reconciliation process is not linear, but and touring through the ancient ruins of Petra. mand that forces us to get out of our own society they seemed to click faster with nally allowed to board our plane. For four a journey that takes place in stages. Many of Herein lays the challenge and vocation. And deep in that valley of rock-carved designs box and allows us to experience things as the Israeli participants and were somewhat days, we were visitors in Cyprus. There was us find ourselves in the very critical stage of Work for reconciliation is met with skepti- our neighbor does. We are not only to look hesitant to interact with the Palestinian no ever present security, no daily talk of ex- choosing between with- cism, wariness, fear, suspicion and disbe- Musalaha youth set out on a new and exciting adventure, trekking up north at our own needs, thoughts, feelings, and participants. Eventually, one of the Suda- istential threat or the delays and frustrations drawing or continuing. We lief. And many times, it’s quite tiring. But wishes, but also the needs of others’. How nese teens came forward and said, “I used of checkpoints. No one looked at us strange- are pilgrims in this world this is our challenge. This is our vocation. journeying on our way to to the Galilee so that they could start the process of becoming agents of can we accomplish this? How can we create to hate Arabs, I never knew there could be ly, stopped us, or asked us questions with It’s far too easy to be ignorant and hole up another and better world. such a deep love? How can we practice the good Arabs.” This thought stemmed from skepticism. We were able to speak freely, within our respective communities, imag- The road sometimes leads reconciliation in their own communities love Christ wanted us to show toward one his own personal experiences with the Ar- share with each other from our hearts and ining that we are wronged and in the right, us into deep, dark and another in our daily lives? The answer: ap- abs in Sudan who had chased them out of experiences, and learn from one another. During the Passover and Easter holidays in each other. In one group, the Palestinian identity issues that hinder them from recon- plying four basic biblical principles, which their country. The trip was transforming for holding tightly to our favorite prejudices. frightening valleys and April a group of 23 Israeli and Palestinian girls noticed how the Israeli girls dressed ciling with those from the other side. these Sudanese teens who also And then we came home very early in the But in encountering the other, we grow and other times leads us on up teenagers headed north to venture out on more casually, while the Israelis mentioned morning on May 5. As my taxi driver took learn and change – speaking peace, passing liberating and exhilarating Many of our group discussions involved needed to learn about recon- our Youth Galilee Encounter. Shifting from that the Palestinian girls were more reserved me home, he told me he lived in the same the peace, and creating spaces for peace to mountain tops. God com- role playing on the topic of communication. ciliation. our typical Youth Desert Encounter, we in participating in some of the activities. neighborhood as I…and then he digressed happen. And so we endeavor to create such mands us to continue on This gave way for our outgoing group to in- sought greener pastures that still provided It seemed like the youth also into racial slurs and bigoted comments a world. our journey and not remain Through this discussion we found that the teract on a new level and understand each the neutral, yet picturesque environment. faced vulnerable situations. about the Arab neighborhoods and commu- By Ambreen idle. If we stand still, we teens were struggling with personal iden- other differently. With a new staff, leading for the first time a On the one hand, as a coun- nities bordering ours. And my heart sank, Musalaha Administrator will never reach our des- tity issues. They noticed differences in be- Musalaha trip, this group of dynamic people It is on trips like this, where the teens are selor, I felt vulnerable because because I knew I was home. tination. As we reach the haviors and dress in those of the other side. ______made themselves vulnerable and set out on young and impressionable, that they have this was my first time co- valleys of reconciliation, it This is critical to recognize and understand Recently I read a short parable that I found we were faced with a monstrous mountain be- this great adventure. the freedom to not be influenced by their leading with friends from “the [1] Paraphrased, partially quoted and adapt- can be tempting to find a way around them, but at this point in their lives. Though, it may provoking, motivating and encouraging. fore reaching our destination, the monastery. own society, yet they have a good starting other side.” On the other hand, ed from Rollins, Peter. How (Not) to Speak even when we attempt to bypass a valley we We, as leaders, as well as the teens were filled only come out as typical teenager challenges We took the challenge physically, climbing point for beginning the reconciliation pro- the youth also felt vulnerable One day, a young man has a dream. He lives of God. Brewster, Massachusetts: Paraclete were intended to go through, we so often find with much anticipation as we headed north. and experiences, it is what will set the stage upward on the steep mountain with the sand cess. This was not a typical Musalaha trip meeting new people, meeting in a world in which following Christ is il- Press, 2006, pp. 124-125. ourselves in the midst of a different valley. We We were forced to open up with one another, for when the Israelis enter the army and Pal- blowing on our faces. But how beautiful it all where people express their frustrations with people from the “other side,” legal. He is summoned to court, and as he simply cannot avoid the difficult, painful and it didn’t matter what our background was estinians receive their ID cards and must looked from the top. What a feeling of victory the other side. and some were in a way out- stands before a judge he sees the evidence challenging parts of reconciliation. We are on a socially, culturally or politically, we needed pass through checkpoints and have harsher siders from the group. Vulner- laid out against him. There are pictures of journey and must move forward. and satisfaction. to be vulnerable towards each other. restrictions in traveling around the country. Because of it, the relationship building as- ability allowed for God to take him attending religious events and services, We cannot walk alone on this journey of rec- Now that the bonds of unity, trust and the re- pect was able to begin. As young teens, The teens were “just themselves” as in If we teach the teens to deal with personal control of the situation and religious books and music taken from his onciliation. We need each other to help us lationships between the women are even stron- sometimes the best way of breaking the ice youths checking out the others–those who identity issues, such as peer pressure, first guide our youth encounter and home, journal entries in which he discussed along in the process. At this conference, we ger, we are ready to take the next step on our is through simple games and interactive ac- were different from them–while they stayed impressions and social interactions, while He most certainly did! his faith, and his well-worn Bible attesting reminded each other of our commitment to journey. On June 5, we will continue onward tivities and that’s what we did. mingling in their own circles. they are young and impressionable, they to his daily reading of that sacred text. He walk together. When someone falls, we help with a workshop dealing with trauma, death sits in fear, awaiting the verdict that would and the fear of death. will be able to have the tools to break down Some of the teens were too timid to mix and By Tamara Kuttab them up. When someone wants to withdraw, We divided the teens into discussion groups bring either imprisonment or death. Deny- the barriers of political, social and cultural mingle, but through the pressure and influ- Youth Coordinator we try to bring them back. And when we reach and analyzed the main differences between ing his faith crosses his mind, but he tries the mountain tops of our meetings, we rejoice By Louise Thomsen together. We have established relationships Women’s Coordinator