Building Bridges Among Israelis, Palestinians and Norwegians Musalaha Reconciling Leaders Winter 2009 Newsletter ridgebuilders, a group of 10 Norwe- More than 20 Israeli and Palestinian community and congrega- about an impossible forgiveness, a forgiveness that does not re- B gian, 10 Israeli and 10 Palestinian young tional leaders, together with their families spent one-week in quire repentance but rather gives birth to it. Many had attempted adults, traveled to Norway at the end of the Germany for Musalaha’s Family Leader- to bury their pain and struggled with digging summer, to begin their process of Recon- ship Conference. This conference fulfilled up bitter emotions. Some were surprised by ciliation. Bridgebuilders began their trip by Musalaha’s vision to equip and empower the iceberg-like structure of their anger, in- camping at Steilene, an island in the Oslo leaders from Israeli and Palestinian commu- cluding one Palestinian leader who discovered Fjords for the first three days. There they nities to form leadership skills and become his deep-seeded hurt stemming from damage were introduced to each other, and began reconcilers in their societies. Musalaha trains done to his village and his people. Israelis and to establish relationships through setting these leaders together with their families be- Palestinians experienced the transforming ca- up the camp and later packing it up in the cause Israeli and Palestinian societies are tharsis as they were forced to sit face to face rain. Right away we began our team build- structured around the family unit. As the and allow dehumanization and injustice, op- ing activities, cross-cultural communica- family grows together as reconcilers they can pression and victimization, to encounter one tion and listening, teaching on reconcilia- ness the formation of certain realities by our fellow friends, together impact their societies for change. another and be overcome. tion, games, discussions, prayer and worship. and to carefully consider the outcome of our actions in real life, to put ourselves in the shoes of the oppressors and the From there we traveled to Valdres, in the mountains of Nor- The Family Leadership Conference serves as “It was good to listen to my brothers on the oppressed, to understand what these roles entail, and what way, where we continued intensive teaching on fear, for- a starting point for networking opportuni- other side,” said Nadav from Rehovot. “On a sort of feelings they raise along with them. I gained so much giveness and power. We enjoyed learning about each other’s ties as people begin to establish relationships personal level we didn’t have much to forgive from this kind of activity as I learned how to look at differ- heritage in our cultural nights. The Israelis showed what it with those from the “other side.” The lan- because we had not met before. But we prac- ent situations more subjectively, and was able to sympathize was like immigrating the Land, while the Palestinians put on guage of “us versus them” is deconstructed ticed forgiveness together by sharing.” He saw with roles I hadn’t considered before. to provide an open space for a new definition the challenging experience as a call to move a mock wedding and the Norwegians dressed in traditional of “we.” deeper: “We need to get down to business. We need to build rela- clothing, played traditional games and music. During this We spent the remainder of our trip with host families in Oslo, time in Valdres, we also did some theatre sessions called The sharing our experiences with them. It was a blessing to be a The conference lasted from August 14 to the 21 and convened tionships, because we don’t need to stay just with reconciliation, but to take that forward. We must now go forward.” Theatre of the Oppressed. part of this trip, to have the opportunity to learn and com- at the Langensteinbacher Hoehe Bibelkonferenzzentrum. This se- municate many feelings. I was very glad to be introduced to Musalaha Celebrates 20 Years of Fruitfulness During such role playing, the spectators discuss what is hap- cluded Bible Conference Center provided an ideal location and Israelis and Palestinians experienced the transforming catharsis the Theatre of the Oppressed as it encouraged understand- pening. ample opportunities for outdoor activities which allowed the par- as they were forced to sit face to face and allow dehumanization ing between us all at Bridgebuilders, as many were able to This ac- ticipants time and space to process and cultivate thoughts and and injustice, oppression and victimization, to encounter one an- open up. emotions. It was through Eckhard Maier’s servant-leadership, other and be overcome. tivity was n the latter part of 1988, while study- ciliation was not a central issue for the other (often for the first time) ‘on level our families not only formed close relationships, but also learned one of the I look forward to arranging more projects like Bridgebuild- ing together in a program designed local Body of Christ. The Arabic and ground’. These earlier days presented a Everyone gathered together for Communion on the last night of I servanthood through his humble example. highlights ers in the future, and hope for similar achievements. to sharpen ministry skills among in- Hebrew-speaking communities en- very steep ‘learning curve’ for us all as the conference. The youth served the bread and the wine to the for me, digenous leaders, Salim Munayer ap- joyed some minimal fellowship inter- we learned to worship, study and pray Every second day the theory and praxis of Musalaha was pre- parents and the sacramental meal broken and shared by Israelis This trip was sponsored and organized by the partnership as well as proached me with the details of a ‘vi- action; however the challenges of the together and form the relationships sented through teachings, workshops, and family interactions. and Palestinians. Com- between Musalaha, The Palestinian Bible Society, The Cas- for many sion’ he sensed God had first Intifada (Palestin- that would become a vital basis for the Musalaha Director Salim J. Munayer and Israeli Pastor Oded munion not only rep- pari Center, The Norwegian Church Ministry to Israel and other par- the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church of Norway. given him. As he shared ian uprising) changed manifold ministries that Musalaha now Shoshani served as the teachers and leaders of the conference. The resented the symbolic ticipants, week’s events were divided into different segments emerging ingesting of the life and in ‘broad strokes’ the everything – young represents. because it biblical call of recon- Messianic servicemen from the theory and praxis. One section was devoted to building way of Jesus, but also By Nussi Khalil The three and five-day desert encoun- enabled ciliation between our were embroiled in the relationships between embodied the “open us to wit- Young Adults Coordinator ters and various seminars held during two conflicted peoples, civil unrest and young families from a differ- commensality” of Jesus those first years would hone our skills something resonated Palestinian Christians ent background, cen- who invited everyone to at providing a safe environment for with me deeply. When who suffered the frus- tering on the theme in his table. these new relationships to withstand Ephesians 2 of break- asked to join with him trations and indigni- “For the parents it was the inevitable challenges as we attempt- ing down walls in in developing the con- ties of checkpoints very touching,” said ed to deal with the hard issues such as order to create new cepts into practical ini- and military occupa- George a Palestinian theology of the land, conflict and the identities. Another tiatives involving our tion became involved pastor. “I was deeply Musalaha obstacles to peace. Those that chose to lecture presented a respective faith com- in the resistance. The touched because we ‘hang in’ would, in time, form a broad- theology of reconcilia- munities, my answer polarization between want to pass on a legacy, Contact Information: PO Box 52110, Jerusalem, Israel 91521 Tel: 972-2-672-0376 Fax: 972-2-671-9616 ening circle of leaders, committed to tion rooted in the na- was almost an imme- the two groups deep- not only for our kids but www.musalaha.org; [email protected] the vision and being willing to stand in ture of God found in 1 diate – yes! Shortly ened and Jesus’ call to for the next generation. And I watched my children living in that the face of intercommunity opposition John 4, which is love. following, “Musalaha” his Body for unity be- new reality and believing in it.” to unity and peace. People from both International Contact and Contribution Information: was brought into being, came more and more Participants explored sides were now willing to take the cou- and discussed how the Reconciliation is the fertile ground in which forgiveness is made USA: Reconciliation Ministries, P.O. Box 238, Medina, WA 98039-0238 USA with basic infrastruc- apparent. rageous step from being involved in the socioeconomic and po- possible, and tolerance is tempered with the reality of our neigh- UK: The Andrew Christian Trust, Rockwood, Storth Road, Sandside, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7PH UK ture established with Salim as Director Musalaha responded with its first desert conflict to being active in reconciliation litical climates affect the process of reconciliation. bor’s suffering. In order to overcome old prejudices we must be and an equal number of experienced For Inquiries, contact: Martin Ragan 37 Redcar Road, Smithills, Bolton, BL1 6LL UK encounters – firstly among the young and peacemaking. This new dynamic converted to a new one: the prejudice of love for the other whose leaders from both the Palestinian Chris- In conjunction with this discussion, a period was spent sharing adults from both sides, then with older provided impetus to Musalaha staff to face we are now coming to see, whose name we are now coming tian and Messianic Jewish communi- obstacles to reconciliation as a way to engage the concept of for- Please note: If sending checks to the addresses above, please write the check to that organization (e.g. Rec- experienced ministry leadership, both produce literature and develop a lead- to understand, and whose story we are now coming to hear. ties forming a Board of Oversight. This giveness. Small groups convened as they studied Jesus’ teaching onciliation Ministries or The Andrew Christian Trust) and in a letter designate the contribution to Musalaha or men and women. Stepping out of the ership training curriculum in reconcili- same balanced model of leadership was on forgiveness as written in Matthew. The activity proved diffi- the Munayer family. Reconciliation Ministries can also receive donations by credit card. Contributions are tax comfort and safety of our homes, the ation that is specifically suited to our By Jonathan McRay to quickly become the ‘hallmark’ of all cult because most people are accustomed to forgiveness only after harsh environment of the desert became ‘conflict zone’. This in itself is bearing deductable. Thank you very much! Musalaha initiatives until today. certain expectations of repentance are met. But Jesus’ words are our ‘classroom’ where we faced one an- immediate fruit in all branches of the You can now make a secure online donation simply by visiting our website: www.musalaha.org Twenty-five years ago, the term recon- ministry. Theater of the Oppressed

During the breaks, the participants were introduced to Theater of the Op- Historical Narratives of the Israeli and Palestinian Peoples pressed. Rawan Zahran from the Bible Youth leaders from both communities women’s program that hopefully will els for others. Society led and explained the activities. receive high quality professional train- include Jewish women by next year, As a result, we are able to invite foreign challenged the prevalent belief tion, occur, both on a personal Theater of the Oppressed, which origi- ing together. Musalaha summer camps 2010. These same initiatives continue very Passover, the Jewish people order to justify conflict and to breed a lifeless desert, that the Israelis are study groups from time to time to come remember God’s deliverance from exclusivity because history is not a the only ones who want peace, and in Palestinian society that the and societal level. nated in Brazil, is an interactive form and youth initiatives (including mis- to grow significantly and now have a E of drama that attempts to illuminate to learn from us and to raise awareness the oppression they suffered under concrete, static entity with only one that the Palestinian people do not and Jewish people have no religious sions abroad), are among the best the measurable impact on the communities One Palestinian participant was different aspects of oppression and the of our conflict by encouraging people to Egypt. Jews recount how in every undisputed version; it is rather an in- never have existed. or historical attachment to the local Body has they benefit by particularly af- complex relations between varying per- partner with us in reconciliation activi- generation someone had sought to terweaving and oftentimes contradict- land and de- to offer. Chil- offering rela- Salim passionately told the Palestin- fected by the ceptions of oppressed and oppressor. ties. kill them as a people, but it was God ing pattern of connected narratives. nounced the dren that have tionship, fel- ian narrative, explaining the deep and close juxta- The theater becomes a mirror reflect- who delivered them, leading them lack of recog- participated lowship and For all this, God alone deserves the All stories have at least two sides, ancient attachment to the land, the position of ing oppression in different areas of so- back into the Promised Land after two nition of Jew- in the camps bridging of glory as he demonstrates the power of and history is no different. Everything pain of forced expulsion during the two oppos- ciety. The audience becomes the most thousand years just like the past. For ish suffering, often return to communities. his grace in our lives and the truth of his is unavoidably told through a specific Nakba (the displacement of Palestin- ing views: “At important actor because they have the serve as coun- Word to change our lives and that of our 2,000 years they have longed for the especially freedom to redefine the given scenario It has been a voice coming from a specific person ians from their homes during the 1948 times when the selors, creat- communities. The Middle East is vola- land of their ancestors and they have during the in order to explore different solutions to tremendous with a specific worldview. The way in war), a longing for a national Pales- Israeli narra- ing a healthy tile and the New Covenant community returned to a land with a people with- Holocaust. the problem. However, the goal is not privilege to see which to achieve some balance is to tinian homeland, and the suffering en- tive was being continuity. here in Israel/ Palestine is not immune out a land. to find one solution to all problems, but Musalaha’s tell two different narratives together dured under the Israeli occupation. Many hold talked about The women’s to its painful struggles. Has Musalaha to show different interpretations and re- credibility Every May, the Palestinian people and allow them to be informed and to a zero-sum I was sitting department risen to the challenge of providing an He shared how his father buried the sponses to oppressed situations. Below, steadily devel- remember a different type of exo- inform the other, to add and subtract mentality of there with my has grown alternative paradigm? I sincerely be- bodies of those massacred in the Na- the Palestinian-Israelis, Israeli Jews and op in the eyes dus, not one of deliverance, but one and to make whole. the conflict, teeth clenched quickly into lieve so and the fruit of these labors to- kba by Jewish extremists. He Palestinians are depicting an image that of the interna- of displacement as they were forced believing that and, you know, represents them in society. the largest and gether will lay down solid foundations The lectures concerning the Israeli tional Chris- from their homes in a land where they if they rec- getting angry most active for the generations to come. and Palestinian narratives were tian world. had a rich historical and religious con- ognize the thinking ‘This department. Many women are reaching very challenging. The purpose The testimonies of our successes (and nection. They strongly proclaim their suffering of is not true!’ out into their own communities and or- was to tell the collective version heartbreaks) and the methodologies Evan Thomas continuous presence, enduring oc- another then And then when ganizing a variety of outreach activities, of history particular to each so- that have been tried and tested in the Musalaha Chairman of the Board cupations from the Crusaders and somehow their personal pain is the Palestinian narrative was be- impacting young children and youth ciety and then to provide ‘fire’ of one of the world’s most complex Israeli Messianic Pastor Ottomans to the Israelis. “We are op- delegitimized. The exposition ing presented I saw some of the and now a successful Muslim-Christian space for deconstruction conflict zones are now providing mod- pressed and we bear no responsibility and critique of the lectures gave Israelis doing the same thing. through a critique of for any of our circumstances.” way to a lively discussion about I think if you brought a group of certain aspects of each problematic themes and the Palestinians and Israelis off the Both Israelis and Palestinians have narrative. their own interpretation of oppression need to further deconstruct each street to have this talk, there Munayer Family throughout the years Two Israelis skill- and history as each has a nationally narrative. would be chairs flying.” fully presented the defined historical narrative. And, so, The final session was entirely In Aramaic, Talitha Kumi means Israeli narrative, of- 28 Israelis and Palestinians at the committed to reflection and “Little girl, arise!” and comes from fering a commonly- Young Adult Follow-Up Conference open dialogue led and moder- the story in Mark where Jesus re- held view of history learned, analyzed and challenged ated by Musalaha’s Chairman vives the dead daughter of Jairus. within Israeli and their own historical narratives this of the Board Evan Thomas. The The children of God, those who Jewish society. They past October 4-5. The experimental, lectures were very difficult for love their enemies, are to hear began by telling the and very relevant, conference proved many involved, and hurt feel- and be resurrected by the whis- biblical story of the to be one of the deepest and most in- ings and challenging frustrations pering call of justice and peace Jewish people, their tense of Musalaha’s conferences. were very honestly shared. The that breathes life. In the midst of exile and life in the Di- conference showed the need to heated debates about identities In order to frame the discussions of aspora (in other lands) acknowledge the difference be- we must remember that in or- the two days, Musalaha Director Sa- with their longing for a tween interpersonal reconcilia- der for us to find our identity we lim Munayer presented a concept of national Jewish home- tion and reconciliation between must first lose it. Everyone met ‘narrative,’ a word which has been land, and the horrors of groups: we may come together, together at the conference be- used to mean both history and propa- the Holocaust which led Jack has but then we leave and go back cause they share a commitment ganda. Historical narrative expresses to the establishment of been accepted to uni- to our own camps and an asym- to a redemptive narrative about a versities in the UK, but first, will a people’s past and also points to a the State of Israel. They vision of the future, providing identity metric balance of power between kingdom, a way, a banquet table Musalaha was Over the years the be studying Arabic in Jordan. Daniel closed their lecture by through relation to a shared story. Nar- two people groups. Only through where there is neither male nor established 20 years family began to grow has one more year of high school and John honestly and openly ratives, or stories, create meaning and a changed understanding of our female, rich nor poor, Palestinian ago, when Jack was and Daniel, John and and Sam compete as some of the top swim- challenging basic as- mers in the country for their age group. Salim healing when they are open to change own narratives in the light of nor Israeli. born. Sam had completed sumptions, such as the is still teaching at Bethlehem Bible College another story can true reconcili- the Munayer family and new perspectives. However, nar- belief that the land was ation, and therefore transforma- By Jonathan McRay as well as directing Musalaha and Kay ratives can be, and are, distorted in scarcely-inhabited and is busier than ever with the boys and charity work.