REPORT OF SABEEL / AL LIQA CHRISTIAN- MUSLIM IFTAR (breaking the fast) JUNE 25 IN BETHLEHEM
The theme for this year’s dinner was “For better education for Muslims and Christians’ and we were pleased to have as guest speakers Patriarch Michel Sabbah and Dr Hamzeh Diab Mustafa. Sabeel was responsible for the organizing and promotion of the event at the Bethlehem Hotel and Dr Geries Khoury of Al LIqa welcomed everyone and moderated the panel discussion.
PatriarchMichel highlighted the very important topic regarding the educationsystem and the importance of evaluating the things we are teaching our children at school. He stressed the need for expanding spaces for the ‘living together’ issue in out teachings and knowing the ‘other’.
Close to 100 people from the local community attended and a lively discussion was prompted by the speakers. Afterward everyone enjoyed a traditional Iftar , an evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
A Joint statement came out as a result of this event that was publicized in the local newspaper. We thank the Mennonite Central Committee, Palestine/Israel for their support in this important Interfaith work of bringing Christians and Muslims together for discussion and fellowship. Without this and more events like this we fear that isolation, misunderstandings and extremism will only grow.
