To start up with our youth programs, we need to make sure we are meeting some of the needs of our youth and start the year on the right foot.Therefore, we met with youth leaders from 3 different areas: Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jerusalem. Similar to the one we had is Bethlehem, on Thursday the 5th of February, 2015, we had our first meeting with different youth leaders in Ramallah. We had the chance to discuss with them the needs (raising awareness, getting them more involved in church, etc…)of today’s young generation in order to empower them be more active and aware of the community and to strengthen their affiliation with their surroundings.Every want/need comes with challenges (such as competing with the advanced technologies and the distance between youth and the church, etc…), and so we were able to discuss these challenges with the leaders and how to overcome them. As Sabeel, we help provide the necessary tools, whether advice, ongoing common programs or events to strengthen them in their own churches, to develop and be leaders within their youth groups. After a successful meeting with youth leaders in Bethlehem, we are looking forward to start working together on programs depending on needs for a better future.

Sabeel hosted a Study Circle on Tuesday, January 27 at 5 p.m. at the Sabeel office. Alain Epp Weaver presented a summation of his book, “Mapping Exile and Return; Palestinian Dispossession and a Political Theology for a Shared Future.” His presentation was done via Skype from his home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to an audience of 12 locals and internationals.

Alain had served for a decadeas the Mennonite Central CommitteeRepresentative for Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq. He offered his research on return and exile in the Palestinian narrative, explaining how for some, “return represents an impossible dream: the “place itself” is gone.” While “for others, the state of exile provokes political activism for the sake of return.” After his presentation, time was given for comments and discussion.

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world!” -Joel Arthur Barker

January 2015– Sabeel arranged special meetings with young adult leaders in the Bethlehem area to share their planned
2015 programs and explore opportunities to network among themselves and with Sabeel.

The meetings went smoothly and the participants shared their visions and renewed their commitment to working together.

“Save us from the time of trial” “Laken najjina mi-nash shir ir”

These familiar words from the Lord’s Prayer are hard to pray in this painful Holy Land. This year as Palestinian Christians pray this prayer, more illegal Israeli settlements have been built, more economic and political rights have been suspended, and more men, women and children detained. Many of them do not even get to face ‘trial.’

The unemployment and emigration rate among young Muslim and Christian Palestinians continues to increase. Islamophobia and fear of ‘the other’ dominate western media stories with the word ‘terror’provoking hatred and revenge 24/7.

And adding to the unrelenting forces of occupation, the Israeli government militarily backed by US Congress and the Pentagon ‘mowed the lawn’ again in Gaza with a summer of slaughter resulting in 2,100 Palestinians dead, including 519 children. Close to $8 billion USD is needed to reconstruct the homes and infrastructure of the 1.5 Palestinians trapped there by the siege.

“Save us from the time of trial”…we pray, but then we act.

At Sabeel this year, and for 26 years now, we work with Christians around the world to turn prayers into action. In the face of trial and tribulation we do not run away and hide like many of Jesus’ disciples did. We stand up and stand together. We will not desert the cause of compassionate love and liberating justice…continue reading Sabeel Narrative Report 2014

Sabeel Narrative Report in French 2014

This year, like every year, Sabeel concluded2014 with an EcumenicalChristmas Dinner.There were232 people who joined us at the TerraSancta parish hall in Jerusalem.

After the unfortunate events throughout the year, Sabeel took the opportunity to prepare for the New Year andrejoice and breakbread as one Christian community in peace. The attendeesenjoyed good food, excellent company, and themusical talents of a local band called “Siwan.” Our MC for the evening, Sabeel memberWassefDaher, was excellent in facilitating and introducing the different features of the program.The Sabeel Christmas message from Reverend Naim Ateek was read by one of our Board members, Estephan Salameh, and the Bible readings were read by two young people (Alaa Asbah and Abeer Ladaa) who came from Ramallah to share with us this lovely evening. Reverend William Roberts, our new Interim Executive Director, was introduced to the Sabeel community; he then spoke to the participants and led them in a joyous song, there were also Christmas carols from the different church traditions in which the people participated, followed by popular songs played by the band joined by everybody present.., and then filed out of the hall with Christmas blessings from the many clergy who were with us.

Sabeel Christmas Message 2014

“Do not be afraid…” (Luke 2:10)

From a Palestinian world view, there are certain similarities between the political conditions in Palestine during the times of Jesus’ birth and the political situation in Palestine today. There is a flagrant occupation that dominates and oppresses people; and there are words that describe what people go through: fear, insecurity, instability, suffering, grief, despair, and other negative feelings that a repressive empire and an Israeli rightwing government can produce.

That is why the words of the angel to the shepherds in the Christmas story strike a relevant chord, “do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” What constituted good news for the shepherds in first century Palestine and what would constitute good news for our Palestinian people today? It is nothing less than FREEDOM AND PEACE, because both can produce a life of dignity, security, and stability to people.

In the midst of these difficult times, the implication of the Christmas message to oppressed people is basically clear: God knows and sees the suffering of the oppressed and God is doing something not through the people of power but through the birth of a baby who ultimately holds in himself the answer to the human condition of injustice and insecurity; therefore “do not be afraid.”

Furthermore, the angels gave the shepherds the formula for peace on earth, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, goodwill among people.” (Luke 2:14) This implies the need for two essential elements: On the one hand, peace on earth is possiblewhen people including those in positions of power are willing to humble themselves before God, love and serve others, and give God the glory and the honor. On the other hand, Peace is possible when people cherish goodwill towards one another. Goodwill on all sides is essential for the realization of peace. From the Palestinian perspective one of the major obstacles to peace has been the lack of goodwill. Throughout the Palestine-Israel conflict, there have been summits, agreements, accords, roadmaps, understandings, etc. What was lacking was goodwill on the side of Israel. The Israeli government continuously tries to impose its will on the Palestinians rather than accepting the will of the world community and international law which the Palestinians insist upon. Goodwill means eliminating all barriers that prevent the enhancement of the dignity and the quality of life of the other. Goodwill means negotiating in good faith. Peace and goodwill are possible on earth when people are willing to acknowledge God’s overall sovereignty and relish goodwill and compassion towards their fellow human beings. It is as simple as that. And we believe this has been initiated and proclaimed through the life and work of Jesus Christ, the savior and liberator and through his teachings about the upside-down kingdom of God and through his death and resurrection.

But in this broken world where the powers seem to be in control, people are not willing to listen to God’s formula for peace. The government of Israel is a case in point: it oppresses and dominates our people, steals their land, evicts them from their homes, humiliates them and denies them their most basic human and political rights. And more recently, the proposed Israeli Nationality Law does not reflect goodwill towards the Palestinians.However, the coming of Christ conveys the will of God whose very nature is love, compassion, and justice; and whose longing is to see the realization of peace on earth and goodwill among people. That is why Jesus said, those who work and promote peace are God’s children. (Matthew 5:9)

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the responsibility to be peacemakers and to promote this formula of peace and goodwill. We need to do whatever we can to implement it. It is an awesome responsibility but we can and must do it. This Christmas season emboldens us and gives us a renewed incentive to double our endeavors in working for a just peace in Palestine-Israel.

“Glory to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace, goodwill among people.”
Merry Christmas and Happy New year

Naim Ateek
President of the Board

With the troubling situation in Jerusalem today, including the situation with the neighboring countries and the rise of the Islamic state, there is concern within our Jerusalemite community.The tension is rising, so Sabeel and YWCA-East Jerusalem organized a panel on November 20th as a way to assure our fellow friends in the community of the importance of living together as Christians and Muslims as we faceall of the challenges.

The panel highlightedthat we can handle such challengestoday. Moderating the session was Ms. HanadiSoudahYounan.Christian speaker Dr. Jeries Khoury,Director of Al-Liqa’Center, talked about Jerusalem’s importance for all three religions and how objective communication amongst us (Christians and Muslims) in a stable community is important in order to go through the challenges we live in today.He also gave an example connecting the importance of living together from the letters to the Corinthians:“If one part of the body suffers, then all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part is honored, then all the other parts share its honor”(1Corinthians 12: 26).

Muslim speaker, Sheikh Mustafa Abu-Suay, spoke on the role of the religious models/men/clergy,in addition to mentioning the importance of the social web that still exists amongst us as Muslims and Christians.He said this connection remains despite the political situation and the policies that Israel uses to differentiate between Christians and Muslims, and despite Israel using the divide and conquer strategy (for example, giving permits for Christians during their holidays while Muslims rarely get them for their holidays).

Thirty-six people attended, including 2 Christianclergy (a priest from the Syrian Orthodox church in Jerusalem and another from the Melkite church in Ramallah). Also, there were 2 of our Sabeel co-founders and members of the Sabeel General Assembly,Mrs. Cedar Duaybis and Mrs. Samia Khoury.All were very intrigued in getting to know more and having a profound discussion.

Participants enjoyed coffee and warm tea on this cold, rainy evening,allowing them the opportunity to discuss further with the speakers and also amongst themselves.

The rising tensions and situation in Jerusalem have caused people to always look over their shoulders, worried and wondering what’s next; everything is unpredictable.

Around 65 people – bishops, clergy, nuns and laypeople – filled up the Dominican Church in Jerusalem on November 27 for the Sabeel’s Ecumenical Prayer Service for Jerusalem. The event was highlighted by ahomily delivered by Father Marwan Di’des and brought together clergy of different denominations.

Some of the clergy said prayers, as did several laypeople in Arabic, English, French, Swedish, Italian Dutch, and Aramaic.

In his homily, Father Marwan talked about the importance of all community members being united for Jerusalem.
The people lit candles as they prayed for peace and justice and an end to violence in Jerusalem.

A hike from the Nabi Musa complex to Mar Saba Monastery took place on November8, 2014with 15 participants from Sabeel Jerusalem. Some new faces took part and the group was a mix of local and international youth. Moreover, the new Interim Executive Director at Sabeel, Rev. William Roberts, joined and had a perfect opportunity to meet the youth, get to know them, and learn more about the youth program itself.

The group started with a guided tour at the Nabi Musa complex, followed by a four-hour long challenging but enjoyable hike that took the group all the way to Mar Saba Monastery. Along the way, the group had the possibility to learn more about the many natural scenes, the Bedouin community of the area, and the historical significance of the sites, many of which included stories of the prophet Abraham. The fact that the hike was moderate to advanced made the group work together as a team.

Much appreciation goes to Nasser, our guide who is from Jericho and knows the path very well, forencouraging us along the way. He always mentioned that he just did this hike yesterday, and that we were doing a great job.

After the hike, the group continued to the Greek Catholic Church in Beit Sahour where Fr. Suheil Fakhourytalked about the importance of volunteering and how this can be seen through Christianity;a discussionwas followed. Then the group had lunch together with youth from the Christian community of Beit Sahour, which enabled further meaningful discussions. The trip was very much appreciated among the participants, who after the lunch returned to Jerusalem. We had great feedback from the youth, who mentioned how a hike was needed under the current situation we live in, and how it restored our energy of hope.