On the 22nd of June 2012 Sabeel organized a Pentecostal picnic to a public park near Jerusalem. This community event absorbed over eighty participants from all different ages and generations. It started with a tour around the Park which is founded over the ruins of three Palestinian depopulated villages since 1967: Yalo, Emmuas (Imwas) and Beit Nuba. Forty-five years ago the people of these villages were forced out of their homes, lands and work by the Israeli army. However, instead of allowing the people of these destroyed and ruined villages to return, Israel decided to turn these villages into a public park, by asking for donations from its Canadian Jewish lobby, and that is how the name Canada Park came to existence.

Rev. Naim recounted the history of the villages in a walking tour through the depopulated village of Emmaus, mentioned in Luke 24 as the village where Jesus met two of his disciples after his resurrection. The participants were clearly able to see the village telling its story through the ruins of the homes, the wells that are still full of fresh spring and rain water, and the few wheat crops that were never harvested by the farmers who used to grow them, still growing after 45 years waiting to be collected. The cactus plants that used to create a natural fence for each Palestinian village were still there.

The participants then shared together a light dinner, a hotdog sandwich and some salads that they brought to share. The program ended with them gathering in a circle singing hymns with Al-rajah musical band, praying and hoping that the people of these villages will one day be able to come back again to their lands and homes.

On Saturday; 9th of June 2012,
At the Mar Elias Educational Institutions – Theology Hall – ‘Ibillin

Al-Liqa’ Center and Sabeel Center sponsored a study day on Saturday 9th of June of 2012 which aimed at examining the curricula of the Israeli Ministry of Education’s Arabic program concerning the issue of “Shared Living” between the children of the followers of the three monotheistic religions and especially that of the ِArabic language and literature, history and religious education books. The study day was attended by religious figures including H. E. Bishop Elias Chaccour, H. E. Bishop Atallah Hanna, H. E. Bishop Butros Al-Mu’allem and from other sectors of society. Rev. Dr. Naim Ateek welcomed those attending the study day on behalf of Al-Liqa’ and Sabeel Centers. H. E. Bishop Elias Chaccour also welcomed the audience. He pointed out that books are not mere educational tools but, in addition, they portray the “other”.

He added that the peace process starts around school desks when children of all religions – Muslims, Christians, Druze and Jews write their common history. H. E. Atallah Hanna added that the curricula should be a factor of tolerance in religious and social areas. He pointed out that recently we started to hear sectarian voices calling for uprisings in all Arab areas as if there is a plan to undo all constructive relations and to divide the nation into warring sects and factions.

Following the opening words, three sessions took place. Dr. Johny Mansour focused on history books and the Israeli Ministry of Education curricula. Clearly the curriculum is made in accordance with instructions from the Israeli Shabak which suppresses Arab identity. Likewise, Dr. Mansour compared curricula in Jewish and Arab schools through many examples from school books. It is time to review the present curricula of the Ministry of Education.

Dr. Hussein Mansour commented on Dr. Johny Mansour’s lecture. He added that the curricula in neighboring Arab countries aim at nurturing Arab and Muslim citizens while the Israeli curricula ignore that. Ibtisam Mu’allem was the moderator of the first session.

In the second session Mr. Ziad Shleweit lectured on Arabic language and literature books and surveyed the content of literature and grammar books which deal with the monotheistic religions and the Arabic and Islamic heritage and modern literature. He stressed that the curricula do not contribute to “Shared Living”. Only the capable teacher can benefit from religions and literary texts. He is the only one who can perform this task. There is a dire need of the Arabic language curriculum committee to introduce “Shared Living” in the new books. Dr. Muhammad Safurri commented on the lecture stressing that the curricula committee is not free to change content. There is the official censor. But he underlined the importance of teacher in class. He criticized the undermining of the Arab language by our students, the educated sector and empowering foreign languages instead.

In the third session of the study day Dr. Geries S. Khoury focused on religious education books and especially Islamic and Christian books that are used in schools pointing out the positive and negative elements in them. Each religion tries to emphasize its unique message while ignoring the other religions. If we do not plant the common good in religious education, then it will be impossible to do the same thing in history and language books. Education is the safety valve for shared living in our countries.

At the end of the study day a panel was held to discuss the proceeding of the study day. All those attending the study day participated in the panel. Panel members underlined the importance of the gathering and the lectures held in the study day. All agreed that there is a need for future study days to discuss matters in depth in the presence of school teachers. Each study day will discuss different topics at the end of which a conference will be held attended by local church leaders in order to adopt the recommendations. There was a demand to hold frequent Christian Muslim meetings fully supported by both Christian and Muslim religious figures.

Our visit started at the Headquarters of the Hebron Governorate. There, we were received by the Governor of Hebron and the Women’s Committee at the Governorate, who briefed us about the situation in the city and the difficulties faced by the people of Hebron as a result of the settler presence in their midst. They also confirmed the good relations that existed between the Christian and Muslim communities. The Women’s Committee invited the local T.V. station in order to document our visit. This was followed by a visit to the Russian Church (Moscobus), where they were introduced to the history of the church and each woman raised her own prayer to God.

After our visit to the church, we headed to the old city of Hebron, in order to see the reality of Palestinian life there, where more than 1,000 Palestinian homes in the city center had been vacated and over 1,800 commercial businesses shut down. We ended our visit in the old city by visiting the Ibrahimi Mosque.

After lunch, the women had some free time for shopping in Hebron, where they enjoyed buying the fresh fruits and vegetables especially the delicious molasses which Hebron is famous at producing.

Sabeel Center and Al-Liqa’ Center
Study Day

titled
An Encounter between Clergy and Sheikhs in Bir Zeit and ‘Aboud
Discuss issues and challenges concerning our “Shared Living”
May 3d,2012

At the invitation of Al-Liqa’ Center and Sabeel Center a group of Muslims and Christians from Birzeit, ‘Abbud and Jefna met at the Latin Patriarchate in Birzeit with the major aim of building bridges of friendship between more than forty religious leaders, educators, and community leaders. The Mayor of Birzeit, Dr. Yousef Nasser, and the Secretary of the Muslim and Christian Association for the Support of Jerusalem and Holy Places, Dr. Hanna ‘Issa were also present.

Fr. Dr. Louis Hazboun, the Latin Parish Priest, welcomed all those present and stressed the importance to a peaceful life together with mutual love and respect. Then he asked all participants to introduce themselves and say something about their work and interest.

Rev. Dr. Naim Ateek, Director of Sabeel, introduced the Jerusalem Center and stressed that the meeting which is taking place here in Birzeit and previously in Jericho and Beit Sahour focus on the importance of understanding, mutual respect and the acceptance of the “Other”. The importance of these meetings cannot be underestimated hoping that this meeting in Birzeit will be successful and fruitful.

Dr. Geries S. Khoury, Director of Al-Liqa’, thanked Fr. Louis for his help in inviting these distinguished members, Muslims and Christians, to this first gathering of its kind in the area of Birzeit city. This is a good sign for our shared living, for knowing one another, which leads to mutual respect and good friendship that build bridges between individuals and families and between Muslim and Christian clerics. Our two religions call for this unity and such bridges. Shared living in love and peace and the respect and acceptance of the other are in the essence of Christianity and Islam.

Fr. Dr. Louis followed by stressing the importance of these meetings, the needed mutual respect and peaceful living at the same time preserving our national unity and the teachings of heavenly religions. He put before the group several questions related to shared living and brotherhood.

Following introductory remarks by Rev. Ateek, Dr. Geries and Fr. Louis, about ten persons of the participants took part in the open discussion. All of them stressed shared living in this Holy Land … There is a dire need for Christian and Muslim religious leaders to appear together in social, religious and national occasions… We need to stop the bleeding of emigration by Christians whose loss is a great loss to the local church and to the Palestinian nation. Our shared living is excellent but we need to recognize reality where some problems exist and need to be resolved. Others stressed the importance of education and the curriculum. Many problems are not religious in nature but can be traced to education, moral values and to some social matters.

At the end of the meeting, Rev. Ateek and Dr. Khoury presented a summary of the meeting expressing their hope to organize another meeting during Ramadan. And at the end of meeting, all were invited for dinner, during which the discussion continued in a brotherly atmosphere.

Jericho and Taybeh
27/4/2012

Every year after Easter, Sabeel organizes a meeting for the clergy and their wives as a way to exchange Easter greetings and help them relax after the busy season.
This year, 21 clergy and spouses attended the event in Jericho. The meeting started at 10am with a spiritual reflection given by Rev. Naim Ateek, followed by a good discussion.
In February 2012, Sabeel sent a questionnaire to the clergy, with questions regarding the clergy program and its impact on them personally, in their ministry, and for their participation in ecumenical work. Afterward, we took the opportunity to discuss the questions in small groups. The groups included the wives of the clergy members as well.
What follows are some of the responses that the clergy shared in the concluding session:-
1. The clergy programs play a major role in developing the relationship between clergy from different churches in different parts of Palestine and Israel.
2. The clergy program helps clergy think in a more ecumenical way, and develops a mutual respect to the ecumenical work. Praying together was highly appreciated, having retreats and sharing experiences also were things that generated good discussion. Additionally, clergy commented on how the program helps to revitalize their spiritual life.
3. Participants expressed their appreciation for the interfaith program and asked Sabeel to organize more events.
4. They asked Sabeel to create more opportunities for the clergy to share their experiences and their work with each other.
5. Participants expressed their appreciation for the role that Sabeel plays in advocacy; informing the world about the Palestinian cause.
6. They would love to see Sabeel work more on the issue of emigration of Christians to other countries and also to encourage the church to be involved more.
At the end of the morning session, we shared with the participants the programs that are planned through the end of this year (2012).
Around 1:00pm we celebrated Easter by eating lunch together in a pleasant atmosphere.
After lunch we continued our celebration and went to Taybeh village because the Greek Catholic priest there invited all clergy and their wives to take part in the celebration of St. George’s Day at Taybeh. Everyone again enjoyed the warm welcoming hospitality that the people there offered to the group.
We left Taybeh and each went to his/her city, village, and church filled with love and joy.

Dear Friends,

It gives me pleasure to present Sabeel’s Narrative Report for 2011. It includes Sabeel’s major programs and activities for both the Jerusalem and Nazareth branches. I encourage you to read through our report and familiarize yourselves with Sabeel’s last year activities.
To begin with, I would like to express my thanks to all of our partners who have been faithful in their support of Sabeel’s work. Your moral encouragement and financial support has given us the incentive and impetus to carry out our responsibilities as well as the ability to meet our budget. I also express my thanks to all of our friends who have supported us through small gifts. You too are our partners and we appreciate your help and prayers. Full Report

Printable Copy

In response to the news reports of the March 25th, 2012, fundraising luncheon speech of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church’s comments, Sabeel published the following Open Letter.

Link to News Report by Pat McCaughan:

http://www.anglicanjournal.com/nc/other/news-items/c/sliders/article/presiding-bishop-on-middle-east-peacemaking-dont-divest-engage-10633//abp/141.html

An Open Letter to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
3 April 2012

Dear Bishop Schori,

Greetings from Jerusalem on this holy week in which we remember the passion and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Your words at the March 25th Los Angeles luncheon in which you emphatically said, invest in Palestine don’t divest from Israel reached us on Monday of Holy Week. Those words shocked and hurt us. They felt like nails hammered into our bodies and the truth of our reality, as though we Palestinians are living a lie — only imagining things, and if we only eat, talk, and share our stories, everything will be alright. For twenty years now, that is exactly what we have been doing – eating, drinking, telling each other our stories, not to mention hugging and embracing, meanwhile Israel was feasting on our land. Your words sounded as someone who never came and never saw. As we go through holy week, we feel the ongoing agony, pain, and oppression of our people — our homes demolished, our land confiscated, our olive trees uprooted, our human and political rights denied and our dignity trampled. After over 40 years of misery we only hear “the Episcopal Church does not endorse divestment or boycott.”

Economists’ reports, including the World Bank’s, have emphasized the futility of investment under occupation since all key aspects of a true economy are directly in the hands of Israel the occupier. Israel alone holds control of the area’s water, movement and access, every border, air-space, electricity, electromagnetic spectrum, and trade relations. Moreover, the Palestinians have recognized Israel (1988) and its right to exist (1993). They have renounced and denounced “terrorism” and accepted a Palestinian state on 22% of historic Palestine.

Yet, the occupation is not over. The settlements are expanding, our suffering continues, and the international community is unable to halt the injustice. Consequently, we see boycott, divestment, and sanctions as nonviolent direct action for the common good.

We thank God for those people – Christians, Muslims, and Jews who have eyes to see and ears to hear. Thank God for people of conscience who are lifting up their prophetic voice! Thank God for all those, religious and secular people that are standing with us in our nonviolent struggle.
By the mercy of God we will not allow the prophetic voice to die. Thank God for the prophetic voices of people who wrote comments after your words. Thank God for Bishop Desmond Tutu who was not afraid to speak the truth to the powers when he saw the oppression of the Palestinians and declared that it was worse than Apartheid in South Africa!

It is appropriate to recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to silence the disciples and the crowd who were shouting “Hosanna!” The word hosanna means save us now. It was the cry of oppressed people who were living under Roman occupation. They were looking for liberation from the yoke of the Romans. The powers were embarrassed and afraid of what the Roman soldiers might do as they were watching on. They turned to Jesus and said, “order them to stop.” Jesus’ response was, “if these were silent, the stones will shout out” (Luke 19:40).

If the church is afraid to cry out against injustice and oppression, the living stones, the common people will cry out. It is the cry of the widow to the unjust judge, “give me justice!” Ultimately, the future is for truth and justice because God is a God of truth and justice. It is only on such foundations that genuine peace can be built. It is not money that Palestinians need most, it is justice and liberation. Everything else will be added to us.

Next Sunday we will proclaim the victory of life over death, of justice over injustice, light over darkness, liberation over enslavement. We will continue to struggle for a just peace for all the people of our land.

Christ is Risen.
Naim Ateek
Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, Jerusalem

cc. Bishop Suhail Dawani
Bishop J. Jon Bruno
International Friends of Sabeel Coordinators
Sabeel Board and General Assembly

1 March 2012
Rafidia (Nablus)

Al-Liqa’ and Sabeel Centers held a study day in the city of Rafidia (Nablus). More than sixty Christian and Muslim clerics attended, in addition to lay people from the Governorates of Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah.
His Excellency Bishop Atallah Hanna welcomed conferees and emphasized the need to hold such study days and encounters, as they contribute greatly to knowing each other, the other’s belief, and spiritual legacy. Furthermore, events like this strengthen the unity of the Palestinian people.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Geries S. Khoury expresed his happiness that the study day was held despite the very bad weather, which had caused many people to send their regrets and not attend. Needless to say, rain for Palestine is a blessing from God.
Dr. Khoury mentioned that Al-Liqa’ and Sabeel Centers anticipate hosting a series of encounters and study days in 2012. Those interested in this joint program can get more details on the Al-Liqa’ Center’s website.
Dr. Khoury emphasized the importance of these gatherings for everyone. They yield religious and academic benefits and lead to friendship and necessary conversation between Christian and Muslim religious leaders and lay people throughout the Palestinian cities and villages where they live. This deepens national unity. Dr. Khoury thanked Dr. ‘Abd Al-Rahman ‘Abbad and Fr. Joseph Saghbini for their willingness to be the main speakers for the study day, whose theme revolved around the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Bible. The topics and speakers built bridges between the followers of the two religions.
The first lecture was delivered by Dr. ‘Abbad and Fr. Saghbini. Rev. Ibrahim Nirouz moderated. It was Rev. Nirouz who made available his church’s hall for the study day. He mentioned that the doors of his church will always be open to those who want to further national unity and shared living.
Dr. ‘Abbad began his lecture by emphasizing that Islam is the religion of love which calls for dialogue with people of the Book. He read and explained some verses of the Qur’an and gave examples how Islam respects human life and in the process he quoted the following Qur’anic verse: “On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people” (Al-Ma’ida,32). Dr. ‘Abbad, in addition, explained the differences between a pagan (- مشركMushrik) and those who go astray ( ضال- dhal) and between disbelief (كفر) and unbeliever(كافر) in the Qur’an.
Dr. ‘Abbad’s lecture was followed by Fr. Joseph Saghbini who focused in his speech on the Christian teachings saying that it encourages faithful to love one another and to love all other humans. He mentioned also that the message of the church is to encourage the faithful to respect one another and to treat others as brothers and sisters since all were created in the image of God.
Following a Lunch break attendees were divided into three discussion groups that examined the issue of common moral and ethical values to Christians and Muslims. Then each of the three discussion groups presented their findings. This was followed with general discussion concerning the study day and future horizons.
In conclusion, Islamic propagator (Da’iyah) Zuheir al-Dibi’ summarized the study day and expressed the dire need of such days in order to strengthen relations between Christians and Muslims. The concluding remarks were by Rev. Dr. Na’im ‘Ateeq, Director of Sabeel. He thanked all those present, as well as Al-Liqa’ Center for its cooperation with the Sabeel Center. He commented in a beautiful way on the term “God is Great,” in the hope that these encounters and meetings would continue, grateful to everyone who attended.

On a warm sunny March morning, 50 women headed towards Jericho, the lowest permanently inhabited city on Earth, for a one day retreat for Lent, organized by Sabeel. Reflections from Matt. 3 and 4:1-11′ were led by Cedar Duaybis

Reflections concentrated on the prophecy of John the Baptist and its meaning for today, and the three temptations of Christ on the Mt. Of Temptation, within sight of the meeting place. A lively discussion took place afterwards.

Sawsan Bitar, then gave a brief background about International Women’s Day, which falls on the 8th of March, after which the women shared a Lenten lunch in the open air.

After lunch, the women split into five groups to discuss four questions about the meaning of Lent.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco, recently involved in censoring an exhibit of Gaza children’s art in Oakland, has now turned its sights on two Northern California conferences concerning Israel/Palestine. These events, scheduled to take place next month in Sunnyvale and Sacramento, are sponsored by Friends of Sabeel-North America and follow on two highly successful Sabeel conferences held in 2007 in Berkeley and 2010 in San Anselmo.

Sabeel is a Palestinian Christian group calling for equality and justice in Israel/Palestine through non-violent efforts. Its work is ecumenical and interfaith, and its founder, Rev. Naim Ateek, an Anglican pastor, has become the primary focus of JCRC attacks. In recent weeks, JCRC has sent letters to churches throughout Northern California charging Ateek with using “abandoned anti-Semitic Christian theologies” and urging pastors to withhold support from the conferences.

Now the Rev. Ateek, at the urging of Sabeel’s colleagues in Jewish Voice for Peace, has responded to the JCRC attacks.

By Rev. Dr. Naim Stifan Ateek

Two accusations have been leveled against me. The first claims that I said, “Judaism is tribal; Christianity is universal. Judaism is wrong and was superseded by Christianity.” The second claims that I said, “Jews killed Jesus.”

What did I actually say about tribalism and Judaism? When I discuss the question of tribalism vs. universalism, I am talking about the lively debate within the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament, to Christians). There was a dynamic debate in these scriptures that moved religious thought from exclusivity to inclusivity, and this phenomenon pre-dated the coming of Jesus Christ by several hundred years. It was not a Christian vs. Jewish construction.

I point out the genius of the Hebrew prophets in understanding God as an inclusive God. These prophets see God as the God who cares not only about the Israelites, but also about other people and other lands. You can find this inclusiveness in the Psalms: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” In this view, no matter where one lives, one is still in the presence of God.

It is important to point out that Judaism, as it developed, was not superseded by the Christian faith but continued as a living and valid faith worthy of our full respect. Today, this faith is distorted by the exclusive reading of extremist settlers who say, “We are interested in divine rights and not in human rights.” They are selectively reading certain biblical texts that give Jewish people a higher and prior claim to the land and negate the right of the Palestinians. Such a theology does not lend itself to peace. We choose biblical texts that promote peace for all, and many of these are found in the Hebrew Bible.

JCRC accuses me of saying that the “Jews killed Jesus,” but I never use the word “Jews” in that context. I said that Jesus suffered “at the hands of evil political and religious powers two thousand years ago.” This is a careful and precise statement. In all of my preaching on this topic, I have never singled out Jews as killers of Jesus. I always refer to the Roman authorities in collusion with religious leaders.

Likewise, my words that relate the events of the crucifixion to modern reality are clear and specific. I place the responsibility on the Israeli government. There is no mention of “the state of Israel.” My words do not delegitimize the state, which is made up of the Israeli people. They critique the “government of Israel” and its policies, which constitute the greatest obstacles to peace.

I do not believe it is right for me or for any Christian to refrain from using the crucifixion imagery that is part of the essence of our faith and is deeply meaningful for our worship and spirituality. This imagery genuinely informs our involvement on behalf of the oppressed everywhere in the world, and Israel-Palestine is no exception. I believe I need to use the imagery whenever it is appropriate and at the same time oppose anyone who abuses it by invoking it against Jews today.

The imagery of the cross as an instrument of cruelty, torture, and suffering preceded Jesus’ crucifixion. When I use this imagery, I am using it in the way Jesus, a Jewish Semitic man, used it. I am not using it in a novel, anti-Semitic way.

Gustavo Gutierrez, the Latin American theologian, used a picture of the crucifix for the cover of his book on liberation theology. He could not find any better image to express the suffering of his people. To my knowledge, no one has called him anti-Semitic or accused him of using Christ-killer imagery. We can also point to Jewish artist Marc Chagall’s paintings of the cross. To him the crucifixion of Jesus symbolized the martyrdom of Jews everywhere.

It is important for everyone to be exact and careful when speaking about Palestine and Israel, but it is wrong to construe every attack against the government of Israel as an attack on Jews or Judaism. There are people who want to silence any criticism of Israel, and they force the impression that the state of Israel, the government of Israel, Jews, Judaism, Israelis, Zionists, and Zionism are all synonymous terms and an attack on one is an attack on all. This is wrong and dangerous. Israel is a state like any other. When it governs justly, it should be commended. When it does not, it needs to be confronted and challenged.

Racism, prejudice and discrimination still exist in the world, and the Jews have endured the longest continuous manifestation of this racism. I have written that we, as Palestinians, should face Israel candidly and say that we are appalled by the Holocaust, that we should open our hearts “and with a new, magnanimous attitude we should say to the Jews, ‘We will accept you and share the land with you. You have suffered for so long. Come share our land. This is God’s land. We will live in it together as brothers and sisters.’”

I write this response in a spirit of humility and passion to see a just and lasting peace in our land and in every place where oppression and injustice dominate life.