June 5th, 2024
The Abrahamic Reunion organized a women’s program at the Druze Community Center in Daliat al-Carmel on June 5th, 2024, initiated by AR Israel Board Member, Siham Halabi. The program was primarily monocultural, in the light of current extremely challenging events in the Holy Land.
“Amidst these raging wars, we have seen discrimination, racism, and hatred have re-emerged,” says AR Israel Director, Abed Manasra, “However, we strive with all our might to maintain emotional, spiritual, and loving ties among people in the Holy Land as much as possible.”
Abed noted that, similar to other peacebuilding organizations int he Holy Land, the Abrahamic is focusing on monocultural programs. Because the Druze community serves in the Israeli army, the separation between the Arab sub-communities has become exacerbated and apparent.
This program focused on the holiday of Eid al-Adha, a very important holiday for both Muslims and Druze, carrying mutual and significant values, with important spiritual and emotional connections for all parties.
Eid al-Adha commonly refers to the Festival of the Sacrifice, when Abraham brought his child to the mountain, being tested by God, before the sacrifice was called off, mercifully. During the event, there was the chance to hear the meaning of Abraham’s Sacrifice in the different religions, to understand the meaning and traditions more deeply.
This program helped reaffirm that what unites us is much greater than what divides us, with Druze, Muslims, and Arab Christians gathering to express love and unity together.
There was traditional special holiday foods prepared by many of the women, some which are only prepared for this single holiday, Eid al-Adha, each hand-made, and unavailable for purchase in restaurants or stores. Truly a special occasion.
The women were joined by Druze religious leaders, and Abed Manasra, AR Israel Programs Director. Young Peacebuilder Shahed Bagdady participated as a volunteer, along with many other AR participants.
This event was held in full cooperation with the Supreme Religious Council of the Druze in Israel, support of Sheikhs and Imam from Daliat al-Carmel, and included many spiritual luminaries.
Thank you to the Druze Community for hosting this beautiful event of connection amidst the hardest of times!
