Organized by Abed Manasra, Written by Chris Miller
August 2019
August, 2019: Muslim, Jewish, Druze, and Christian religious leaders, the Mayor of Daliat al-Carmel, and over 70 women joined in a day of community building and interfaith dialogue. Siham Halabi, Abrahamic Reunion co-founder, helped to organize this program in her hometown of Daliat al-Carmel.
Abed Manasra shared that, “Women can change the situation in the Holy Land a lot because they influence whole families – if women strongly believe this way, the way of peace, they can change the whole society.”
Speakers at the event included the Mayor of Daliat al-Carmel Rafiq Halabi, who is a relative of Siham’s, the Greek Melkite pastor of Saint Elijah in Isfia Rev. Samir Rohana, Druze Sheikh Hamzah Halabi, Muslim Sheikh Husny Kazli, Siham Halaby, Abed Manasra, and several Jewish men and women. Each shared scriptures and gave speeches highlighting the need to live harmoniously together.
“People were very excited,” said Abed. “They all said it was the most important thing, to bring all the people together to get to know each other. They learned about each other, built friendships together, and they have mover hope and more inspiration after this program. From the West Bank, from all over Israel, people call me almost every day asking for programs.”
When asked what gives him hope, Abed replied that, “Every program gives me stronger hope. I believe more and more that we can make peace, a real peace. To bring new people every time, and see them eating together, speaking together, living together, believing in each other, and respecting each other.”
Abed Manasra is the Programs Director for the Abrahamic Reunion in Israel, and can be reached at abed@abrahamicreunion.org.
Chris Miller is the Executive Administrator for the Abrahamic Reunion, and can be reached at chris@abrahamicreunion.org
