MUSALAHA NEWSLETTER

June 2003

Is it worthwhile? Are there results?
Musalaha: experiences and impact
Impress Them on Your Children
Desert Youth Encounter 2003
Prayer Requests and Upcoming Events
Munayer Family update

Is it worthwhile? Are there results?

Musalaha: experiences and impact

Salim J. Munayer, PhD and Brittany Browning

"Does it really work?" This is the first question that people ask when they hear about Musalaha. It is difficult to imagine what kind of impact "Desert Encounters" and Conferences can have in a situation where pain is great, emotion runs high and no political solution is in sight. In an ongoing conflict such as ours, that is violent and drawn-out, there is little hope placed in reconciliation initiatives. Efforts for coexistence and bridge-building face a context of deeply rooted and often opposing historical and cultural narratives, religious fervor, and identities. Peace and reconciliation initiatives take place in an atmosphere of hostility and opposition, where experiences and forces such as the media and politicians do not reinforce, but rather undermine, efforts to resolve conflict.

For believers living in this land, where relationships between people groups are at best damaged and distant, the process of reconciliation is not a choice. Many believers are committed to each other, and to loving their brothers and sisters in the Lord, no matter which side of the political divide. This is the mandate in following the Scriptures such as I John 4:20, "For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

To this end, many are rising to face the challenge of following the Gospel that says "love your enemy" even though they feel vulnerable and surrounded by enemies. Amidst pressures to hate and seek revenge, believers are following Biblical principles. When the spiritual, social and political realities meet, we are put to a test. Does our faith form our attitudes and relationships? Do these efforts bear fruit? Are there results? What is the impact of meeting with brothers and sisters from the other side?

Some encouraging insight has come from a recent study conducted by Gavriel Salomon from University of Haifa , on the impact of peace education in Israeli and Palestinian students. Saloman found that peace education programs were able to meet some of their goals of changed attitudes and perceptions, and did have a positive impact on participants.

A synopsis of trends and results [1]

1. Programs had a lasting effect. Positive outcome was detectable up to one year after the program had ended. Results were evident in spite of the violence and conflict of the past two years. Even a year following the encounter, there was measurable change in participants' willingness to interact with the other side and to make efforts to understand their backgrounds and perspectives.

2. Expressions of animosity were curbed; hatred was reduced. Saloman found that while an encounter may not resolve the conflict, it does deter negative attitudes. It can prevent deterioration, although there may be no progress in the political arena. This is an important and often immeasurable affect of peace education.

3. Building relationships helped to change perceptions and further understanding of the other side. Participants were more likely to trust each other, and to try to understand each other's perspectives, after they had developed relationships with individuals from the other side. Interaction with people from the other side enabled participants to see that the "enemy" has a face and a story.

4. Peace education impacted people in different ways. Participants' reactions and the degree of impact depended on the backgrounds, perspectives and attitudes held prior to their participation in the program. For example, their political stance might affect their openness to hearing the other sides' positions.

5. Participants were more likely to change their thought process before their emotions. They were able to understand mentally (cognitively), but did not develop as much emotional understanding and empathy.

Musalaha's experiences and observations

We have observed some similarities and differences between trends in Saloman's research and in Musalaha's programs.

1. Continued involvement and long-term effect. As in Saloman's findings, encounters have a lasting impact. In Musalaha's experience not only are perceptions affected, but many participants move to the level of taking action. Some have made extraordinary efforts to reach out to meet the needs of those on the other side through donating time, money, and goods. Many endeavor to maintain contact by visiting each others' homes and families. In awareness of the need for long-term impact, Musalaha has developed follow-up projects to enhance and facilitate progress towards reconciliation.

2. Reduction of hatred. Listening to each others' stories serves to stem the tide of misperceptions and hatred. As a result, Palestinian and Israeli congregations pray for each other, knowing each others names and needs. In praying for one another, they begin to look at each other as created in God's likeness and as subject to His will. This helps to curb the rise of animosity and dehumanization.

Participants' involvement in Musalaha activities also has an impact in their communities when they speak out against prejudice and even make choices to avoid violence. This can be a step in preventing deterioration of the situation.

3. Building relationships has been a key element for Musalaha, as it builds trust and enables participants to approach topics that require extra sensitivity. Following a program, groups have moved to discuss sensitive issues such as theology of the Land, political matters and historical narratives. Discussions on theological and political issues have deepened believers' understandings of each other's positions on these topics. At times, assumptions have been made concerning interpretations of scripture or political opinions. Dialogue on these topics helps participants to understand the variety of perspectives on the other side.

Often participants are less influenced by one-sided media and seek alternative sources. They are moved to consult people from the other side to discuss issues addressed in the news. Our observation is that those who have not been involved in Musalaha are more influenced by media one-sidedness and less in touch with how the other side thinks and feels. By building relationships with people from the other side, participants are able to broach issues and have dialogue with a heightened sensitivity that leads to greater understanding.

Meeting with each other helps participants discover that a plurality of opinion exists within the other side. There is a tendency to believe that the other side is of one opinion. Usually the radicals, who have the most extreme voices, are perceived as representing the majority. For example, you often hear, "They want to kill us all." This kind of statement is derived from the voices of extremists and applied as the entire opinion of the enemy. There is difficulty in identifying alternative voices within the other side. Encounters between the two sides enable them to learn new information about each other.

4. Participants are affected by the process in different ways, and the degree to which they are changed by the process is influenced by their background and perceptions. It is evident that people who participate in Musalaha's programs bring with them strong political opinions and Biblical interpretations. These preconceptions have bearing on the affect that the encounter has on them.

5. Encounters do have an emotional impact. In contrast to Saloman's findings that participants are more impacted mentally than emotionally, in our experiences with believers, reconciliation is very much a "heart" issue. In dealing with hatred and studying the Bible together, we see that the degree to which we learn to love God comes hand-in-hand with our love for brothers and sisters, even those who belong to the "enemy camp." We are challenged by I John 4:21, "And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

As believers, the work of the Holy Spirit changes us from within, dealing with our desires for revenge and the hatred that so easily consumes. This spiritual dimension is of utmost significance in our interaction with believers and non-believers from the other side. The impact of reconciliation is a matter of both the heart and mind.

From Genesis to Revelation, there is the central theme of God reconciling the world to Himself and us to each other. The results of Saloman's study are encouraging for us in our work, especially as we know that added to his findings there is the work of God in the hearts of people. At times when it is difficult to see the impact of these efforts, believers continue to pray together, to deepen understanding and to pursue reconciliation.

Impress Them on Your Children

Sinai Leadership Trip 2003

By Evan Thomas

"Hear, O Israel : The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children."Deut. 6:4-7.

During the Passover/ Resurrection week Musalaha once more set out on one of their desert pilgrimages. We spent five spectacular days and nights climbing and wandering from one Bedouin mountain orchard ( bustan ) to the next. During this time we shared godly fellowship with a group of ministry leaders made up from the Israeli Messianic and Palestinian Christian communities, and representatives from various European support organizations.

The highlight for Salim and Evan was the fulfillment of a dream to include our two children that they might be impacted by the magnificence of the Sinai and the spiritual significance of the Desert Encounter. We had waited for the day that Jack (13) and Sara (12) would come of age and show sufficient maturity to join their dads in the desert. In the days that followed we saw how right this decision to include them was.

It is very difficult to comprehend the harsh beauty of the Sinai Mountains without personally experiencing the environment. One is surrounded by red and black rock formed into impossible shapes by the elements of heat, cold and water. The bustans provide such contrast of life, each sustained water cisterns, protected by rock walls and containing simple dwellings and a flourishing variety of fruit trees. But more than our physical surroundings, the silence was what impacted us. Coming from our "fast-track" urban homes, the silence immediately began to quiet our souls, minister to our "wounds," and enable us to once again hear that "still small voice."

Because of the terrain, the physical demands on individuals were great. By the end of the first day the strained muscles and bruises began to take their toll. Nevertheless, as social and cultural barriers crumbled and the level of true fellowship intensified, the Lord began to do his healing work in our bodies and souls.

The two Palestinian ministers who took part in the event, joined us in the Sinai after traveling a circuitous route from Israel to Jordan to Syria then onto Egypt before reaching our point of rendezvous by taxi. They arrived exhausted and disheartened after these past two and a half years of struggle. One brother from Beit Jala had suffered 15 years with an acute asthmatic condition and the first day's trekking nearly crushed his spirit. The group began to pray and within hours he was not only revived but also continued on to be one of the strongest encouragers of the entire group. His miraculous healing was the first of six separate occasions where God touched our lives and built up our faith.

During the afternoon of the third day everybody was ready for some independent "quiet time." The Sinai has the ability "to swallow" a group of 31 individuals in minutes as the group dispersed, each finding his or her place among the boulders on the face of the mountain. Again, the isolation quickly quieted our souls and the Spirit of the Lord began to speak to our hearts. Later, we came together and shared what the Lord had revealed to us. Salim's son Jack spoke, of his own initiative, how the Lord had led him to parallel passages from the Books of Job and Revelation to teach him of the nature of the spiritual battle we stand in. This was touching, coming from a shy 13-year old boy who faces a cross-cultural reality of being an Arab child in an Israeli school during these days that have caused our society to become so polarized.

On our last night as we sat round the fire, the spirit of unity forged during the physical challenges of the previous days, drew us into worship. It sounds so beautiful to sing one another's songs in Hebrew and Arabic. This in itself symbolizes such a degree of trust and mutual respect. As Evan prepared to serve the Lord's Table, his daughter Sara asked if she could share a song with the group. God has gifted her with an exquisite voice and we were deeply moved as we then began to share the elements, remembering the passion of the cross. Again, a Jewish pastor and an Arab pastor served us, praying over each of us as we came to the Table. This spiritually significant scene spoke volumes of what we can expect when we are truly submitted to Jesus, Lord of all.

Crossing the border on our return journey always has a bittersweet aspect to it. On the one hand one looks forward to the hot shower and a soft bed. On the other hand it also means turning our backs on the simplicity of the desert and all it has to offer the sons and daughters of the Land. There we can step aside from the influences of our conflicted societies and look into one another's faces and see the face of God.

Desert Youth Encounter 2003

A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. Galatians 5:10

by Shelley Zeiger

A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.Galatians 5:10

How many grains of sand does it take to affect one's vision? How many friendships does it take to challenge one's perception of "the enemy?" My guess is one; perhaps two.

This April a mixed group of 50 Palestinian and Israeli youth (from all over Israel and Palestinian areas), as well as 15 counselors ventured out on a 3 day jeep and camel trip to the desert. The setting was serene. The stars bright. The sand everywhere!

On every trip it is our desire for the youth to walk away inspired by teaching and new relationships that foster reconciliation. It is our hope that they are refreshed by a fun time and challenged by a theme that would beckon them to a deeper spiritual walk. This year the theme was "Facing Temptation." By observing the temptations that Jesus faced in the desert, the youth were challenged to examine the temptations they face at home.

Throughout the trip each person was divided into groups, identified by the color t-shirt that each group member received. Our teams named themselves the Yellow Negev Suns, the Red Blood Cells, the Blues Brothers and the Olive Offshoots! This encouraged interaction among youth of different ages and backgrounds. They also divided into pairs to share with someone from "the other side" some of the temptations that they face, and how they can turn to the Lord in the midst of these times.

Every morning we met together in small groups for a time of personal devotion, discussion and prayer before engaging in the day's activities: worship, jeeps, camels, games, and dipping pita bread in common salad bowls for lunch and dinner. On the final evening each group presented humorous sketches they had prepared together on "temptations." In between the laughs and giggles from the sketches, two powerful testimonies were shared by Israeli and Palestinian counselors.

By the second day a full blown sandstorm had erupted! As we bundled our faces in t-shirts and sunglasses each young person was faced with the same sandy reality. If we chose to endeavor on this camel ride it would have to be a group effort. Indeed, the youth rose to meet this challenge, walking straight into stinging winds and sand horizons. Before returning home, we had the opportunity to prepare our last meal. Some of us shed many tears as together we cut the onions!

This trip was unique primarily due to its size. We were extremely thankful to the Lord for the large group that came together but are equally thankful for the deepened personal friendships that were created on an individual level. These are the connections that we pray will shape the next generation of reconcilers.

"I got to know a lot of knew Arab friends, at least 10-15. Also my Israeli friends I got to know better. It was really nice to be out in the desert to connect more with God."

Israeli, age 16

"I thought it was great how we got to meet the Arabs, hang out, talk. I enjoyed being in groups so that we could get mixed up with other kids you didn't know. I liked the devotions in the mornings. The games and the Bible study. I learnt that it's important to memorize and learn God's word so that when you'll be tempted you'll be able to use it. I already knew how important it was to meet with other Arab youth, kids always say that they hate Arabs but they don't know what they're talking about."

Israeli, 14

"It was really nice. I had a great time despite it being a short time. I t was really cool to mix between Jews and Arabs. There are a lot of Israelis I will keep in contact with. Devotions and worship were very good and really made you think about certain things such as temptation. I learnt that Temptation is not a sin but falling into temptation and knowing it is. It wasn't enough to get to know each other really well so it should be expanded for another few days, I would love to go on another encounter."

Palestinian, 17

Prayer Requests and Upcoming Events

Worship Songbook

There has been significant progress made on the songbook in the past few months. We have found Arabic and Hebrew speaking musicians to proofread and check the musical notation, lyrics and chords. This is a major step towards the completion of the book, and we are grateful to all the volunteers and staff who have been persistent in their work.

Women's Retreat

June 13-14

While the Women's Conferences throughout the years have been successful, many women have expressed the desire to get involved in reconciliation and build relationships on a deeper level.  As a result, we are inviting a small group of women to come together for a weekend of study and retreat. There will be teaching and devotionals on the Biblical principles of reconciliation, and time for getting to know one another more intimately.  This core group will play a key part in enhancing the work of Musalaha among women.

Summer Camp

July 28-Aug. 1

A first-time project for Musalaha, the summer camp will bring Palestinian and Israeli youth together to explore the theme of reconciliation. Our staff and volunteers have been recruiting camp counselors and together they have been planning sports, games, worship, arts and crafts for the camp. The campers will be ages 12-14, and this is the first time that Musalaha has worked exclusively with a group of that age. Please pray for the staff and counselors as they plan the program, and that the Lord will prepare the hearts of the youth. We pray that this camp will make an impact in the lives of young people this summer.

Youth Leaders Conference

Aug. 24-29

Musalaha is conducting a second Youth Leaders Conference, following last year's success in Turkey . The conference is a combination of training from Youth for Christ and teaching on reconciliation from Musalaha leaders. The year the youth leaders will go to Germany , where a German Christian organization has agreed to help host the group at a conference center near Heidelberg . As we are making flight arrangements and preparations for visas and permissions, please keep this conference in your prayers.

Youth Leaders Conference on Reconciliation

October

Along with Youth for Christ, Musalaha has invited two youth workers from Northern Ireland to come and lead a conference on youth and reconciliation. Participants will be former participants in Musalaha's Youth Leaders' Conferences in 2002 and 2003. The conference will be a time to expand our knowledge and understanding of reconciliation, as we learn from others' experiences living in a conflicted region.

Our past work with youth leaders has been highly successful, and we are ready to further explore the theme of youth in conflict and reconciliation. For certain our Irish guests will greatly contribute and provide much needed insight into this timely topic.

Munayer Family update

The children are doing well. The school year is coming to a close despite having school on and off due to school strikes. Although they had to carry their gas masks to school for awhile, the war passed uneventfully for us, as anticipated.

Next year Sam is moving up to kindergarten and back to the school that his brothers attend. Please keep him in your prayers, as we hope that he will get into the right class with the right teacher.

Daniel and John continue to be avid swimmers. John picked up several medals in recent competitions. Daniel is working hard for the qualifying heats to get through to the national competition in July.

Salim and Jack had great time together on the Sinai trip. Jack is growing physically and spiritually, and at 13 is becoming a real teenager!

Kay is busy with the expatriate women's group, organizing a bazaar for all the charities that they support. She continues to come up with many different creative ideas to help support the Shepherd Society, a Christian charitable organization in Bethlehem ( www.shepherd-society.org ). One creative fundraiser has been offering "Color Me Beautiful" sessions. She even helped on television reporter find his colors. surely this did wonders for his career!

Salim and Kay have returned to exercise and feel much better for it. As a family here are no plans for summer holidays yet, as the summer holiday will surely be filled with summer camps and swimming competitions.

At the Bethlehem Bible College , we are looking forward to the end of the academic year. Graduation will take place on June 13, and we pray that nothing will happen to jeopardize the end of the semester. The Nazareth extension is growing. This semester we were able to offer 5 courses and are looking forward to further expansion next semester.

[1] Salomon, G. (2003) Does peace education make a difference? University of Haifa , Center for Research on Peace Education (second draft).