Musalaha Newsletter

June 2005

Enter Abigail: A Model in Reconciliation

Biblical characters can be a tremendous resource for us as we explore what it means to be reconcilers.  It is a great tool, as we venture together in the desert or come together in conferences, to journey through scriptures and meet characters who illustrate principles of reconciliation.  One such character who stands out is Abigail, a key actor in the story of Nabal and David’s meeting in 1 Samuel 25.

            David is running from Saul and is seeking supplies and nourishment for his men from Nabal.  David had treated Nabal’s shepherds with favor, and in exchange for his generosity and protection, hopes to gain from Nabal’s wealth.  Nabal responds by “hurling insults,” and wants no part of David’s protection or of providing for David’s men.  Enter Abigail.

            Immediately Abigail understands the potential for bloodshed as a result of this conflict.  With great foresight, she recognizes that extraordinary steps needed to be taken in order to divert the situation from its potentially disastrous end.  She prepares food for David’s army and plays the role of mediator between two stubborn men.  Abigail takes a certain steps that keep the conflict from escalating.  She takes responsibility for her husband’s action; instead of standing with him and supporting his position, she asks for forgiveness on his behalf.  She takes a risk, putting her life on the line with a surprising gesture of defiance in order to reach David.  She draws his attention, bows before him and then reasons with him.  By doing this she is able to talk to David rationally and remind him that, “When the Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leaders over Israel, my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. (v. 30-31).  Abigail is only able to communicate with David after his hostility is diffused by her gestures of kindness and humility towards him.

            There are several relevant points for us as believers living in a context of conflict.

Abigail could have sided with her husband and defended his position.  This approach most likely would have affirmed and solidified both David and Nabal’s positions, failing to offer any alternative to resolving the conflict with a bloody battle.  So often our instinct is to defend and advocate the positions of our own group, without realizing the destructive consequences that this can ultimately entail.  Instead of seeking transformative resolutions, we push irreconcilable agendas.

The portrayal of Abigail is one of many in the Old Testament, when a woman, supposedly powerless in society, has influence and affects change among powerful men.  Often as believers in Israel and Palestinian Authority, we acutely feel our status as minorities in our societies.  In both contexts there is a sense of powerlessness and inability to change the systems that feed the conflict and bloodshed on both sides.  Abigail stands as an example of someone who could be marginalized and ineffective, but who takes a risk by drawing the attention of the leaders to the potential impact of bloodshed and its destructive end.  Her character inspires us not to be hindered by our minority status, but instead to have a prophetic voice in our societies.

                                                                                    ~ Salim J. Munayer, PhD

                                                                                       Director

The Way of the Desert

Leaders Desert Encounter

E. Thomas

It has been two years since our last leaders’ journey to the Desert and once again Salim and Evan set out filled with anticipation, mixed with their usual degree of apprehension of what God had in store for the group of Christian and Messianic leaders placed in their care. The ‘Desert Encounter’ is each time a unique experience with many personal challenges and as the group began its journey a clear sense of apprehension was felt by all. Much of this began to dissipate as the bus left the signs of civilisation, and the grandeur of our destination – Wadi Ram (the Valley of the Moon) dominated our senses.

Our ‘reconciliation group’ this time was rather large and very diverse – one third Palestinian Christian, one third Israeli Messianic and one third ‘Internationals’- thirty eight souls altogether with the one clear thing in common, our mutual love of the Messiah. As usual for these encounters, the majority were participating for the first time. Our daughter Sara and Salim’s second son, Daniel, were great additions to the team and provided that invaluable connection to the upcoming generation that will hopefully follow in our footsteps.

The basic program was to spend the first two days in the desert environment of Wadi Ram, enjoying Bedouin hospitality, camel trekking and exploring with jeeps. From there we would journey northwards to the mountainous region of Edom overlooking the Dead Sea (from the Jordanian side). This was new territory for us and the rich fauna and flora of this national reserve afforded us some beautiful but challenging walks. To our joy, the Jordanians provided excellent guides and once again our dear friend and Messianic brother, Arieh Bar David was able to join us. Arieh’s depth of biblical knowledge and desert experience always adds such richness to these encounters.

With these unique settings as our ‘classrooms’ for the Passover week, God began to work on our hearts, preparing the way for some meaningful healing and reconciliation to take place. Our worship is always unique as we face the challenge of unfamiliar ground of our respective languages. Somehow we were nevertheless able to produce “a joyful noise.” Participants were asked to prepare devotionals that kept us focused on Yeshua. One Arab pastor from Cana in the Galilee moved us deeply by speaking openly of his dilemma when faced with the challenge of inviting Israeli Messianic pastors into his village. By doing so he knew he would also be inviting the suspicion and disapproval of his community and potentially be damaging his testimony for the Gospel. This was a wonderful living example of how our Middle East conflict can affect our thinking and even our theology. God’s Spirit touched his heart and since his return to Cana he openly hosted a significant group of Messianic Jewish leaders.

At every opportunity as we stopped to rest in the shade of Wadi Ram’s inspiring rock formations, Salim and Arieh would ‘unpack’ for us some of the biblical desert themes. Understanding the concepts of the wilderness as ‘pastureland’, ‘sanctuary’ and as a place to seek God is invaluable to Scriptural studies, as is our understanding the concepts of desert hospitality and protocols. We spent much time examining the character of David – both his strengths and weaknesses and the wonderful lessons they afford us as spiritual leaders in the Holy Land today.

We looked at examples such as his parental shortcomings regarding his handling of his sons, Amnon and Absalom (II Samuel 13), and another when he took the route of political expediency in his bowing to the demands of the Gibeonites (II Samuel 21). One particular passage (I Samuel 25), gave us great joy as we acted out the rich sequence of events concerning David, Nabal and Abigail. Here, Arieh’s and Daniel’s acting skills were tremendous!

By the time we reached Wadi Dana in the Edomite Mountains the atmosphere of unity in the group was wonderful. The role too of the international Christian leaders was clear. This group included, Germans, Dutch, Irish and American and the temptation as leaders of support organizations to Musalaha would naturally tend towards being ‘spectators’ of what would unfold between the Israelis and Palestinians. However, this was not the case, as they became an integral part of the process. In fact, a strong case could be built that their presence enabled, or at least enhanced the reconciliation process.

For the last two days our gathering place while in camp was an open-sided Bedouin tent and here Salim and Evan picked up the biblical desert theme of the ‘tent’ to illustrate concepts of protocol, hospitality, safety and acceptance. The rich teaching and discussion prepared our hearts to be completely open with one another over deep wounds such as the taking of life in combat, and the losing of a first-born son in combat. The responses through acts of comfort and forgiveness left life long memories and invaluable lessons that we would carry back to our respective communities. These precious moments culminated in our sharing of the Lord’s Table as Evan ‘invited’ the participants into the sanctuary of the Tent to serve one another in this agape feast. Once again, the God of our Fathers was faithful in our midst and we worshipped, “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Saviour!”

Women's Activities in 2005

This year Musalaha is excited about developing new women's programs.  In the past, our annual women’s conferences have been successful in getting a large number to participate, but due to the format and size of the conference, it was difficult to have discussions and build relationships on a deeper level.  As a result, in 2003 we began small group retreats and invited a group of women for a more intimate time of fellowship. 

The group was comprised of women who are leaders in their communities and who are committed to seeing the process of reconciliation expand.  While some members have left and others have joined more recently, our weekend retreats together over the years have built relationships and laid a foundation for moving forward in the process of reconciliation.  We are also conducting one-day meetings, some for inviting new friends and getting to know each other, as we did at a beautiful brunch on April 15.  Others meetings will be focusing on more serious topics such as theology or conflict-resolution.

Building a Foundation

Conference in Turkey, May 4-7

As another part of our women’s activities, 15 Israeli and Palestinian women participated in a Musalaha conference in Istanbul, Turkey.  We have found that traveling together to a neutral location creates a unique dynamic for Palestinians and Israelis to come together.  Not only are they away from their context and on neutral ground, but also they have the chance to get away from distractions, and to focus on building relationships in a new atmosphere. 

It is not easy for so many women to get released from their busy lives with jobs and families, so we were excited to have this group of fifteen.  The group size was small enough so that we could get to know each other well, and also large enough to have different perspectives and communities represented.

            Because this group met several times previously, we reached a point of asking the question, "Where do we go from here?"  In order to help us consider this question, we invited Dr. Beatrice Odongo-Mwaka, to share about her experiences with conflict-resolution in Africa.  Dr. Odongo-Mwaka is originally from Uganda and currently works at the International Centre for Reconciliation at the Coventry Cathedral, UK. She works in areas of conflict and engages in dialogue with political and religious leaders, as well as members of civil society and groups in conflict to help bring about an agreeable peaceful settlement.  After Beatrice spoke about her and other women's experiences, we met in discussion groups to determine how what she shared might be relevant for our context.  This provided a starting point for discussions on our conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, and impetus for continuing with discussion on deeper issues.

            In addition to the discussions, sharing time, worship, and devotions, the group also participated in lighter adventures, such as negotiating the Grand Bizaar and visiting the tourist sites.  These excursions served to build up the group; it was important not only to know each other sitting across from the discussion table, but also as finding our way through a market place or cramming on an over-crowded tram together.  We found ourselves in a few predicaments that had us laughing hysterically.  Our beautiful private boat cruise on the Bosphorus Straight took a turn for the worst when our boat stopped dead in the middle of the water, and we had to be rescued by another tourist boat.  For some, these moments were highlights, "The big laugh on the sea and in the airport…. We NEED to laugh together!"

In moments like these and others, when the sharing was poignant and the emotions more intimate, when we were vulnerable with each other about painful experiences in the past, served to deepen the way we related to each other.  As one participant said, "I think we are building something.  A foundation of some sort.  I would love to see this group growing in deeper fellowship, so we can come to the point of feeling safe to share and pray through deeper things.  I also would love to see some practical things that we can do together; but maybe not tomorrow.  I still feel we need more commitment to one another on a human level and that takes time."

The Third side of the Two Sides

Women’s Small Group Retreat

The invitation read:  “Bicultural?  Bilingual? Multi-lingual? Cross Cultural?  Dual traditions? Shared traditions?  Inter cultural?  New  Traditions? Multi cultural? Different religious backgrounds but one faith? Similar religious backgrounds but different expressions?  Do any of these fit your unique situation? Although each of our situations is unique, perhaps we also have things in common that would enable us to support each other in prayer, sharing, fellowship and relationship….”

Twelve women responded to the invitation for a retreat focusing on women who originally came from other countries, and are long-term residents or citizens here.  What roles do these women, and dozens like them, have here in the land?  As believers, what part do they play in the body of the Messiah here?  Some identify strongly with their communities and others consistently feel like outsiders.  Very few programs or activities address this group, or are directed towards women who do not feel like foreigners or expatriates, but also are neither Jewish nor Arab.  At Musalaha, when participating in women’s programs, these women have tremendous potential to be bridge builders and as a result, we thought it important to invest in this group of people.  The idea for the meeting was generated when Kay Munayer and Maala Thomas were discussing their participation in Musalaha programs.  After some brainstorming, they decided to throw out a line to other women in similar situations to see if there is a need for some kind of support group.

Kay Munayer shared about the experience,

“Despite the fact that no two people share the same experience in the type of spouse, where they live, which community they belong to, and how they raise their children, there were many areas of similarity.  For example, we all live away from family, and live in a foreign culture.  We have to adapt to new cultural norms and might fit into them or not. Our children do not completely belong to one group or another.  There are many issues to relate to.

In the weekend we wanted to create an intimate, safe environment to encourage people to share their thoughts and experiences.  Our first meeting was to explore if there is a need for this type of group and how we can meet each other’s needs.  At the end of the weekend, the overwhelming response was to meet again.”

The group ranged from women with newborn children to women with grown children, single women and those married to local men, women who originally came with a call to serve in this land and others who came with their parents or husbands.  Although there was a wide variety in people’s experiences, a fundamental theme for everyone was the questions of identity, and with that theme we reminded each other that the basis for identity is first of all as women in Christ. 

Over the course of the weekend, women were able to share about their experiences in a way that brought encouragement and support to each other.  As one participant said, it was a safe environment because people were not bashing any one of the cultures represented.  Rather people found humor in different situations, and found in each other recognition, understanding and encouragement.  One woman affirmed that here there is “tremendous richness in our way of life,” and summed up the weekend in the following way: “Sharing is like serving.  We have served each other here.” 

Youth Leaders Conference

March 23-26

Eighteen young adults went to Petra, Jordan for a Youth Leaders Training Conference.  This is the fourth conference that Musalaha has conducted with training from Neil O’Boyle, former training coordinator for Youth for Christ in the Middle East.  Tanas Al Qassis lead the group and shared the following report:

Having lead several desert trips before, this particular Youth Leaders Training made a very strong impact in my life. 

After a long day of travel, I went to bed early on the first night.  I later learned that most of the people stayed up in one room talking to each other; Israeli and Palestinians were sharing their experiences and talking about different social issues. I was very impressed to hear that, how in 3 hours time our group was no longer 2 groups but one big fun group who loved the Lord and wanted to worship Him.

During my last 12 years with Musalaha I have encountered many special groups, but this group was very unique.  People connected immediately; they talked, laughed and cried together.  They worshiped with a lot of love and heart for the Lord, their lives were all about Him.  This group wanted to learn how to be better leaders.  They wanted to share experiences, and showed interest in each other experiences.

One of the participants wrote us and shared,

‘Paul says in the Bible that Jesus gave him the ministry of reconciliation; WOW! That word came ALIVE in the conference. Not just reconciling the sinners to God but reconciling God’s children to each other. God is so good!!

I cried the last day; yes I did! I saw other crying as well! I felt love! Satan was there, yes, he was; but he was crushed! Satan is crushed when brothers and sisters are united through the blood of Jesus; how much more when there are two parties who are considered enemies and are united in the blood of Jesus….

Three of the Israelis there were going to the army and they asked us, the Palestinians, to pray for them! How awesome is that?   Palestinian brothers and sisters praying for the protection of the Israeli brothers and sisters in the army!

It is hard for me as a Palestinian to go to Jerusalem or any other Israeli town to visit; because as a Palestinian I need a permit. I want to go to fellowship with my brothers and sisters on the Israeli side but I cannot. But, praise God for bringing us together.

Without the Musalaha [conference] I would not have known how my Jewish brothers and sisters think; I would not have fellowshipped with them; I would not have embraced them as brothers and sisters.’

A group like this makes working for the Lord a blessing, a challenge and very worthwhile. I am glad and blessed to have the honor to be among young people with fire for the Lord, young people who want to get out of their comfort zone and stand right for the Lord, leaders who are willing to give it all for the Lord.

~ Tanas Al Qassis

Youth Encounter

March 23-26

Under a blue sky and shining sun, passed hills covered in green with yellow and pink wildflowers.  In the distance, Mt. Hermon stood with its white strips of snow.  This was the view on our way to Kfar Blum, with 40 Palestinian and Israeli youth together in our bus. Our day was set to include rafting, wall climbing, and a high ropes course.  Many of us had never experienced any adventure like this before, let alone with Palestinians and Israelis alongside each other. 

As we put on our lifejackets and held our paddles we headed to the river, we had no idea that our teamwork had already begun.  We learned several lessons in this experience.  Lesson number 1:  You will get wet.  Lesson number 2: "The perfection of paddling is when we do it in harmony."  This was a great lesson for us, not only on how to navigate a boat, but also about being together as a group.  We got through without anyone falling out!  For the youth, this was one of the highlights and afterwards everyone was exchanging stories with excitement and laughter.

This was a special group of young people.  From the beginning I felt an atmosphere of unity. Each youth who came had this awesome joy in them. From the minute they stepped into the bus, they were interacting and trying to learn words in each others’ languages. By the end of the trip, they were able to say complete sentences. It was so funny to hear them learn the phrases.  We would be talking and people would try to use the sentence they learned, and everyone would laugh together.

The theme of this trip was the book of Jonah. In groups we discussed and presented, what we can learn from the book of Jonah and how they find it relevant to our situation today.  One of the groups compared the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the relationship between the Israelites and the people of Nineveh. They said that sometimes we run away from what God wants us to do. Other groups answered that we, as children of God, choose not to hear God's will.  Many groups chose this verse as their favorite:  "I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” 

One of the youth commented:   “When we have an activity to discuss from the Holy Bible you always feel like you’re there sitting with your family in the name of Jesus Christ.  I learned from the people I met, that on every side [there are people] ready to hear the other side… just give [them] a chance…. The other side is not an Evil side.” 

~ Shadia Qubti

New at Musalaha

Musalaha featured in show on Dutch Christian television 

EO television in Holland has made a television documentary about the Musalaha youth trip to Holland in August 2004. It was broadcast on Dutch television in May and is now available on internet as well.  The program is called "Vechten voor verzoening" which means "Fighting for reconciliation."

In order to watch it, you need the latest version of Realplayer (http://www.real.com/freeplayer/?rppr=eo.nl).  The web site for viewing the film is

 http://www.eo.nl/portals/streams.jsp?number=6185029

Invitations to France and Norway

Moria Pex, a Messianic Israeli from Eilat, and Tanas Al Qassis, a Palestinian Christian from Beit Sahour, traveled to France in April to participate in an Open Door Youth Festival talking about the persecuted churches around the world. They spoke to over 350 young people about their faith, the difficulties they face, God's blessings and the ministry of Musalaha.  People were open and receptive, and often blessed by the work of reconciliation that is going on in Israel/Palestinian Authority.   

Samar Mizher, Palestinian Christian from Beit Jala, and Sasha Ben Chaim, a Messianic Israeli from Netanya, visited Norway at the invitation of the Norwegian Church Ministry to Israel. 

The main event was a youth congress, where around 100 representatives met to gather information and inspiration and to develop new leaders in the congregations.

“Meeting our sisters from Beit Jala and Netanya  turned out to be a very good  experience. Already we have received several reports form persons who want to say how important and inspiring it was to listen to Sasha and Samar, and to recognize their love and reconciliation.” (NCMI)

Munayer Family Update

I have been promoted and asked to write a few lines on how all our branch of the Munayers are doing, in other words I get to write on the Musalaha prayerletter! So what shall I say.... well we are all healthy and very much in a routine at the moment with school still on (although there are strikes from time to time).  Jack, Daniel & John participated in the Israeli Triathlon in Tiberius which they enjoyed (now Daniel wants a racing bike!), Sam has joined the YMCA swim team surprising us, other team members, and even the coach with his speed and style especially as he is more or less self-taught at 7 yrs old.

            We are all looking forward to our summer holidays, which includes doing something different by going to USA, all of us have longings....

Sam can hardly wait to go to Disneyland.

Daniel is wanting to try all the different burgers.

John is the same, but in ice-cream.

Jack is thinking about wild rides in funparks.

Kay is looking forward to EATING OUT anywhere, type of food irrelevant, most important she does not have to do anything strenuous like meal planning.

Salim wants to show off USA to his family or the other way round.

~ From Kay Munayer.