Musalaha Newsletter
September 2004
From the director.
Summer Camp
Family Conference in Germany
Souled Out/Musalaha Retreat
Songbook printed
Youth Encounter, Holland
Munayer Family News
Coming Events and Prayer Requests
From the director.
This newsletter is large and full of reports and pictures from our activities. Since our last newsletter, there have been so many activities and milestones in the ministry of Musalaha that we are not able to cover all of them in this newsletter. As a result, we have chosen to present the three main events of the summer. The first is the outstanding experience with the summer camp. The second is the Leaders' Conference in Germany , when 24 leaders and their families, some of whom had never before participated in Musalaha. Third was the Youth Encounter in Holland , the first time sending youth overseas, not only to learn about reconciliation themselves but also to bring the message of reconciliation to the Dutch people. As many in churches are polarized regarding the situation here, we have found out that Musalaha has a message of unity that resonates with believers overseas.
All these events would not have materialized without the prayer and support of many of you. It was really a spiritual battle to accomplish these things and we want to thank you for prayers. We also must thank EDI and Tabitha Ministries for all that they did to make the conferences in Germany and Holland become a reality.
Summer Camp
"Ok, so the camp was totally amazing. Just the fact that we got to know the Israeli believers is very encouraging because we got to learn to put our differences aside and see that although we are so different we are more alike. I personally love and cherish each moment in which I get to praise the Lord and pray with people that have a different background but the same faith. I'm very thankful for this camp. It's really awesome and powerful and simply fun. For us, teenagers, being with other teen believers is important, and also as "Jew and Arabs" teenagers its even more important for the love of God will spread peace and tranquility." (Palestinian participant)
"The camp will affect me personally in the future in that I will love my Arab brothers and sisters more. As time goes by I get to meet more Arabs and that has brought me closer to them" (Israeli participant)
Over thirty Palestinian and Israeli campers joined us for Musalaha's summer camp at the end of June. At the beginning of a camp like this one there are many barriers to overcome and ice to break. Very few youth knew people from the other side, and they could not speak the same language. At this age (14-18), teens gather in groups and it is hard to break up the groups, even when they are from similar backgrounds. Not only that, but the language barrier (some speak Hebrew and others speak Arabic) made it difficult for the youth to communicate. Messianic Israeli teens did not know Arabic and some Palestinians did not know Hebrew (the Israeli-Arabs, like myself , did).
I saw this first-hand in my cabin. We put Israelis and Palestinians together in cabins, but some of the youth were already friends. This made it even more challenging for the counselors to get the teenagers to interact. In my room, we decided give an assignment for the girls to get them to mingle. We put three together and they had to answer questions we wrote. We were afraid the girls might not be able to communicate because of the language barriers, but we told them to try and if they had problem we could help.
I stood there and watched the girls communicate. G. was speaking Arabic with the Israeli girls as if they understood her, and they replied in English and then G. would speak English and the other two would nod. To see them make an effort to understand each other and communicate was very encouraging. They came to the question about what things they have in common, and they all wrote in Arabic and Hebrew: "Faith in Jesus Christ." Jesus can break down any barriers and this camp was a living example of that.
We also asked the girls how this camp will affect their view of the other side in the future. G. wrote that she used to think of Israelis as different from her but through the camp she realized that they are same; that people think alike. C. wrote that she always knew that Palestinians and Israelis are the same and she loved Palestinians equally. This camp has allowed her to meet Palestinian brothers and sisters in Christ who have proved that they have similarities, and that through Jesus Christ Palestinians and Israelis can be friends. J. wrote that this camp has affected her love towards her Palestinian brothers and sisters.
The theme of the camp was facing discrimination and stereotypes. We tried to approach this theme from several angles. The youth did group work and team activities. The Bible studies and discussions were excellent times for them to sit with partners from the other side and talk about what the Bible says about how we should treat others. We also had competitions, games, and a ropes course. The ropes course was a new experience for some kids and the teams encouraged each member to meet the challenge.
As a large group, we watched a documentary called, "A Class Divided." After watching it, we split into groups and had a discussion. Some teens' reactions were that discrimination starts in the mind, and that we should try to see people with God's eyes. The atmosphere and relationships, created by doing activities and having fun together, allowed the youth to speak freely and ask what they wanted.
A Palestinian girl, B., took the opportunity and asked: "Can you explain to me why Messianic Israelis go to the army? Why can't they refuse?" D., an Israeli counselor, replied that it is not a matter of choice. Israeli Jews as citizens of the country have to follow its laws, and otherwise they go to prison. The subject raised others' interest and a Palestinian from Bethlehem , asked whether it's a sin if a Messianic Israeli soldier shoots someone. She told the story of her friend who is a youth leader and when it was time to go to the army, he prayed that God would protect him and not put him in a situation where he'd have to shoot anyone. Now, he has finished his 3 year service and still does one month a year reserve service and has never so far used a gun. She concluded that she doesn't know; these are not easy questions. Then a Palestinian counselor affirmed that it's not easy to be stuck in such a position and we, as one body in Christ, should pray for them. We should pray that God protects them and grants them wisdom to use their weapons. Teens responded by praying together for their brothers and sisters in the army and for their Palestinian brothers and sisters in Palestinian areas whose lives are directly affected by situation. The youth were able to grapple with very difficult questions and to lift both sides to the Lord in prayer.
I don't know how to explain how great this camp was; everyone had a good time. I hope they are able to maintain these friendships as time passes no matter what the situation in this land. The purpose of the camp was that these teens won't generalize about those on the other side, and that they will be able to see the other as God does. In a few years, and already now, many of them face situations that will challenge these lessons. Some will go to the army, some may become victims of violence, or in difficult situations that can lead to anger, resentment and even violence. It is our prayer and hope that in those days they will remember this encounter with the other side and remember the lessons and discussion about understanding, acceptance and love for others.
~ Shadia Qubti
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Family Conference in Germany
Salim and I began the preliminary planning 12 months ago to make such an event possible. Because of the political and security situation greatly limiting our two communities being able to physically fellowship together we were forced to seek someplace safe where our children could play together and the adults could relax and be open to meaningful fellowship. This was not an easy task given that our group would total 104 people, some of whom would not be permitted to travel through Ben Gurion but would face a three day journey travelling overland to Jordan before flying from Amman to Stuttgart .
To our great delight and gratitude a dear friend of Musalaha's , Hartmut Renz of Evangeliumdienst fur Israel (E.D.I.) offered to host us. His organization raised the funds to accommodate us the YMCA in a beautiful village called Waldorf, near the Black forest . He was able to arrange children and youth workers to create a program for our young ones and organise wonderful trips to a theme park, to the Black Forest , to a majestic castle and to the beautiful city of Tubingen . The week would prove to be a special treat that out of our Germany brothers' generosity and hospitality provided the setting for another unique reconciliation initiative.
As the week progressed the fellowship within the group was sweet and the atmosphere cooperative and friendly. As we gathered for worship, using songs from our finally published Musalaha songbook we found joy in one another's languages. Among the highlights of this trip were the study groups where we looked at reconciliation and conflict together. Daniel Buttry , a Baptist minister from the US , developed a Bible study curriculum on conflict and conflict transformation. One portion that was very moving and greatly affected the group was the story of Rizpah in 2 Samuel 21. Many were inspired by this woman, actually a concubine, who acted courageously to make changes that brought an end to the famine. We learned that the energy of a mother's love can become a powerful force for justice and peace. We worked through the Bible studies throughout the conference, and it was a powerful tool that really brought the group together.
It was encouraging to pray for one another at the many given opportunities. Salim and I watched as relationships formed and quickly deepened, giving people confidence to begin to step outside the safe "comfort zones" of political correctness and superficial politeness.
With only 48 hours to go we reached a point where we could step into the "discomfort zone" and share our hearts with one another. We began to speak of painful matters of abuse at the checkpoints between Jerusalem and Bethlehem and the mistreatment of our brothers and sisters at the hands of military authorities. We spoke of our fears and the effect of burying our dead as the result of terrorism. We spoke of the sense of hopelessness of our young people and our powerlessness to really affect change. We challenged one another too over issues of participation in violent action or being party to military abuses. We commiserated over the resultant economic crisis that affects both communities. The greatest challenge was to be able to really hear one another, and yet love one another all the more. When one witnesses this then God's presence is very strong.
Our last gathering followed a celebration meal that began with a simple ceremony common to the Messianic Jewish community - the receiving of the Sabbath. The response of the Arab Christian families at being included in something so precious to the Jewish heart was wonderful. The brothers rose from the tables in the common greeting of, "Shabbat Shalom." This in itself spoke volumes, mutually honouring one another in who we are. This meal led us to the Lord's Table where once again we were taken into the "discomfort zone" of Yeshua's suffering and terrible death at the hands of mankind - a sacrifice that made it possible for us in our situation to step across the rubble of the broken wall of partition. Two by two the brothers and sisters brought one another to the table and Yeshua was ministered to us - his peace that passes beyond all understanding and is forever. Glory be to his name.
~ Evan Thomas
From a participant:
I am still totally filled with thoughts, memories and emotions from the conference.
I wake up and go to sleep with the faces of those I love before me. It was quite an emotional and intense experience and one that I am still trying to process.
The bottom line is that I fell more and more deeply in love with some of my friends and I developed some friendships I believe will go into eternity.
The time spent together, worshipping, learning, eating, cleaning, touring and talking was extremely rich and deep. Thoughts and emotions were shared in an environment in which, for the most part, people felt safe and accepted.
Though it's obvious to me we are and will probably continue to be miles apart in terms of some of our perceptions and understandings of our conflict, it also is clear to me that there is a great deal of love and willingness to walk and to work together.
For me. I find that I have now a sort of Holy discontent. I am not satisfied to eat and pray and send money anymore. I am invested in doing something but I need wisdom as to what and how.
The bottom line is that friendships were formed and deepened and we are all, as a result, enriched. Despite the myriad of differing interpretations and expressions of worship, love permeated the atmosphere.
People reached out to people and during the course of a week, it was possible to do more than scratch the surface.
The last night, when people shared about how they were changed and we had the Lord's supper was the highlight and nobody wanted to leave. We all just wanted to linger in the presence of the Lord.
Palestinian participant:
In Him we greet each one of you. We pray that you all are well. Our memories of you brings us humbly before the throne of God on behalf of each person and every encounter we experienced together.
We know that the Lord has broken the wall of Partisan; Thus , we became PARTAKERS of the divine nature . Remember what the Lord did, the last evening together, in our midst when we loved one another as He has loved us.
Souled Out/Musalaha Retreat
This summer the Musalaha and Souled -Out partnered for an overnight activity with Palestinian and Israeli youth. Souled -Out is youth ministry from Chicago that brings groups every summer to run camps and outreach programs among Israeli young people. As several of their staff have been part of Musalaha programs, they decided to integrate the two events and expand the group of young people who they work with, by planning an evening retreat.
The message and theme focused on Philippians and being united with Christ in our minds, love, spirit and purpose. "Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5. We were reminded to walk in each other's shoes, just like Jesus did when he came to earth as man, in order to know how it feels to be Israeli, Palestinian or American. God was working with these teens and His presence was felt during worship as we sang in English, Arabic and Hebrew.
The youth interacted also in games, learned dances, and in small groups the next day. An Israeli participant said that she enjoyed small groups because it gives her a chance to meet others who she usually doesn't get to meet. In small groups, we discussed the theme of love. Each teen wrote on a leaf, "Love one another," in their language and give it to their small group partner as a reminder for each to pray for one another. Prayer is very important because these encounters are few, and it is a way for the youth to stay connected.
Throughout the weekend, the walls broke down and we were become one spirit. We pray that this will have an impact and will be a seed that continues to grow in the hearts of the youth.
Songbook printed
The Worship songbook with questions in Hebrew, Arabic and English is printed! After over a two year process, we are thrilled to see this book in print. Many thanks to all who worked hard finding notes and chords, translating and transliterating, checking and double checking. We pray that this book will unite people in praise and worship. Our hope is to celebrate the completion of the book with a worship evening with Messianic and Palestinian congregations in the near future. If you are interested in ordering the book please contact us by email, fax, phone, or mail.
Youth Encounter, Holland
Each of us set out from our homes to meet at the airport in the early hours of a Friday morning. The journey through the airport and security was not a simple one. Yet the youth were in good spirits and anticipating the moment they got on the plane together.
Our group was composed of 7 Messianic Israelis and 7 Palestinian youth. Tabitha Ministries invited us to Holland for 10 days to build relationships with each other and to interact with local Dutch people in order to share about being believers in this context.
As we landed and exited Amsterdam airport, we were greeted like celebrities, with formal handshakes and a camera. We all giggled to each other in amazement, and forgot that hours before we had undergone third degree investigation. It was night when we reached Kollum , our new home for the next five days in the north part of Holland . Each pair of youth, one Israeli and one Palestinian, went with their host family for the duration of our visit.
The next few days were spent doing activities such as sailing, biking, and a local sport called Fieljepen (a kind of pole vaulting). At first, I didn't understand why my host family insisted on giving me a rain coat, and I didn't understand how we do outdoor activities if it's raining. My first lesson: in Holland rain does not determine what activities one should or should not do. People are used to rain there; we are not, at least not in summer! It was a very nice experience as we all rode bikes together through the greenery, little mud and a lot of wind. As the first days ended, the group had begun to become one. They had common ground to talk about: their sore muscles, raincoats, the weather and our shortage of warm clothes!!
We spent one day sailing. This time, I took the rain coat without asking why. I knew it's going to be another typical lovely weather for sailing. We got to the port, we were asked to wear our life jackets as the sailors got our boats ready. So we were all layered in our regular clothes, rain clothes and life jackets. We learned not to ask why; the Dutch knew better. We got into groups of four and away we went to the open sea. Well, eventually it was open. Our beginning was rough because as soon as we got moving, thunder struck and one more round of rain with it. It was nice to watch the drops on the sea surface; it reminded me of Jesus' story with his disciples. We didn't a storm as bad as in the Bible, but what did happen was that some of us were working very hard to steer the boat, and others were plain sleeping, even snoring. We thought it was funny because the boat was anything but comfortable for them to sleep in. I would also say that the real storm had started inside of us, for we were establishing a trust and building a forum to start our discussions and differences. So far, through the group activities, the youth became more and more comfortable with each other. Their relationships were growing into a friendships .
One thing that brought the group together was worship. During our stay, we spent two Sundays in church services. Our group had some talented musicians and the youth had a great time introducing songs in Arabic, Hebrew and English. They were also able to speak in the meetings and share about their experiences as young believers in Israel and Palestinian areas, and about reconciliation.
One of the Dutch organizers described the meetings: "Last Sunday we had a climax at the second church service, led by the camp participants. Suha , the girl from Bethlehem said in front of the congregation that initially when she came she was not sure if she could love all the other teenagers. But by now she had them in all in her heart as dear friends. She spoke with an interpreter and it was the first time in the 400 years of history of our church that someone spoke in Arabic from the pulpit to the congregation."
That evening, after we shared our songs and testimonies, some Dutch youth came up to us and responded that they had accepted Jesus as their Savior that night. It was amazing to see the words of Jesus in John 17:21, "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me," become a reality.
Following our time in Kollum , we headed to The Hague . It was a long bus ride, during which some of the youth talked about their differences. It was this point in our journey when the waves swept over the boat. The youth brought up the issue of serving in the Israeli army. This has been a recurring theme in Musalaha events this year, with the two sides having increasingly different perspectives. Often, the Palestinians see the soldiers as a fearsome figure; whereas for Israelis, being a soldier is their duty to protect their country. This clash of perspectives raised some arguments between Kamilia (a Palestinian from Jerusalem ), Hana (an Israeli Jew) and others as well. The point we discussed that going to the army is mandatory, it's not a matter of choice for Israelis.
Then the youth began to speak about their pain. Kamilia had lost a brother-in-law who was shot at a check point.
"He was waiting in line and he didn't want to wait any longer so he turned around and was shot there. The army said that they thought he was a terrorist running away and so they shot him." Everyone agreed that it was a terrible mistake and the soldier who shot him should be brought under investigation.
"The army is very structured and mistakes don't slip by so easily," said one of them. "And you should know that it's not a pleasant position to be in check points. No one wants to be there. Most soldiers, with mandatory duty, are between 18-21, and they are scared. They are tired of the situation just as the Palestinians are." The conversation went further as Kamilia expressed her feelings that it wasn't fair that her brother-in-law died just because of a mistake. Tamar, an Israeli from the north, agreed and said "It will never seem fair when you loose someone close to you!" The youth opened up to each other and the conversation continued for a while.
Every one of these young people comes with different ideas, perspectives of the other side, and it is not our purpose to change that. God makes the changes in each one on a personal level. Recently I heard in a sermon that unity is not when we are all in the same page or from the same congregation, but it is when we are able to love each other despite our differences. As we had fun, studied God's word, sang, and discussed difficult issues, these young people were an awesome example of unity. Together we lived out the scriptures, "If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
Munayer Family News
The Munayer family has had a busy but very good and fun summer. Daniel keeps doing well with his swimming. He had a very successful swimming competition in the beginning of August and managed to improve his times.
The whole family was out of the country for three weeks in August. First, we joined the Musalaha leaders and family conference in Germany , where the boys enjoyed all the sports activities. Afterwards we went to the UK to visit family. The three oldest boys went to summer camp, where they had a great deal of fun. The counselors had arranged all sorts of fun games and competitions such as synchronized swimming (in which Jack was a reluctant star), making movies, and night games. In the meantime, Sam enjoyed having his parents and grandparents all to himself.
The second week we went to an old castle. It was good to have some quality family time. One of the highlights was karaoke night. It turns out that Salim is quite a performer!
Thanks all of you who helped make this possible. We continue to ask for your prayers and protection as the boys begin their school year. Please pray that this will be a good year for them.
This summer the Bethlehem Bible College celebrated its 25 th year anniversary. It was a beautiful celebration, attended by many local and international guests. Salim was made Associate Professor during the graduation ceremony.
Coming Events and Prayer Requests
- Young Adult Desert Encounter, Oct. 1-5. This years' young adults program will take place in the canyons surrounding the Dead Sea in Jordan . As the participants hike together, we pray that they will enter and grow in the process of reconciliation, coming closer to each other and to God.
- Follow Up Projects for youth and leaders. These meetings are important times for the groups who met this summer to continue in the process of building relationships.
- Women's Activities. This fall Musalaha will conduct seminars and our annual conference in the winter.
