Musalaha Newsletter
September 2005
Reaching out across the divide:
Disaster as opportunity for reconciliation
In the last few weeks the world has witnessed natural and man-made disasters. A thousand died in a panicked crowd in Iraq. Hurricane Katrina caused the wide-spread loss of life and property in the Southern US.
“Experts” have quickly ascertained the reasons and causes of the tragedies. On one of the Middle Eastern TV channels, Al Qaida released a statement that the hurricane was a punishment for US involvement in Iraq. Later that day, we received an email in our office indicating that the disaster was the result of the Bush administration’s support of Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. A prominent rabbi decided that the disaster was not only a result of the pullout, but also because the people of Louisiana did not study the scripture and enjoyed jazz music. Some felt that the flood was God’s judgment on a sinful city, and question the lifestyle and conduct of those who lost life and property. Others point to the negligence of the authorities in building and maintaining the dams. It could be global warming. The list goes on. Some of these statements even seem to reflect delight in the misery of others.
When tragedy and suffering affects our own people, we want to reach out and help. When it happens to the other or to the enemy, some of us rejoice and say that at last, God is judging our enemies. We hear these voices so often.
Reflecting on these reactions and on the Scriptures, several portions of the Bible come to mind. Paul writes about passing judgment in I Corinthians 4:5 “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.”
In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus was speaking to the leadership in Jerusalem concerning two tragedies, one event where Pilot had mixed Galileans’ blood with their sacrifice, and another where a tower collapsed. “Jesus answered, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish’."
Jesus reflects on the relationship between suffering and sin (v. 2). The people think that those who have suffered are more sinful. His answer in verse 3 contradicts this idea. He responds that the disasters are warning signs for people to repent, or they will perish.
What can we learn from this? Judging those who have suffered and attributing the disaster to others’ sinful actions is wrong according to Jesus’ teaching. By judging, we are putting ourselves in God's position. The disasters should serve as a warning to us to be prepared when tragedy comes our way.
Another response that we should have towards those who experienced suffering is that of mercy. A fundamental teaching is for believers to meet the needs of the widows and the orphans. We are taught to be merciful towards the powerless and disenfranchised, to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to mourn with those who mourn.
A third aspect of natural and man-made disasters is humanity’s relationship to creation. In Gen 1-2, God gives authority over the land and its inhabitants to human beings. We have a responsibility towards creation, and when we misuse or abuse it, we will suffer the consequences. While natural and man-made disasters are not necessarily the direct result of human negligence, often society does play a role in causing or failing to prevent tragic circumstances. We need to understand and appreciate our responsibilities towards creation.
Our responses to disasters and crises are critical for practicing and sharing the message of the Gospel. Jesus told us to let our righteousness be seen. The crises can be opportunities to build bridges, as in Indonesia where two rival groups were brought into reconciliation following the tsunami. Reaching out towards the enemy and meeting their needs sends a loud and powerful message. “On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21. Disaster can be an opportunity to mend relationships, to extend our hand across a widening gap, to breakdown stereotypes.
In responding to crises, let us not waste our energies on judgment and justification. This is the work of the Lord. Our task is to seek repentance, to show mercy, to do good to others, and to reach out to those in need.
~ Salim J. Munayer, PhD
Summer Camp
When we look at our children we are filled with the hope that they will make a difference, that they will not suffer as we have suffered or see what we have seen, and that they will see change in our societies. Our hopes for their future can be discouraged when we are hit with the understanding that these children are subject to prejudice in our societies. Both Israeli and Palestinian children are products of their society and even at early ages they are affected by both the good and bad social norms that surround them. These phenomena lead to our vision for the Musalaha summer camp this year. We set out to try and break down the many prejudices that these children most likely had already encountered.
This year a group of 35 Palestinian and Israeli children, ages 9-12, joined together at camp making that first step towards breaking down the barrier that lies between their peoples. As the days passed during camp the concept and deeper realization of the true need for reconciliation amongst such a young age group became clearer.
Every morning the counselors would come together to pray and discuss the daily routine and happenings. This time of sharing bought forth great encouragement and also some shocking realizations. One morning a counselor shared an incident that initially was very discouraging. The previous day one of the rooms was practicing a skit for the talent show. The skit involved all the participants holding each others waist and forming a line underneath a large sheet. A simple task really; however one of the campers refused to hold another's waist saying out load "I'm not touching her!" The room went silent as the Palestinian and Israeli girls we confronted with this shocking reaction. Almost immediately the young girl realized what she had said and was shocked at her own reaction and words. The other girl obviously was upset from the reaction and stood in shock. Their counselor quickly intervened and used the unfortunate situation to explain the importance of love and acceptance. An apology was given and the girls continued to practice.
This testimony was discouraging initially and the counselors were shocked to find this at camp. It was a stark example of societies’ poisons seeping into our children's minds and out of their mouths. Such ugly words from such an innocent mouth, proved the need for such a camp. As we prayed it was difficult to accept that such a potentially traumatic experience of prejudice had taken place at the very place where we were bringing kids together with the intention of confronting these prejudiced concepts. After praying, one of the leaders bought to our attention that these children come to camp with baggage and they may initially find it hard to communicate love at all times. For many children, this was their first Musalaha experience, and they have never talked to the 'other' before, let alone share a room, pray, worship, and play together.
One of the important factors in this camp was the team of counselors. Each of us who have been involved in many camps over the years, remember the way they used to look up to their counselors and the way they affected us. When the kids looked around at this years’ counselors, they saw Israeli's and Palestinians standing together as true friends working as a unit showing them unconditional love and acceptance. These role models are what they will remember.
God has a plan and we believe that this camp took place because God allowed it to. Reconciliation is a process and at points in time, the ugly things emerge so that we can replace them with love. We are sure that these children will come to a Musalaha encounter again and we believe that each encounter does and will challenge their lives. Who knows maybe one day they will join us as counselors. We all started where they are!
~ Kim Bulow and Shadia Qubti
Youth Encounter, USA
“Good evening. My name is Samira and I’m a Palestinian Israeli from Lod. I’m sure that most of you don’t know where it is, so Lod is a small city near Tel Aviv.” Samira looked up from behind the podium, shifted her weight, and continued. “When I was first invited to this trip by Musalaha, I was very skeptical. I did not know what I was going to find, who I was going to meet, or what friends I would make. During the first week of our trip I found out that each one of us is a unique person and share different cultures and different values, but I learned that we all share many common things. Most of all, we were interested in learning about each other, and wanting to be the best that we can. I have built many friendships in the last 2 weeks and learned a lot about the other members of the family. I found out that even though we do not agree on many things, great friendships are possible to be made.
“Yes it is true that sometimes it is tough, but we need to look at the positive things and common factors (our dreams, our goals, our hopes). Let us take a step, make a difference, and reach out for each other in love, compassion and honesty. In the end I would like to thank everyone for the friendship, love and support, and most of all for making this possible.”
The audience clapped and cheered as Samira sat down with tears in her eyes. It was the closing meeting of the Jerusalem Project, where Musalaha brought 12 Israeli and Palestinian youth to join 11 American youth, 7 of whom were Native American, in the Chicago area for a two week program. Planet Ventures, an organization that promotes various faith-based peace-building and development initiatives in the Middle East, partnered with Musalaha to conduct a camp and leadership training.
In the closing session, together with an audience of new friends, host families, and the projects supporters, we watched slide presentation of our week together. Pictures of the youth, smiling and in silly poses: rock climbing, working in groups, zip-lining, cooking, camping, playing lacrosse, performing skits, worshiping, and learning together, flashed across the screen In the background a song played, “We live, we love, we forgive and we never give up.” Our two weeks together had truly been an example of living, loving, learning and forgiving. The slide show couldn’t fully capture the challenges and achievements of our interactions, of times when our relationships were formed and tested in ways that may become life-changing.
The composition of this group was possibly the most diverse that Musalaha has worked with. Our ten Messianic Israelis and Palestinian Christians were joined by seven Native Americans from the Lakota Sioux tribe and two non-Messianic Israeli Jews. While the focus of the conference was on reconciliation and leadership training from a Christian perspective, we approached the theme, and each other, from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We spent time together, sharing about our lives. The acts of sharing stories came as we spent day after day together, seeing each other constantly and spending moments together that were sometimes exciting and fun, but other times mundane or difficult. It was in those in-between times, getting ready in the mornings, falling asleep at night, walking to activities, sharing a rowboat, riding around in vans, that people got to know each other. We saw each other in our best and worst light, in good, fun times and in challenging situations. We learned to know each others personalities and how to work together to produce something.
In spite of major differences, the youth found similarities in each other. As they recognized similarities in each other, they were seeing something of themselves in the other, seeing each others humanity. They came to see each other as people who were created and loved by God, who may have shared some life experiences or tastes in music, and in doing so they cut away at prejudices and misperceptions.
The relationships that the young people built had an impact in their perceptions. For both those from the Middle East and those from North America, the experience broadened their perspectives and their connection with other places and people. As one of the Native American girls said, “I know that now I have people in another country who will remember me and who care about me.”
In the second week, we divided the youth into pairs and sent them to host families in Wheaton, a suburb of Chicago. The host families were amazingly kind and generous, and the youth and their hosts formed relationships. A few participants talked about looking at maps together with their hosts, and how sharing about their experiences made the Middle East more than just a place in the Bible or a subject of the evening news. Our group was truly blessed by the generosity of the host families and of many others who donated their time and services to make this project a reality.
These two weeks that we spent together were full of moments that were fun and intense, and gave us a better understanding of others and ultimately ourselves. Our group returned with new skills in building relationships, in making decisions, and a great understanding of what it means to pursue reconciliation. The words of the song, “We live, we love, we forgive and never give up,” were truly an anthem for our time together.
Munayer Family Update
Our summer holidays are over and boy, what a great trip we had. Everything went according to plan. We did all that we wanted to do, and there were added bonuses along the way, too many to tell you about in a letter. You need to come and visit.
We have a new pet.....Susu the budgie (I only agreed to a male because they sing more) was given to Salim from us 5 for his 50th birthday in July, as he loves birds (apparently)! We are taming him (the bird). I had no idea what fun birds are. Susu does all sorts of manic tricks on his hoop.
The new school year started. The boys are in years 10, 8, 6 and 2. It is a hectic schedule this year with boys starting/finishing at different times. I have only just about remembered last year’s schedule, and it has changed again and so I am back to square one!!
Our present van is old, and we need to change it. Last Sunday the family did a whirlwind tour of car showrooms. We shoved boys in/out of back seats with scooters and footballs. The test is if John (11) is already squashed in the back. Can the storage fit all of the above plus shopping? My pre-requisite is: can we get it in green? I like green cars. We think we have our decision.
The Boys Bit.........
JACK, 16 next month.
Yes, Jack will be sweet 16 (and never been kissed.......who knows!?). He is getting his head down to studies (although early to say since its only the 2nd week of school). He is generally a fantastic person to be around.
DANIEL 13 1/2
Growing/eating, growing/eating and growing/eating. Braces came off in July, and he was very pleased. Daniel showed exceptional character, will and responsibility buying himself a 2nd hand racing bike, taking a loan then working very hard to pay it off (cleaning,gardening,babysitting etc). He is back to swimming and Triathlon training. He is coming up gold and a pleasure to be with.......for a teenager.
JOHN 11 1/2
Still singing away and having his back tickled when he can. He keeps coming up with pearls of wisdom making us all stop and look twice. "Did Johnny say that?!" Swim training. Loves Susu and Susu loves him.
SAM 7 1/2
Joined the swim team and might just be very, very good. Getting extra help in Hebrew to catch up. Teeth falling out every week it seems. He kept up with big brothers and all our activities this summer. Met Mickey Mouse at Disneyland .....a highlight for him.
Salim and I are trollying about to and fro with school/swim runs, homework, discipline; generally being “dragon parents.” I am trying to prioritize my life (again)!! I want to continue with ballet which I went back to after a 30 yr break and hope to fit it in again this year. Salim is continuing his work as Acadmic Dean at the Bethlehem Bible College. He is teaching in the Nazareth extension and a leadership course for Jewish believers through the Caspari Centre.
Our prayer items this time are........
1. Which van did we get that fits 6 people, 1 volleyball, 2 footballs, 2 scooters, 2 chairs, 4 shopping bags etc. etc. etc. ?
2. Did Daniel eat his parents out of house/home/supermarket?
3. How are Sam’s extra Hebrew lessons coming along?
4. Did Kay fit in her ballet class?
5. Has Susu got used to the family pestering him after a quiet summer?
6. Is Jack a sweet 16?
7. Has John got lost in the shuffle?
Kay Munayer (for Salim & the boys)