AEI: Family
Group meeting Activity Report
AEI member organization
of Pax Christi international held a meeting for its family members at
6:00pm on Saturday the third of October 2009 at AEI: Youth House – located
on the Milk Grotto street. Thirty six members attended
this meeting.
At the beginning of this
encounter, Mr Fuad Giacaman – AEI general director welcomed all the
attendees especially the newcomers and the guest speaker: Dr Sleiman
Luci – Chemistry instructor at Al Quds University. Mr. Giacaman
welcomed also the Italian volunteer Miss Barbara and her friend. Fr.Elias
‘Abdu – from the Syrian Orthodox church recited
“ Our father “ in the Syrian language of Jesus Christ.
Mr. Atallah Danoun
– Islamic Religious education teacher in Beit Sahour schools
– recited an Islamic prayer.
The meeting began
with a “Love story” from the Orthodox
Church newsletter narrated by Miss. Mariam Khoury.
It came as an R.R.C.A (Read
,Reflect ,Communicate ,Act) peace spiritually activity. (A copy of the
story is attached).
Mr. George Maria
– the AEI website master at the
School of Communication spoke about the high school group activities
such as the video & Holy Switch courses.
Mrs. Rania Murra
– the Sumud/ Story / House coordinator gave a briefing on the
house activities & courses such as :the Italian course, given by
the Italian volunteer Barbara & the stories collection & documentation
by the Sumud / Story women.
The collected stories describe
the effect of the Separation Wall on the lives of the families
at Rachel’s Tomb area of Bethlehem, Mrs. Rania announced
the establishment of a new AEI group entitled
“ the Sumud / Story House Young Women”.
The AEI
General director presented the main activities of the Youth House different
groups (Children, High school, University &
Post Graduates, Women). He also introduced the new youth coordinator
Mr. Rojer Salameh.
Mr. Mike Salaman of the
Family Group talked about the local news in Bethlehem community especially
the Fatah Conference held last month. He
highlighted the negatives ,positives & resolutions of this meeting
hoping they will lead to a better life in our country.
A discussion was followed
& same requested holding a lengthy & deeper debate for further
analysis.
Mr. Usama Zoughbi gave a
hopeful and brief analysis of the October Cairo reconciliation conference
between Fatah & Hamas. He hopes for fruitful outcome on the path
to national unity.
Mrs. Faiza Alayan
– gave a short intervention on which she appealed for more popular
support for the Cairo conference in confronting al the Jewish
challenges & measures against Jerusalem & its Islamic &
Christian Holy Places.
Mr.George AbouAkleh, read
an interesting article about the importance of solidarity and
love and unity among members of the Bethlehemite quarters and
families.
The
General Director suggested the forming of a new coordination team aiming
at assisting the AEI administration in planning & coordinating &
implementation the Family Group Activities. The following members were
elected for the coordination tasks:-
- Fr. Elias
‘Abdu
- Mrs. Faiza
‘Alayan
- Mr. Atallah Danoun
- Mrs. Jamila Danoun
- Miss. Malvina
‘Awad
At the end of the meeting,
a folkloric & heritage evening was celebrated led by Dr.Sleiman
Luci – the ‘Ud ( a Palestinian musical instrument ) player. His
playing & singing from the Palestinian Bethlehemite
traditional and folkloric songs entertained the whole audience.
After this joyful programme
all shared the delicious Palestinian popular food prepared by
Mrs. Sandra Nassir from the Sumud / Story House Women Group members.
MR & Mrs. Atallah Danoun
distributed the Ramadan Qataif (Ramadan sweets) and wished all
a Happy Eid Al Fitr.
Before leaving the meeting
place the newly/ Just Married: Friends & members of the AEI: Milad
& Manar surprised the whole gathering by their welcoming presence
while in their honey moon. Singing , dancing & ZAfa (bride &
bridegroom procession) were held.
Warm wishes & faithful
congratulations were exchanged.
