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AEI-Open Windows News
U.N International Day for Peace and Prayer
The Report
The Church
Related Organizations in Bethlehem coordinated
the celebration of the U.N International Day for
Peace and Prayer in our country and in all
corners of the world. The ceremony took place at
St. Emmanuel Monastery (Benedictine Sisters)
next to Caritas Baby Hospital/ Bethlehem on
Sunday 18 September 2005 at 5:00 p.m.
where Internationals, religious representatives,
NGO's Directors and staff, AEI different groups
(youths, women and parents), and local people,
attended the activity.
At the
beginning, we decided to start the event by
readings from the holy Bible and Qura'n on the
theme of Peace. After that Mr. Nidal Abu Al
Zulof, assistant director of the YMCA and the
Secretary of the CRO's in Bethlehem area,
delivered a welcoming speech. He emphasized on
the importance of prayer in achieving peace in
Israel/ Palestine and in the rest of the world.
Wishes and
prayers received from friends abroad on the
theme of peace were read by several AEI youths
in Arabic and in English.
Praying
through music was very effective and powerful.
Singing peace and folkloric songs by both Bible
College and AEI Choir were warmly welcomed by
the gathering that joined the choirs in singing
their songs.
One of the
goals of celebrating the UN International Day
for Prayer and Peace is to show the national
unity of the Palestinians both Christians and
Moslems, hence, there were Christian and Moslem
speakers. Dr. Abid Al Rahman Abbad –from the
Islamic Scholars Association- delivered a speech
on the values and the message of Islam that call
for peace, love and reconciliation. He
emphasized also the importance of knowing the
common values in Judaism, Christianity and Islam
know. Miss Hermina Damons, EAPPI (Ecumenical
Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and
Israel) Local programme coordinator delivered a
speech about her experience in South Africa
where she and her family had to face
discrimination. Dr. Reverend Musa Abu 'Ali
–Evangelical Church- gave a closing prayer.
Before the
end of the event, about 150 participants walked
towards the Aparthied Wall singing and praying
to God to bring peace to the Holy Land "Oh God
of Peace…rain peace on us….Oh God of peace ….
Grant our land peace". |
