HCEF cordially invites you to the 9th International Conference
On the Plight of the Palestinians

“To Walk the Path of Peace”

News Release
October 5, 2007
Contact HCEF toll free at 866-871-HCEF (4233).

The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) is hosting its 9th Annual International Conference on October 26-27, 2007, with the theme: “To Walk the Path of Peace.”  

This vital conference will:

  • Bring greater awareness to the plight of Palestinians under occupation, with a special focus on the political, socioeconomic, psychological, and religious difficulties facing the Christian community;
  • Examine Christianity in the Holy Land, as an Arab and an Islamic necessity that must be assumed;
  • Shed light on the Christian presence in the Holy Land as a catalyst for a healing process that would bring together the Palestinian patrimony and as a vital force for democracy, human values, and peace; and
  • Suggest ways by which American in the United States can aid and provide hope to our Sisters and Brothers in the Holy Land.

The participants will learn of exciting initiatives underway by HCEF and affiliated volunteer organizations “to walk the path of peace.”  They will also learn how such initiatives are fostering cooperative work, peace building, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among the faith traditions and peoples of the Holy Land.

A distinguished group of speakers and panelists has been assembled to discuss the difficult situation in the Holy Land from multiple perspectives.  Among the highlights are:

  • Five mayors from the West Bank will discuss the economic realities imposed by the Israeli settlements, checkpoints, and wall of separation on their municipalities.  
  • The Ambassador of Jordan and the Head of the PLO U.S. Mission will discuss the important role Christians play in civic positions in Jordan and Palestine and how their contributions can be catalysts toward reconciliation and peace.  
  • Are Christians obligated to support Israel? Distinguished academic scholars will explore the different theological perspectives of Christian Zionism and its impact on the current events.
  • A panel of three female peace activist—one Israeli Jew, one Palestinian Christian, and one Palestinian Muslim—will share their joint vision for bringing about a just and peaceful resolution to the conflicts in the Holy Land.

An important highlight of the Conference is the Awards Banquet that will be held on Friday, October 26, 2007, at the Marriott Bethesda North Hotel and Conference.  Dr. Marwan Muasher, the Senior Vice President for External Affairs of the World Bank, will be receiving the first “Path of Peace” Award.  Dr. Muasher, a distinguished Jordanian public servant, will be recognized for his “significant contributions to peace in the Middle East,” stated HCEF President Rateb Rabie. 

Ambassador Afif Safieh, Representative of the Palestinian Liberation Organization to the United States, will deliver the keynote address.  He will examine the Palestinian current situation and the upcoming Middle East peace meeting, projected for late November in Annapolis, MD. 

Another highlight event, again this year, will be the Children’s Conference and the Children’s Peace Project.  The conference participants will hear from 10 children and their teachers from Jordan and Palestine about their dreams and hopes.  They represent the new future. Their words will prove inspirational to all.

For the Conference Program, please visit this link:
http://www.hcef.org/index.cfm/mod/news/ID/16/SubMod/NewsView/NewsID/1810.cfm

For more information on the conference, registration, and hotel reservations, please visit the HCEF website at www.hcef.org

Conference Registration: http://www.hcef.org/index.cfm/ID/466.cfm
Hotel Accommodations: http://www.hcef.org/index.cfm?mod=arts&id=450

Conference Honorary Committee: http://www.hcef.org/index.cfm?mod=arts&id=460

Conference Endorsement Letters: http://www.hcef.org/index.cfm?mod=arts&id=459

Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, October 26, 2007, at the Marriott Bethesda North Hotel and Conference.  Each year, during the Awards Banquet, HCEF recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that have supported the Christians in the Holy Land.  For this year’s honorees, please visit:
http://www.hcef.org/index.cfm?mod=arts&id=453

To be a conference sponsor, please visit:
http://www.hcef.org/index.cfm?mod=arts&id=456

To place an ad in the Program Book, please visit: http://www.hcef.org/index.cfm?mod=arts&id=462

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