Towards Greater Solidarity with the Christians in the Holy Land
 
The Holy Land Christians Society organized a major conference at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria to highlight Fr. Sabbara’s first visit in America to recall the incidents surrounding the siege of the Church of the Nativity and to explain the current situation for the Christians living in the Holy Land today. Father Sabbara is a Franciscan priest and Pastor of the Church who negotiated the settlement just one year ago.

Many clergy from various Christian communities gathered to hear his recollections. People from Georgetown and Marymount universities, the State Department and Congressional offices were also in attendance as well as many members and community leaders from the Washington DC area.

Father Amjad Sabbara, Keynote Speaker and HLCS President, Butros Qumseya address the attendees during the 2003 Conference.

Mrs. Mary Kay Turner, welcomed the crowed introducing the Holy Land Christians Society.  Father John Cregan, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament also welcomed those gathered for this historical event and encourage solidarity with all Christians through support and prayer.

Butros Qumseya, President of HLCS outlined the organization’s goals and purposes to raise awareness for the plight of the Christians in the Holy Land, support exchange between students in America and the Holy Land and sponsor tuition assistance for children attending schools there.  Promotion of traditional industries is also an important goal to help with economic sustainability.

 To inform the attendees of the most specific needs of the people, Feras Qumseya shared the results of a comprehensive and innovative field study designed to more accurately assess the current situation in the Bethlehem area.  The study began in April of this year and was completed as recently as May.  The major results of the study outlined that the majority of the Christian population in the Bethlehem area prefers to leave the Holy Land in search of a better economic opportunities.  Yet, the majority of the Christian population welcomed American friends to come, visit, and stay in the Holy Land to exchange ideas and establish friendships. The presentation was concluded by outlining HLCS recommendations to improve the current situation of the people in the Bethlehem area.

A new documentary, entitled “Christianity in the Holy Land” was shown.  The documentary provided a realistic portrayal of the current situation for the Christians.  The documentary was prepared by a group in Bethlehem to reflect on the daily lives of the Christians in the Bethlehem area.

Father George Rados of Sts. Peter and Paul Antiochan Orthodox Church in Bethesda, also a member of HLCS Advisory Board, introduced the keynote speaker, Father Amjad Sabbara. Father Rados has worked extensively with the Arab American community since he became a priest in the 1970s.  His mother is from Syria and his father comes from Greece. The majority of his parishioners are Christians from the Holy Land. After Father Rados came the keynote speaker.

Those attending the Conference heard for the first time in America the actual account of the siege of the Church of the Nativity and the resolution to this conflict.  Father’s observations were poignant and revealing; a true story of miracles and courage mixed with sadness and hope that there can, and needs to be peaceful resolutions in the Holy Land. 

Feras Qumseya and the Fouty Assembly playing Palestinian Folklore Music during the 2003 conference.

At the conclusion to Father’s remarks and after many questions from the attendees, the business portion of the Conference was concluded with the awards given to those who have been especially instrumental in furthering the goals of HLCS.

The conference was concluded by a musical performance of traditional songs and folklore. The crowd, without any hesitation, began to dance the folk dance: Dabka. Soon after the music began to rock the house, the conference floor was full and nearly all attendees participated.
 

For more detailed about the conference, please call HLCS at 703-893-4138.