Michelle, Elias and Heyem

Michelle and Shahabuddin

Rising Tide

Lovely Kismet, who I stayed with

   What is peace? Can we find it? Is it possible? Elias Jabbour and Shahabuddin David Less shared their opinions during a weekend seminar I was honoured to attend last weekend. To these two peace-makers (Elias an Israeli-Palestinian Christian, Shahabuddin the head of the Sufi Universal Worship order) peace is love, we can find it, and it IS possible.

    These two men led a weekend seminar devoted to enlightening those present to the situation in the Israel/Palestine. They described methods and organizations working towards finding resolution to the heated issues surrounding that part of the world. Elias is a peace-maker, practicing the art of Sulha at the House of Hope in Israel. Sulha is a method by which members of each side of the argument are given the chance to meet, exchange views (in a sometimes heated fashion!), learn about the other side, and have their dignity restored. It is an ancient Persian practice still followed by many, and has had excellent results. Elias founded the House of Hope in Israel to help bring people from all walks of life and religions together, so they could meet and experience the wisdom and resolution found in Sulha.

   The House of Hope has yearly dinners helping bring thousands of people together to meet, talk, and share a meal. It has created bridges across cultures, religions and races; it is a true centre for healing and peace. The House of Hope has also begun offering classes for kindergartners from every background to help them learn the simple art of working together. They partake in activities such as painting a picture together to experience the joy of group accomplishment.

   Elias works tirelessly, and travels around the world to share his stories of peace, hope, and love. Residing in a war torn part of the world, he maintains a great enthusiasm for the future of humanity, and believes truly that any level of peace – even a difficult one – is far better than war.

   Shahabuddin is a beautiful and gentle man who is deeply involved with the Abrahamic Reunion. This reunion is founded on the principles that Christianity, Judaism and Islam sprang from the same beginnings, from Abraham. It believes that all humans are family, and that we once shared obvious kinship and love, and we can refind that, and with it gain peace. Abrahamic Reunion is a group of spiritual peace makers from various religions dedicated to brining love to Israel/Palestine, and helping to resolve conflict. The Abrahamic Reunion hopes to bring love and peace through the respect and understanding of different religions.

   Both these men are bringing kindness and love to us all through their work and purpose. Yet, like any organization based on peace and love and charitable intent, both the House of Hope and the Abrahamic Reunion are struggling for funds and support. We can all help, and there is certainly much to learn from their experience and enthusiasm.

The House of Hope (Ministry to Israel)http://www.ministrytoisrael.com/site/index.cfm?event=viewPage&sid=12&arc=N&redir=N                 The Abrahamic Reunion: http://www.risingtideinternational.org/peacemakers.htm Peace Poems by  Linda Ohlson Graham: www.lindaohlsongraham.com