|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 198 -
Monday,
April 14, 2003
1)
EASTER MESSAGE of Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan, the
Lutheran Bishop in Jerusalem “WHO WILL ROLL THE STONE AWAY?”
2)
Letter from Bethlehem (52) by Toine van Teeffelen in
which he refers to the weekly vigils which are held every Sunday at 19:00 on
Nativity Square in Bethlehem.
3)
Interview with Dr Hayder Abdel Shafi By Katharine
Maycock which will deal with RESPECT BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS GO BACK TO
OLD TIMES”.
4)
Finally, Dr Harry Hagopian writes about
“Pacem in Terris”.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 197 -
Wednesday,
April 2, 2003
1)
An Appeal for Peace Celebrating 40th
Anniversary Pacem in Terris Challenges for the Future by H.B. Michel Sabbah,
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, President of Pax Christi International.
2)
WAITING FOR GODOT: Interview with Hania Bitar.
3)
In his Letter from Bethlehem (51), Toine van Teeffelen
is writing also about Christine.
4)
Mona
Hilal, from St Joseph School, Bethlehem, 11th grade, shows her
emotions writing immediately after Christine Sa'adeh's death.
5)
Dr Harry Hagopian is writing about
“A Map without a Road?”
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 196 -
Wednesday,
March 26, 2003
1)
“MY
HEART IS BLEEDING”
statement
by Bishop
Dr. Munib Younan, from the Lutheran Church.
2)
Pax
Christi International
assist
the people in need and work for a just peace in Iraq and the Middle East.
3)
STATEMENT
ARAB EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE:
AEI
EMPLOYEE SERIOUSLY INJURED, HIS 10-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER KILLED IN ISRAELI
EXTRA-JUDICIAL EXECUTION IN BETHLEHEM.
4)
In the series
of interviews : Interview with Sana'a Abu Ghosh who is head of the UNRWA
girls' school in Battir village, south-west of Bethlehem, and is also board
member of the Arab Educational Institute. She lives in Beit Jala.
5)
How sad!! How Brutal!!
By
Samia
Khoury,
simply reflecting.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 195 -
Tuesday,
March 18, 2003
1)
A press release by Pax Christi International urging
visits of Annan to Iraq and the Pope to the United Nation.
2)
Open Letter to President Bush from Samia Khoury who is a
concerned Palestinian woman.
3)
Letter from Bethlehem (50) by Toine van Teeffelen in
which he is describing the atmosphere in Bethlehem BEFORE THE WAR STARTS.
4)
Toine van Teeffelen is doing a series of interviews in
collaboration with the Jerusalem Times. The first interview is with Dr Bernard
Sabella.
5)
George B. Sahhar is writing about “The Other Side:
Israeli Soldiers from a Palestinian Perspective”.
6)
The
Truth about the murder of Rachel Corrie, the American peace activist who was
killed by an Israeli Bulldozer two days ago.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 194 -
Monday,
March 3, 2003
1)
Appeal on behalf Bethlehem from the Patriarch and the
Custos.
2)
The news about the wall from Zenit.
3)
Another article from The Independent to let you
understand the situation.
4)
The Letter from Bethlehem by Toine van Teeffelen about
SNOW
5)
Marthame
and Elizabeth Sanders are witing about “Faith, Hope and Love”.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 193 -
Wedensday,
February 26, 2003
1)
The Churches of Jerusalem, Baghdad and Sarajevo Say "No" to
War.
2)
This same news as the Italian Agency MISA published it.
3)
Sabeel’s Statement Against War.
4)
The Letter from Bethlehem (48) by Toine van Teeffelen, in which he
gives us more details about the intention of the Israelis to build a wall
separating a big part of Bethlehem until the tomb of Rachel.
5)
Invitation by the Arab Educational Institute to sign a petition on
Palestinian education.
6)
Finally, Samia Khoury is reflecting about “The
Business of War” against Iraq.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 192 -
Monday,
10 February 2003
1) SERMON
by
Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan
for the
Prayer
Service Against War in Iraq
2)
Dr. Maria Khoury sees that we are preparing for war in the Holy Land,
but in our own way!
3)
Dr. Harry Hagopian is speaking about the “The Disappearing
Horizon!”
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 191 -
Thursday,
20 February 2003
1)
In
his Letter from Bethlehem (47) Toine van Teeffelen describes the situation in
Bethlhem area under curfew.
2)
While
Susan Sahouri tells us about the “Mass
destruction to Houses in Beit Sahour”.
3)
And
Dr. Harry Hagopian is analyzing “The
Disappearing Horizon!” in this region.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 190 -
Monday,
3 February 2003
1)
Nuncio Views the
Dire Situation in Holy Land.
2)
President of Bethlehem
University Talks to Congress: A News Release by The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation.
3)
“LEAKS IN THE SYSTEM” is the second part of Toine van Teeffelen’s
analysis about the various effects of the Israeli-imposed curfews in the West
Bank and Gaza.
4)
Petition for Bethlehem: REQUEST TO JOIN A COMMITTEE OF RECOMMENDATION
FOR A PETITION TO STOP RESTRICTIONS ON PALESTINIAN DAILY LIFE AND EDUCATION.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 189 -
Monday,
27 January 2003
1)
Toine van Teeffelen is trying to analyze the effects of the curfew
system used by the Israelis on the spirit and psyche of the Palestinian
people. It is a very interesting academic study.
2)
A two artiles report about Al-Mahed TV in Bethlehem area which is the
only Local Christian TV in the Palestinian Territories. I send it because this
TV is passing through a very difficult time because part of it’s
broadcasting equipment was damaged lately by the Israeli army, therefore, it
risks to close because of the lack of resources to keep it functioning in this
very difficult time. If anybody can help or is interested to help, we would be
more than grateful.
3)
Finally, you find Dr. Harry Hagopian’s article on the “Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity?”
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 188 -
Saturday,
18 January 2003
1)
The
Letter from Berthlehem # 46 about
the inescapable reality of curfew in Bethlehem.
2)
The
program of the Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity 2003 in Jerusalem, January 19-26.
3)
And finally, a very important document about “The
Situation and Needs of the General Population”, presented to the Meeting of
Bishops’ Conference Presidents with Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the
Holy Land in Jerusalem, 14 January 2003. Presented by: Claudette Habesch
Secretary General, Caritas Jerusalem and President, Caritas MONA
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 187 -
Saturday,
11 January 2003
1)
A very strong press release from Bethlehem
University.
2)
The “Letter from Bethlehem (45) by Toine
van Teeffelen.
3)
Dr. Maria C. Khoury will tell us how the
“Orthodox Christmas Silently Passed.
4)
And I will tell you why I hope a change
in the Israeli leadership and especially the end of Sharon’s regime. “Nero
and Sharon: Lessons from history” is still up to date.
5)
It
is for the benefit of Israel that we wait this surprise, because “ISRAEL'S
POLICIES ON PALESTINIANS IMPERILS ITS SOUL” as you will see in Rev. Bruce
Burnside’s article.
6)
Finally, Issam
el-Bandak will tell us “Who
is the real man of peace?” that we are looking forward to have in this
particular time of our history.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 186 -
Saturday,
4 January 2003
1)
An article about the Patriarch written by a journalist friend of mine
Geoff Baker and will be published in the British Catholic Newspapers “A Wise
Man from the East – Michel Sabbah - The Patriarch who seeks Peace.
2)
Letter from Bethlehem (44) by Toine van Teeffelen.
3)
REPORT ABOUT THE JUSTICE AND PEACE MARCH 31/12/02 IN BETHLEHEM written
by the Arab Educational Institute.
4)
The Newsletter from the Evangelical Lutheran Church
(ELCJ) and Bishop Munib Younan.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 185 -
Saturday,
28 December 2002
1)
An article By Maria C. Khoury about “Taybeh Glorifies
Christ's Birth”.
2)
The Letter from Bethlehem (43) by Toine van Teeffelen,
detailing the Christmas events during these days.
3)
The press release announcing the 31/12 Justice and Peace
March which will again be held in Bethlehem.
4)
Christmas Message 2002 by Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan from
The Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCJ).
5)
A
SUBDUED CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM By Ben Lynfield publish in The Christian
Science Monitor.
6)
Christmas Plea for 2003? By Dr Harry Hagopian.
7)
A Star of Bethlehem on 22.000 Christmas Trees in Austria!
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 184 -
Saturday,
21 December 2002
1)
Letter
from Bethlehem (42) by Toine van Teeffelen in which he describes the situation
in the town during the last days.
2)
Provisional
list of non-violent activities in the
Bethlehem
area/
December 24–December 31,
2002.
3)
George
Ghattas also tells us more about “Bethlehem lives”
4)
“The
culture of peace”
By
Issa Kassissieh.
5)
Voices
in the Wilderness” are the voices of Martheme and Elizabeth Sandars.
6)
The
fact that under the guise of Security Israel gets away with every thing
inspired Samia Khoury to write an “Ode to Security”.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 183 -
Saturday,
14 December 2002
1)
Israeli President Hears a Plea on Visit to Pope, this news is taken
from Zenit.
2)
Letter to the Pope from Laity
Committee in the Holy Land on the occasion of Mr. Katzav’s visit.
3)
A Christmas Message from Bethlehem by Susan Atallah.
4)
Bethlehem Faces
Joyless Christmas by Matt Spetalnick from
Reuter.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 182 -
Friday,
6 December 2002
1)
An Advent Appeal for Peace in the Middle East from
Churches for Middle East Peace.
2)
Letter from Bethlehem (41) by Toine van Teeffelen
describing the life in Bethlehem area under the curfew (house arrest) which is
going on for the third week.
3)
Advent Newsletter from Bethlehem by Rev. Dr. Mitri
Raheb, which will lead you to further important documents from http://www.annadwa.org/
4)
After writing “Equality in Humiliation”, Samia
Khoury is writing now “EQUALITY IN MARTYRDOM”. It is extremely
interesting!
5)
Dr. Harry Hagopian is writing about “Muslim Action
Toward Equality?” especially in England
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 181 -
Suturday,
30 November 2002
1)
Letter from Bethlehem (40) from Toine van Teeffelen
describing the life in Bethlehem under curfew and asking at the end: “When,
and what, will be the end of all this?”
2)
An Urgent Appeal from Bethlehem District signed by the
municipalities of Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour, Doha and Al-Kader.
3)
The news about Arafat saying: Christmas has been
cancelled in Bethlehem, and the answer of the Custody of the Holy Land saying:
“Bethlehem will celebrate Christmas after all”.
4)
Fr. Robert Waller is writing “Plenty of Room in the
Inn” which is his own reflection after his last visit to the Holy Land and
to Taybeh also.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 180 -
Suturday,
23 November 2002
1)
Two
news coming from the Vatican concerning the situation in the Holy Land: Curfew
May Hinder Christmas Preparations in Bethlehem; John
Paul II Appeals for End to Mideast Violence.
2)
The
Letter from Bethlehem (39)
from Toine van Teeffelen in which he gives us the image of the situation in
Bethlehem in the last days.
3)
Maria
C. Khoury, Ed. D. is describing the situation of the “The Christian Village
under Curfew”.. She is from Tyabeh and writes for us since more than two
years.
4)
Samia
Khoury is writing about “The Golden Rule”.
5)
I
include two articles from Israeli peace activist: “REVENGE OF A CHILD”
By Uri Avnery, and “Mitzna's
Victory Must Become Our Shared Victory
by Gershon Baskin. It gives us another image from the other side.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 179 -
Suturday,
16 November 2002
1)
Letter from Bethlehem (38) written by Toine van Teeffelen, in which he
gives us details about yesterday’s activity in Taybeh.
2)
I share with you the interview with the Papal Envoy, Archbishop
Paul Josef Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, who visited
the Holy Land. It helps you to understand the what is going here, and the role
and the concerns of the Churches here, especially the need to see the pilgrims
return to the Holy Land.
3)
Finally, I send you the sermon of Bishop Mounib Younan,
The Lutheran Bishop in Jerusalem, in the occasion of the REFORMATION DAY. I
send it because it gives a beautiful idea about the concept of Justice, a word
that we need very much here in the Holy Land
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 178 -
Suturday,
9 November 2002
1)
Plea Made at United Nations:
“International Help Needed to Halt Mideast Violence, Says Vatican”.
2)
Vatican's Address on Relief for
Mideast Refugees.
3)
HOLY FATHER DONATES $400,000 TO
HOLY LAND.
4)
Announcement of the Campaign in
support of Palestinian education “LET OUR CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL”.
5)
Dr Harry Hagopian is sharing with
us the story of “his Family in Palestine!”, it is a very interesting and
meaningful story even if it is a familial one!
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 177 -
Suturday,
2 November 2002
1)
Details
about the song of peace “When will they stop?”
2)
Maria C. Khoury, is writing about the “Roots
of Taybeh Traced to Time of Christ”
3)
Toine van Teeffelen gives us in this “Letter from Bethlehem (37) the
last updates from Bethlehem.
4)
Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders write us how they “crossed the
line”!
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 176 -
Suturday,
26 October 2002
1)
Final communiqué from the meeting of the Permanent Committee for the
Implementation of the Alexandria Declaration.
2)
Alexandria meeting establishes ten-point plan.
3)
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation final report: “All
Major Christian Denominations in Total Solidarity with the Christians of the
Holy Land”.
4)
“Struggling One Day at a Time in the Holy Land”, the last article
of Dr. Maria Khoury.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 175 -
Suturday,
19 October 2002
1)
Since the Patriarch is in Washington taking part in the
forth annul meeting of the Holy Land Ecumenical foundation, I send you the
full text of his speech.
2)
Press
Release from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate concerning the Housing project of
Beit Sahour
3)
The
Letter from Bethlehem is an introduction to a non-violent activity at Manger
Square inspired by the women of the Plazo de la Maya in Buenos Aires.
4)
Taybeh
is not only well-known because it is the only completely Christian Biblical
village in the Holy land, but also because it has the only local Palestinian
beer production as Dr. Maria Khoury is telling us in her article.
5)
I
have the privilege to enclose herewith the recent article of Dr. Harry
Hagopian 'Ideas and Ideals for Peace' that might contribute
to the debate on the conflict in the Holy Land.
|
1)
Israel has ordered the demolition of over 100 houses and apartments
built by the Orthodox Community Of Beit Sahour: Urgent appeal in the name of
the citizens by the Myor of Beit Sahour.
2)
Update on threatened home demolitions in Jabal Al Diek – 100 houses
by Suzan Sahori.
3)
“Refuge” by Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders the American
Presbyterians working in the Palestinian Christian village of Zababdeh.
http://come.to/zababdeh
4)
Declaration from the Arab Educational Institute about Fallwell's recent
statements about Islam.
5)
Dr. Maria Khoury is writing us about the “Greek Women in Ramallah”.
6)
The Fourth International Conference on the Christians of the Holy Land,
which will be about the theme: “The Divine Light Still Burns: The Holy Land
Christians Endure”.
|
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 172 -
Suturday,
28 September 2002
1)
Peace Hopes Fading
in Mideast, Says Vatican Newspaper: L'Osservatore Romano Comments on
Death of 14-Month-Old.
2)
1st Strike Against
Iraq Would Be Hard to Justify, Says Cardinal McCarrick
Reflects U.S. Bishops' Thinking.
3)
Our dear friend Toine van Teeffelen is writing
about “A POPULAR MOVEMENT IN PALESTINE: THE CASE FOR EDUCATION”.
4)
He sends us also the invitation of the activity
of the students of Bethlehem area: “Let Our
Children Go To School, Lift Suffering Upon Our Children”
5)
Samia
Khoury is commenting the position of Israel
“Defying UN Resolutions: Double Standards in Iraq and Israel”.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 171 -
Suturday,
21 September 2002
1)
To begin, a very short but beautiful “prayer for peace” written by
the World Conference on Religions and Peace.
2)
The “INTERFAITH DECLARATION” written by the “Clergymen for
Peace”.
3)
Statement Arab Educational Institute in Bethlehem, concerning the Iraqi
question and the current situation in Ramallah and in all the other
Palestinian towns.
4)
Dr. Bernard Sabella is sharing with us “Just Some Thoughts” but
worthy to be read.
5)
Dr.
Harry Hagopian shares with us his one-page article 'Future
Forecasts?'. It too seeks peace and advocates against violence.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 170 -
Suturday,
14 September 2002
1) Speech of the Patriarch for
the 11th of September at the ICCI.
2) As usual, Toine van Teeffelen, keeps us updated in his Letter from
Bethlehem (34), please note the announcement about a publication at the
end of the Letter.
3) One of my dear friends, Samer Salameh send me the “Political
Vision” written by the Palestinian Council of Young Political Leaders, in
which he is the Director of Foreign Affairs.
4) Dr.Maria C. Khoury is “Printing
Orthodox Books in the Midst of Violence” as she tells us in here last
article.
5) And Dr. Harry Hagopian, in his
enclosed three-page article assesses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict today
within the larger Middle Eastern context.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 169 -
Suturday,
7 September 2002
Fr. Iyad Twal, parish priest of Birzeit,
wrote
2)
LETTER FROM BETHLEHEM (33) by Toine van Teeffelen in
which he gives us the last update from Bethlehem area especially after the
partially withdrawal of the Israelis troops and the lifting of the curfew
which is still imposed in all the other big towns in the west bank.
3)
After the beginning of the scholastic year the Arab
Educational Institute is launching the campaign “LET OUR CHILDREN GO TO
SCHOOL!”
4)
"More Effective Force" a commentary by
Sari and Lucy Nusaybah which is a call for a nonviolent action.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 168 -
Suturday,
17 August 2002
1)
The full text of the speech of the Pope during the ANGELUS of last
Sunday.
2)
An urgent appeal to His Holiness the Pope John Paul II From the LAITY
COMMITTEE IN THE HOLY LAND.
3)
The challenges of indigenous
Christianity By Issa Kassissieh who is the Orient House
International Office Director. This article was published also in The
Jerusalem Times.
4)
“A Call to Corporate
Responsibility:
A statement from Pax
Christi USA Israel-Palestine Conflict.
5)
A very beautiful Islamic prayer for peace.
6)
“A Phone call fro, Hell” is the strange title of the last
article of the courageous peace activist Uri Avnery who is speaking about the
campaign against Gush Shalom in Israel.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 167 -
Suturday,
10 August 2002
1)
The news about the visit of the Patriarch to Gaza and
his meeting with Sheikh Yassine.
2)
The A CALL TO PRAYER FOR PEACE BY the Heads of Churches
with the program.
3)
The last article by our dear friend Dr. Harry Hagopian
who speaks about the “Shaken Hopes & Stirred Visions?”.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 166 -
Suturday,
3 August 2002
1)
In
the Letter from Bethlehem (33), Toine van Teeffelen tells us with a marvelous
narrative what is going on in Bethlehem area. He is an eye witness!
2)
In
here Jerusalem Journal # 52, Sister Mary shares with us her “reading of a
fascinating book by a British prizewinning author, William Dalrymple.
3)
Two
short article by my dear friend Ghassan Andoni, from rapprochement center
between people: A Cease Fire, mission blocked, not impossible; Lunch with Rev.
Jessie Jackson.
4)
Dr
Harry Hagopian believes that “The
Pope is Young Again!” after his 97th trip and his celebration of
the WYD in Toronto.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 165 -
Suturday,
27 July 2002
1)
Three
documents about the news of the visit of Rev. Jesse Jackson to the Holy Land
with a religious delegation.
2)
Short Bethlehem Update from Toine van Teeffelen.
3)
Statement from Bethlehem Municipality By the mayor of
Bethlehem Mr. Hanna Nasser, about the confiscation of lands in Bethlehem area.
4)
Israeli
army seizing lands in Bethlehem belonging to the Armenian Orthodox
Patriarchate.
5)
Is
It Not High Time? By Dr
Harry Hagopian, a very interesting article with vision.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 164 -
Suturday,
20 July 2002
1)
The Press Release of the
INTERFAITH DELEGATION TO PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI INTIFADA VICTIMS.
2)
Susan Atallah and Toine van
Teeffelen update us about the situation in Bethlehem in their joint letter #
31. Real witnesses from inside the curfew.
3)
A Message to the Church Regarding the Israel-Palestine
Conflict written by retired clergymen.
4)
“How to Fight Back” an article written by Joharah Baker
and
Published in: Palestine Report, about the use of the nonviolence in Palestine.
5)
PROFILE FROM THE HOLY LAND: A PIONEER OF NONIOLENCE, written
by Father Paul Bonnici in the Catholic Times
in Scotland. I was surprised to receive this article from my friend Fr. Paul
who wrote it after a visit to the Holy Land. I share it with you as it is
because it has a message not because it is about me!
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 163 -
Suturday,
13 July 2002
1)
An
appeal from the Governorate of Bethlehem: The governor of Bethlehem Mr.
Mohammad Al Madani, is appealing for the city of the Nativity and describing
the situation there.
2)
Since
life should continue, George Ghattas tells us the strange experience of “Weddings
Under Curfew in the Holy Land”, A happy occasion becomes sad but funny!
3)
Dr.
Bernard Sabella a very
well known sociologist : “Palestinians at the End of One Road
and the Beginning of Another”. Hoping that
there is one!
4)
Finally
Dr. Harry Hagopian
shares with us an illustrative personal response to the recent debate
over different forms of non-violent protest.
|
|
Olive
Branch from Jerusalem
Issue No. 162 -
Suturday,
6 July 2002
1)
LETTER
FROM BETHLEHEM (30) from Toine van Teeffelen who describe the daily life of
the people in Bethlehem area under the curfew. Interesting narrative!
2)
Also
Prof Sami Adwan, from The
Faculty of education in Bethlehem University
gives us some more details in his two short stories: 1) Silent
Occupation: The Daily Diary of Bethlehem District; 2) A
Special Ride Instead of Sweet.
3)
I
am impressed to see such a large number of prominent Evangelical Christians
from the USA who have signed a letter to President Bush.
|
