June 2009

25-13 Old King's Highway North, Darien CT 06820

The Forgotten Faithful

The Holy Land: the place where Christianity began, where a handful of Arab believers became Apostles, became messengers of Christ, became the foundation of a new faith.  Their descendants, today's Arab Christians, struggle in a land where they are discriminated against twice: once for being Arab in a Jewish state, and again for being Christian in a Muslim majority.    

Christian residents of all denominations are a shrinking minority, today representing less than 2% of the population.  National Geographic's June cover story tells of the stony hills where Jesus walked and taught and died; where Arabs were among the first to be persecuted for the new Christian faith.  But today's Palestinian Christians, better educated and more moderate than the general population, are choosing to leave in record numbers.  This deprives the community of potential leadership with the tools to listen, compromise and work toward peace. 

Read the entire story at http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/06/arab-christians/belt-text.

Travel to jobs is currently very difficult, manufacturers faces delays in deliveries and the transfer of goods.  Unemployment and underemployment is high.  Westerners assume that Arabs are Muslim, and even terrorists.  These frustrations and the constant danger take a heavy toll.

The Episcopal Diocese provides necessities, hope and caring through communities of faith, schools for those of every religious background regardless of ability to pay, hospitals and institutes for the disabled.  These institutions need help from us to stay open and continue to serve  all.

Earlier this year, the Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani, Bishop in Jerusalem commented that, "especially amidst conflict and strife, we Christians stand for something here.  We stand for peace, justice, reconciliation and  foregiveness, and the promise of a time when we can live together in fellowship.  I believe...we must hold firmly to our faith and trust in the promise that the Lord made to us.  

We cannot let our brothers and sisters down.  

Fine and Performing arts improve West Bank children's lives

As we address the physical and academic well-being of children living in deplorable conditions in Palestine, some get a chance to escape into music, art, dance and fun -- to be kids for a short time and balance the stress with joy. 

Recent stories in the New York Times and elsewhere highlight programs to train art teachers, bring guest music instructors from Europe, and provide local dance classes.   The girls pictured above are students at the Arab Evangelical Episcopal School in Ramallah.  They grow in social skills, discipline and comfort with children from all backgrounds with each class. 

Follow this link for an excellent story in the New York Times about Dalia, a 16 year old flutist in Ramallah with a borrowed instrument and a dream.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/arts/music/01dali.html. 


Another in the series looks at Shehade, a young man who repairs the broken violins and bows that allow neighborhood children to make music. 

Professionals cite the psychosocial value of creative interaction.  The Diocese of Jerusalem understands the need to develop the whole child so they can become contributing members of their communities.  The Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah offers music, composition, drawing and other skills important skills.

Please provide a scholarship for a child today.  You'll be changing a young life.  And maybe keeping a Christian in the Holy Land.

Facts

+ Of the 4 million residents of the West Bank and Gaza, less than 2% are Christian.
+ Of the 196,000 Christians of any denomination, 3.5% or 7000 are  Episcopalian.
+ Since 2000, roughly 4000 Christian Palestinians have left the region, primarily from the Bethlehem area.
+ Major Christian denominations are Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Maronite.
+ While the number of Episcopalians is small, the influence of its institutions is substantial.
+ Episcopal schools teach tolerance, problem-solving and respect for differences along with quality academics.
+  Episcopal institutions provide for everyone in need, regardless of religious background.


Visit our website at www.afedj.org

Congratulations Phoebe!

At the May AFEDJ Annual Meeting in Oak Park Illinois, Phoebe Griswold was elected President of the Board of Trustees.  She brings a deep knowledge of the Episcopal Church, and has worked tirelessly in support of women, and to bring awareness and resources to the Diocese of Jerusalem.

In addition, last week in New York the Episcopal Church Foundation bestowed the Henry Knox Sherrill Medal on Ms. Griswold for her "energy, integrity, generosity and wisdom."  Please join us in congratulating her for accomplishments and her commitment to humanitarian relief and development.  Under her able leadership we know AFEDJ will grow and flourish, enabling us to increase awareness of the tremendous need in the Diocese of Jerusalem and provide the critical resources.

Ideas to share

The Rev. Sharline Fulton shares this fundraising idea from St. Martin's in the Philadelphia area:  they're planning an mini-movie marathon this summer to include "The Lemon Tree" and "The Syrian Bride."   Popcorn anyone?

The AFEDJ is a nonprofit, non-political 501c3 which helps sustain the institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.  These include 13 schools, 3 hospitals, 5 institutes for the disabled and 4 affiliates spread over Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.  All provide for those in need regardless of religious background.  All foster mutual respect and tolerance in a land torn by turmoil and poverty.  Learn more about the work of  the AFEDJ or the Diocese of Jerusalem.  Visit www.afedj.org to contribute to any of the important work done in the region.  Or visit www.j-diocese.org for a direct link to the Diocese of Jerusalem.