Christ at the Checkpoint Student Delegation March 2nd-12th, 2012
Basics | About | FAQ | Itinerary | Speakers | Payments | Register | Blog
Who? Christian youth from around the world ages 18 to 25 and full time students.
When? March 2nd-12th, 2012.
Why? To empower and encourage the Palestinian church (more conference goals).
How Much? $775 (what this covers).
Spaces are limited. Acceptance will be on a first come, first serve basis. So apply today!
About the Conference: The aim of Christ at the Checkpoint is to provide an opportunity for Christians who take the Bible seriously to prayerfully seek a proper awareness of issues of peace, justice, and reconciliation.
About the Student Delegation: In order to encourage more youth participation in the conference we have created an affordable option for students which includes everything (other than airfare) in one package: room, board, conference participation fees, etc. This is, by far, the cheapest option available for students who want to join us in Bethlehem in March. The student delegation will also give youth participants a voice—select delegate(s) from the group will have the opportunity to report on their findings and experiences to the entire conference.
Highlights:
• The discounted price of $775 fully covers your room and board, the $400 conference fee and additional sight-seeing opportunities.
• Access to amazing conference speakers: Sami Awad, Shane Claiborne, Gary Burge, Bob Roberts, Stephen Sizer and more!
• A one night home stay with a Palestinian Christian family in Bethlehem.
• Tours of Jerusalem and the Galilee.
• Worship with local Palestinian Christians.
Deadlines
The last day to register for the student delegation is February 10th, 2012.
The final payment deadline is February 17th, 2012.
Summer Encounter Deadlines EXTENDED!
[Above: (left) PSE participants tour the Separation Wall. (right) DSE participants tour the ancient city of Palmyra].
The Palestine Summer Encounter is an extraordinary opportunity to experience daily life in the Palestinian Territories. Participants live with Palestinian host families in Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour; participate in Arabic classes and other academic opportunities (including classes and lectures on nonviolence, comparative religion and the history of the region); volunteer at a local church, nonprofit, media outlet or human rights organization and meet with both Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers. Participants can join the program for one, two or all three months.
Apply for session I of the program by April 28th.
Apply for session II or III of the program by May 30th.
What people are saying:
| "The program was one of the best experiences of my life. I made great friends and truly experienced what life was like living in Bethlehem under occupation." | |
| "Wow! Where to start? The Summer Encounter Program opened up doors that I didn't know existed. It opened my eyes to a part of the world that I'd only previously had abstract and ambiguous ideas about. It changed the entire trajectory of my learning." | |
| "The Palestine Summer Encounter changed my life. It provided me an opportunity to see the world and specifically the Palestinian issue from a new lens. I made life long friends who continue to shape the person that I am today." |
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The Damascus Summer Encounter is an extraordinary opportunity to experience life in Damascus, Syria. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with local community, religious and business leaders in Syrian society, learn about the evolving Iraqi refugee crisis, participate in intensive Arabic language classes, volunteer for a local church or nonprofit organization and explore sites of extreme historical and religious significance.
Apply by June 3rd.
What people are saying:
| "A fabulous way to get introduced to a country and form real connections with the people here." |
| "I would strongly encourage them to participate in this program because it really gives the person a whole range-a wholistic approach-to discovering Syria. The outside excursions along with the informative discussions provide a well rounded approach to Syria that you cannot get anywhere else." |
Obama Urged to Support U.N. Resolution Condemning Illegal Settlements
A number of academics, former U.S. ambassadors, Rabbis, journalists and leaders within the nonprofit community have signed a letter urging President Obama to support a U.N. resolution condemning illegal settlement construction.
For the full statement, please visit the Washington Note blog at:
http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2011/01/pickering_hills/
From the letter:
"In light of the impasse reached in efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) moves to consider a resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territory, we are writing to urge you to instruct our Ambassador to the United Nations to vote yes on this initiative.
"The time has come for a clear signal from the United States to the parties and to the broader international community that the United States can and will approach the conflict with the objectivity, consistency and respect for international law required if it is to play a constructive role in the conflict's resolution.
"While a UNSC resolution will not resolve the issue of settlements or prevent further Israeli construction activity in the Occupied Territory, it is an appropriate venue for addressing these issues and for putting all sides on notice that the continued flouting of international legality will not be treated with impunity. Nor would such a resolution be incompatible with or challenge the need for future negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues, and it would in no way deviate from our strong commitment to Israel's security.
"If the proposed resolution is consistent with existing and established US policies, then deploying a veto would severely undermine US credibility and interests, placing us firmly outside of the international consensus, and further diminishing our ability to mediate this conflict."
Little Town of Bethlehem: The Movie
Ahmad Al'Azzeh and Sami Awad, Executive Director of Holy Land Trust, are among those featured in this new documentary film about Palestinian nonviolence.
From the website: "Sami, Ahmad, Yonatan come from radically different backgrounds in a land of unending war. Yet, against all odds, including some within their Israeli and Palestinian communities, they are able to find common ground. They walk a path of non-violent struggle in lockstep with Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi. For them courage is found not in taking up arms, but setting them down once and for all and extending a hand in peace.
"From the award-winning team that brought you End of the Spear (2006) and Miss HIV (2007) comes director Jim Hanon's latest documentary, Little Town of Bethlehem. Unscripted and unrehearsed, discover the humanity lurking behind an ancient cycle of violence."
Visit the Website:
http://www.littletownofbethlehem.org/
Find a Screening Near you:
http://littletownofbethlehem.org/screenings/
SUPPORT HOLY LAND TRUST
Middle East Fellowship has served as a partner organization to Holy Land Trust since its founding. If you believe in the work of Sami Awad and Holy Land Trust there is an easy way to help. Please consider making a donation today in any amount. These projects are supported by people of goodwill throughout the world, and your contribution makes an enormous difference!
