Musalaha - February 2022 Update
Israel and Palestine
Musalaha is a faith-based organization that teaches, trains, and facilitates reconciliation, mainly between Israelis and Palestinians from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, but also international groups, based on biblical principles of peace, tolerance, and love. We recently received news about Musalaha from Executive Director Daniel Munayer:
I find myself both excited and humbled to be taking on the role of Executive Director. I am well aware of the big shoes I have to fill, but together as a team, we have already begun rethinking our strategy and approach as an organization. Some changes include revisiting our organizational structure and sharpening our mission statement. Some other changes include further developing our projects domestically and expanding our vision and expertise internationally.
We are kicking off the year with 11 projects in the pipeline, run by seven core staff and over 30 project-based workers that will impact at least 2,000 individuals and reach many more. I am eager to see this organization, along with the reconciliation community at large, prosper and grow.
Meet the Team!
Dr. Salim J. Munayer – Founder and Senior Consultant
Salim’s role at Musalaha is changing as he enters a period of overlap transition with Daniel. Salim will continue as the founder and Senior Consultant, focusing his efforts on reconciliation teachings, training staff, and working with the Civil Society Project on teaching the relationship between freedom of religion or belief and reconciliation.
Hedva Haymov – Project Manager
This year marks Hedva’s 10th anniversary working at Musalaha. Over the years, Hedva’s hard work and dedication have created some of Musalaha’s most successful reconciliation activities, taking our women’s work to a new level. Indeed, her hard labor and ability to identify with others have resulted in long-lasting relationships that have inspired many. Her public stance and commitment to reconciliation and justice have come at a high price; she has withstood great pressure, criticism, and attacks from her own community. Despite the difficulty, she has remained truthful and loyal to her faith, family, and friends. With her great teaching skills, she continues to lead the women’s reconciliation activities and train the next generation of women.
Hiba Allati – Project Manager
Hiba Allati, our new Project Manager for women’s initiatives, will work alongside Hedva. Hiba has a wealth of experience from working as the Coordinator at the Christmas Lutheran Church and received her master’s degree in International Cooperation and Development from Bethlehem University. Moreover, she is on the Core Committee and is an active participant in our Muslim-Christian Young Adults Program. Hiba is looking forward to working with our women’s groups. We are equally excited to have Hiba on our team as she brings with her a great deal of enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
Nancy Mkaabal – Communications Manager
Nancy Mkaabal, our new Communications Manager, has been involved in Musalaha activities since the age of 10. Nancy shared that Musalaha has played a significant role in nourishing and shaping her identity. She first attended our summer camp in 2010 and later took part in our youth, young adult, and women’s activities. In 2021, Nancy successfully led the summer camp with her strong organizational skills and creativity. In addition to her passion for reconciliation, Nancy is a talented singer, and a stage and set designer. We are thrilled to have Nancy on our team as she is already making a significant impact.
Clara Huergo – Project Manager
Clara wears many hats at Musalaha but her primary focus is on Musalaha Academy and strengthening our mediation and facilitation efforts. She received her master’s degree in Public Policy at Tel Aviv University. Clara is a trained mediator who is passionate about peacebuilding and reconciliation.
Praise
We are happy and thankful to have successfully finished most of our projects and are stewarding the last two through their final outreach phase. During one of the outreach programs from our Civil Society Project, a group of Israeli-Jews and Palestinians went to visit a Jewish Orthodox neighborhood and shared a Shabbat meal hosted by one of the Jewish participants. The theme and purpose of the different outreach initiatives are not only to learn about each other’s religion and culture but also to creatively advocate for freedom of religion and justice in our diverse communities.
Prayer Requests
Please join us in praying for Salim as he travels to teach Conflict Resolution at Pepperdine in February from the Musalaha Curriculum. We pray for smooth travels and good health both for him and the students.
As the Musalaha team is growing with new Communications and Project Managers, we ask that you pray that we become a team that blesses one another and works together for the greater good and dignity of humanity.
Last, kindly join us in praying for new participants entering our programs in 2022. Pursuing peace and justice can be challenging and painful. Please pray that the participants open their hearts and develop life-changing relationships.
Read more about Musalaha HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Musalaha. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help support Musalaha’s ministries of reconciliation. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.