Conference Program

Friday, November 5, 2010

Opening Prayer

Welcoming Remarks:
Sir Rateb Y. Rabie, KCHS, HCEF President/CEO

Introduction to the Conference:
Saliba Sarsar, D. Secretary, HCEF Board of Directors
Hugh M. Dempsey, D. Ed., K.M. Ob. Vice President, HCEF Board of Directors

Interfaith Dialogue by Christian, Jewish and Muslim Leaders

A hallmark of Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy is interreligious, intercultural dialogue. His firm belief is that “intercultural dialogue that deepens the cultural consequences of basic religious ideas” is important. Rabbi David Rosen, Director of the American Jewish Committee’s Department for Interreligious Affairs and the Heilbrunn Institute for International Interreligious Understanding, likewise holds that by working together, we become partners “in the principal biblical imperative itself ‘to sanctify God’s Name’ in the world.” In a similar vein, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia stated, “There is no solution for us other than to agree on a united approach, through dialogue among religions and civilizations.” The presenters will explore the contours of such dialogue and its importance in the service of peace and human security.

Speakers:
Father Drew Christiansen, S.J., Editor in Chief, America, HCEF Co-Founder
Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim Chaplain, Georgetown University
Rabbi Gerald Serotta, Shirat HaNefesh Congregation, Clergy Beyond Borders

A Prophetic Call to End Violence in the Holy Land: Kairos Palestine
How can one overcome hatred and revenge? How does one come to terms with the killing or maiming of a loved one? Must violence and war be endemic to Palestinian-Israeli relations?   A recent declaration by heads of churches in the Holy Land, Kairos Palestine: “A Moment of Truth: A Word of Faith, Hope, and Love from the Heart of Palestinian Suffering” may represent a turning point. It is a prophetic call to end injustice and occupation and to advance nonviolence. It challenges people of good will everywhere to a new moral purpose. The panel will discuss the substantive issues in this declaration and underline the importance and implications of this declaration using their own lived experiences of occupation, expulsion, and loss of freedom in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Dinner

Keynote Speaker
Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Opening Prayer: Father George Rados, Pastor, Sts Peter and Paul Antiochian  Orthodox Church

Introduction to the Conference:
Saliba Sarsar, Ph.D. Secretary, HCEF Board of Directors
Hugh M. Dempsey, D. Ed., K.M. Ob. Vice President, HCEF Board of Directors

Religious Leaders Speak

Heads of churches in Jerusalem and the U.S. will address the conference participants via a video conferencing link-up or in person. They will review the current situation in the Holy Land and discuss present efforts to promote peace and human security there.

Speakers:
Most Rev. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land – via simulcast
Father Emil Salayta, Head of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal Court of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem; HCEF Co-Founder

Human Security: Can Freedom and Prosperity be Advanced in the Holy Land?

Human security necessarily focuses on people. It is essential for their wellbeing. It is a predicate of “freedom from fear” and “freedom from want.”  In the Holy Land, life is constantly endangered. There is a strong need to invest in people. This requires expanding cooperation at all levels, not just aid. Above all, it is imperative that the policy makers address peace building with new urgency. The panel will explore programs to stimulate the investment in people and their future. Ideas will be presented on job creation, microcredit financing for home rehabilitation and self-sufficiency.

Speakers:
Hashim Hani Shawa, Chairman of the Board, General Manager, Bank of Palestine
Juan José Daboub, Ph.D., Former Managing Director, World Bank; Former Finance Minister, El Salvador
Dr. Howard J. Sumka, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator, Middle East Bureau, USAID

Palestinian Perspective on the Peace Process

Concurrent Workshops

1.Investment Environment and Business Opportunities: This workshop will examine business opportunities as an important aspect of human security. A special focus will be on investments, job creation and international development.

Speakers:
Hashim Hani Shawa, Chairman of the Board, General Manager, Bank of Palestine
Youssef Habesch – Country Officer, Middle East & North Africa, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group
Samir Hazboun, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board, Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry

2. Three Women from Jerusalem – Christian, Muslim, Jewish – Promoting Peace and Human Security.

Three women will share their personal and very poignant experiences. They will shed light on the continuing human toll of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Their perspective, as mothers, wives, and daughters who have personally endured much tragedy and loss is deeply moving.

Introduction of Three Women Speakers:  Mrs. Harriet Fulbright, Former President, J. William & Harriet Fulbright Center

Speakers:
Aminah Abu Sway (Muslim Palestinian)
Ruth Hiller (Jewish Israeli)
TBD – Christian Palestinian

Israel and Palestine:  Are the Choices Peace vs. No Peace?

The developing American and international consensus regarding the two-state solution has changed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict from a zero-sum equation to what can and should be a win-win solution – Israel and Palestine living alongside each other in peace and security. Ending the occupation and peace with Israel are still the Palestinian national goals. Unquestionably, peace is also clearly in the national interests of both Israel and the United States. The panel will review recent political developments in Israel, the U.S. and the region that can impact this consensus. It will also explore whether the forces of moderation are in ascendancy or not.

Speakers:
Ori Nir, Spokesperson, Americans for Peace Now (APN)
Amira Hass, Correspondent, Ha’aretz Newspaper