HCEF’s 16th International Conference Full Program of Events has been Finalized!
Speakers, Moderators, and Award Recipients for the 16th International Awards Banquet & Conference
- “Challenges Facing the Palestinian Christians,”
- “Arab & Middle Eastern Christians Under Fire,”
- “Engaging the Palestinian Diaspora in Nation-Building,”
- “Empowering Women in Palestinian Society,” and last but not least,
- “Giving Palestinian-Israeli Peace a Chance”.
HCEF will also hold their Awards Banquet the preceding evening, October 17th in the same venue. The distinguished awardees will include Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Archbishop Theodosios Atallah Hanna, Bishop Richard Graham, Mr. Frank Carroll, Mr. Hashim Shawa, and Mr. Farouk Shami. For complete information on the awards banquet, click here.
The conference plenary session on Saturday will also feature, Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Member of the Executive Committee of the PLO, as the keynote speaker. She will address the assembly at 2:00 pm. For full details on the night’s program please click this link.
Registration is now open and you do not want to miss out! Our discount prices end this Tuesday (Oct. 7th) so register today! If you are a student or member of the clergy, you can request a scholarship to cover the cost of attending the conference by filling out this scholarship.
For more information on the Conference, please click on any of the links below.
16th International Conference Empowering Women in Palestinian Society
From Left : Mrs. Claudette Habesch, Mrs. Najat Khalil, Mrs. Moura Erakat, Ms. Bethany Saad
Women play a critical role in Palestinian politics, civil society and many other sectors. They form the backbone of Palestinian culture and society both within Palestine and outside it in the diaspora. Our panel on “Empowering Women in Palestinian Society” will elaborate the important contribution women are making to Palestine in these fields and more regardless of geography.
For this panel we have four powerful women from different generations with strong backgrounds in their respective fields. Mrs. Claudette Habesch, former secretary general for Caritas Jerusalem, will moderate the panel sharing her expertise as a woman who through her work, has empowered women for the sake of empowering society. Mrs. Habesch held the post of secretary general for three decades and changed the lives of many women in the process. Mrs. Najat Khalil Arafat, President of the Arab Women’s Council, has been active for decades empowering women and providing support for the Palestinian community in the diaspora. Mrs. Noura Erakat, Human Rights Attorney, Activist and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University who has been involved in politics, defending Palestinian Rights, and educating Americans on the topic. Last but not least, Ms. Bethany Saad a young woman who joined the Know Thy Heritage leadership program in 2013 and is currently a Program Coordinator at John Snow, Inc. She will speak on the impact this journey to her homeland had in connecting her to the Palestinian Society as a second generation Palestinian. Her personal and professional life was transformed, now she works on empowering other youth in the diaspora from around the world, especially the 3rd and 4th generation youth, by connecting them with the KTH program.
Come join us and hear this wonderful presentation, a living testimony to what empowering women can do for Palestinian Society and for the world at large. This panel will be addressed at the HCEF 16th International Conference in the Washington Marriott Georgetown Hotel, on Saturday, October 18th from 2:45 AM – 3:45 PM. Sir Rateb Rabie, President/CEO of HCEF expresses his enthusiasm for this panel: “Come learn from these powerful women who have built Palestinian Society both in Palestine and outside it in the Diaspora. I personally invite you to be part of this discussion and the conference!”
Registration is now open! Take a step forward, put your faith into action and register for the 16th International Conference . For more information on the Conference, please click on the links below.
From Left 16th International Conference Speakers: Mr. Hashim Shawa, Mr.Rafiq Masri, Mr. Farouk Shami, Sir Rateb Rabie
The Palestinian story of displacement is one that is constantly changing and continues to serve as the root of the struggle. While those in Palestine endure great challenges and lack resources, Palestinians possess the talent, passion, and camaraderie to unite and succeed. While the majority of Palestinian people are displaced, they possess the heart and determination to create a great network that transcends international barriers.
This is the topic that our three expert panelists will be addressing at the HCEF 16th International Conference at the Washington Marriott Georgetown Hotel, onSaturday, October 18th from 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM. On the panel will be Mr. Hashim Hani Shawa, Chairman of the Board and General Manager of the Bank of Palestine, which is regarded as the most successful bank in Palestine. Also joining us will be Mr. Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Farouk Systems, a revolutionary and highly successful line of hair-care products, widely used around the world. Our final panelist, Mr. Rafiq Masri, is an information technology entrepreneur who founded the company Network Management Inc.
Representing Palestinian success, these experts of the diaspora will unite to discuss their experiences, both in Palestine and abroad, and how they perceive themselves as part of the greater Palestine nation. Job creation, business investments, and economic growth are only a few of the topics they will cover. Sir Rateb Rabie, co-founder and President of HCEF, will moderate the dialogue, utilizing his expertise on the topics of peace among faiths, Palestinian identity, and business management. Sir Rateb expresses his enthusiasm for this panel:“Come learn, share, and take part in nation building. This is my personal invitation to be part of this discussion and the conference!”
In addition, the panelists will discuss how we can unite to create awareness around the world. Participants will also watch a video exposé of HCEF’s Know Thy HeritageLeadership Program, a mission that encourages youth to connect with their roots through a homecoming journey. Panelists will discuss the importance of this initiative, as each successive generation must make a greater effort to sustain the nation Palestinians have created. Palestinians and friends alike will learn how to act as peace ambassadors and represent the voice of those living in the diaspora. The panelists will illustrate how, through unity, we can grow the capacity of the Palestinian community, as well as draw closer to bringing peace and justice in the region.
Registration is now open! We encourage you to take a step forward, put your faith into action and register for the 16th International Conference. For more information on the Conference, please click on the links below.
From Left 16th International Conference Speakers: HE Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Dr. Yvonne Y. Haddad. Najat Arafat Khelil
Bottom Row: Fr. Drew Christiansen, SJ, HE Archbishop Attalla Hanna, Dr. James Zogby
The current situation in the greater Holy Land has put the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation at a crossroads for the focus of their 16th International Conference. HCEF must cover an array of urgent issues ranging from the fate of the Palestinian Christians, the ever prevalent Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, to the persecuted Christians of the Middle East, their future and the future of all inhabitants in the region.
Therefore HCEF invites Muslims, Jews and Christians of all walks of life who believe in peace and justice to come and not only learn from the excellent line up of speakers at the conference, but to give their input and dialogue with others for the common good of all people.
Registration is now open. We encourage you to take a step forward and put your faith into action and register for the 16th International Conference. For more information on the Conference, please click on any of the links below.
Mr. Carroll, RECIPIENT OF THE 2014 PRESIDENT’S AWARD, serves as a longtime volunteer and friend to HCEF. His consistent participation and passionate involvement have been a blessing in community outreach. He has demonstrated his commitment by regularly volunteering at the office, attending meetings and events, and serving as the registration chairperson for HCEF annual conferences. Through love and kindness, Mr. Carroll encompasses the foundation’s mission by faithfully volunteering. He says, “There are few places where I have ever worked that I love the people and they love me back in kind. That’s the secret.” Mr. Carroll’s continual community efforts are an inspiration and bring joy to all involved.
Community development is a common trend in Mr. Carroll’s life, as revealed in his other affiliations. He serves as a Knight of Columbus and is also a pillar of Meals on Wheels. Additionally, he is an active member on the Parish Council of the Shrine of St. Jude in Rockville, Maryland. Mr. Carroll co-chairs the Holy Land Outreach Committee at his parish, signifying his solidarity with the Palestinian Christians and reaffirming his receipt of the HCEF PRESIDENT’S AWARD. This award is given annually to honor volunteers who have demonstrated their solidarity with the Christians of the Holy Land through acts of love and support on their behalf.
Not only is Mr. Carroll a deeply respected asset to the foundation, but his enthusiastic, will-do attitude is truly a reflection of HCEF values. “With a willing spirit, he is a prime example of how we should all strive to put our faith into action,” Sir Rateb Rabie says. “Mr. Carroll demonstrates the teachings he has learned by making the extra effort to volunteer.” He has undoubtedly established his ability to bring the teachings of Christ to life in a kind and effective manner.
Mr. Carroll is married to Judy Carroll and together they have two children, Jeff and Suzanne.
The 2014 HCEF President’s AWARD will be presented to Mr. Carroll at the HCEF Awards Banquet, Friday, October 17, 2014 from 6:00 – 10:00pm. The Awards Banquet is held in conjunction with the 16th International Conference, which takes place Saturday, October 18, 2013 from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.
The Awards Banquet and the International Conference will be held at the
Washington Marriott Georgetown
1221 22nd Street, NW
Washington, DC. 20037
To learn more about HCEF’s 16th International Conference & Awards Banquet, click on one of these helpful links below:
H.E. Dr. Hanan Ashrawi to Receive the 2014 HCEF Path of Peace Award
Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, will receive the 2014 HCEF Path of Peace Award on Friday, October 17, 2014 at the HCEF Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the 16th International Conference, Friday and Saturday, October 17-18, 2014.Friday 21 February 2014
As one of the most articulate and compelling voices in Middle East politics, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi’s service and work has greatly advanced the Palestinian cause. As elected member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Palestinian National Council and Palestinian Central Council, Dr. Ashrawi has been actively engaged in the planning and implementation of programs and systems of reform, accountability, and rule of law. She has built safety and security for Palestinians through her advocacy for peace. Due to her unprecedented service and leadership, the world is better able to see Palestinians as peacemakers.
Throughout her work, Dr. Ashrawi has been an ardent advocate of human rights and gender equality and has made major contributions to peace making and nation building. She is the recipient of numerous international peace, human rights, and democracy awards, and also the author of many books, articles, poems, and short stories on Palestinian politics, culture, and literature. She has been highly acclaimed for her work both in education and world affairs.
Since 2012, Dr. Ashrawi’s service on the Advisory Board of HCEF’s Know Thy Heritage (KTH) Live & Visit Palestine Program has been inspiring to her peers on the board and more importantly to the youth who participate. Through the KTH program, youth in Diaspora travel to Palestine where they learn from and follow in Dr. Ashrawi’s footsteps as Ambassadors of Peace.
The Path of Peace Award was conferred to Dr. Hanan Ashrawi in person by HCEF President/CEO Rateb Rabie during his recent trip to Palestine. Dr. Ashrawi expressed her appreciation of the award and described the honor as “humbling and empowering.”
To learn more about HCEF’s 16th International Conference & Awards Banquet, click one of these helpful links below:
