HCEF
Dr. Samir Abu-Ghazaleh, KC*HS will be the 2009 recipient of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation Award in recognition of his lifelong personal efforts to help the Christians in the Holy Land.
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation Award is given annually to an individual who has dedicated his or h
er life to preserving the presence of Christians in the Holy Land and has advanced the cause of justice, sustenance, and spiritual support for Christians there.
In announcing the award, the HCEF Board of Directors stated: “Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh deserves this award not only for his long decades of pro bono service on behalf of Arab Christians but for his acts of kindness and mercy. In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ stated the one who was the true neighbor is the one who had mercy on the victim and he compels us to ‘Go and do likewise.”
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, through his active involvement, brings greater exposure to the mission, cause and purpose of various organizations. He is a Knight of Malta, a Knight Commander with a Star of the Equestrian Order if the Holy Sepulchre, and as a Counselor, he is Vice President of the Peace and Justice Committee.
For almost three decades, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh has worked to deepen the faith of the Palestinian Christian community. He has promoted unity among them for social action. He has championed understanding between Palestinians and the State of Israel through stateside educational programs.
HCEF President, Rateb Rabie, makes this statement, “Samir and his wife Mary have stood alongside HCEF for the past 11 years, supporting our endeavors and always offering a word of encouragement. They have been most instrumental in the success of HCEF. He continues to go out of his way to make life better for others by giving of himself and sharing his skill and knowledge with others. Together, they are a dynamic team and I am grateful to call them friends.” Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh vigorously engages American Christians and their churches to nurture and cement relationships in support of Palestinian Christians.
The HCEF Award will be presented to Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh at the Foundation’s 11th International Conference Awards Banquet on the evening of Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Bethesda Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, Maryland. Other 2009 Award recipients include:
- The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem will receive the 2009 Living Stones Solidarity Award. His Eminence John Cardinal Foley, Grand Master, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem will receive the award on their behalf.
- Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States will be awarded the 2009 Path of Peace Award and
- Mrs. Mary E. Beahn, LHS will receive the 2009 HCEF President’s Award.
Express your ‘Congratulations’ for any of the Awardees today by submitting a salutation for publication in the Conference Program Book. Visit us online at www@hcef.org and click this link: Honor the Awardees with a Salutation.
For more information about HCEF’s 11th International Conference please click on these helpful links:
Conference/Awards Banquet Sponsor opportunities
Honor the Awardees with a Salutation