Jerusalem is the spiritual home of the three monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each has a stake in it. In this panel, Christian and Muslim leaders will share their views on the Holy and Human City and what Christians and Muslims can do to preserve its soul and spirit before it is too late.

Moderator: Fr. Michael McDonagh, Senior advisor to the Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Archbishop of Jerusalem

Panel’s Speakers:

Dr. Rev. David A. Renwick Senior Pastor, National Presbyterian Church

Imam Yehia Hendi Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University

Fr. Drew Christiansen, S.J. HCEF Co-founder, Distinguished Professor of Ethics Global Development at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

H.E. Bishop Richard A. Graham Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Panel’s Speakers:

Fr. John Predmore S. J., HCEF Board Member *Moderator*

Fr. Michael McDonagh Senior advisor to the Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Archbishop of Jerusalem

John L. Schlageter Executive Director of the Bethlehem University Foundation

Imam Yehia Hendi Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University

There is a substantial Christian and Muslim presence in Jerusalem, including religious, educational, and social service institutions and organizations. The challenges include cultural-social constraints, an ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a 51-year old occupation, and a lack of funds. This panel will explore what Christians and Muslims are doing to advance the education, culture, and social life in Jerusalem.

Panel’s Speakers:

The Palestinian tourism industry in East Jerusalem faces unique challenges, including Israeli restrictions on new hotels and tourist companies, poor infrastructure, and high taxes. These are in addition to the seasonal nature of Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, the lack of proper coordination and a common strategy among Palestinians working in tourism, and competition from the Israeli tourism sector. This panel will examine these and other challenges as well as the huge potential for growth.