2006 Sabeel Young Adults Conference

Together: Facing Challenges Finding Hope

From July 26th to August 6th, young adults from around the world gathered together for the first Sabeel International Young Adults Conference themed Together: Facing Challenges Finding Hope.  Participants came from Palestine, Sweden, Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States.  The group included 14 internationals, 20 locals, and 6 staff and volunteers.  The group of forty traveled together to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, Hebron, Jifna, Taybeh, Ramallah, Aboud, and Jericho. 

Participants had a chance to meet, share stories, and learn about one another's culture and denominations.  In addition, the group had the opportunity to meet with over 60 local young adults who could not travel to Jerusalem in many of the areas that were visited.   The trip included cultural activities, tours of Christian sites, engagement in the realities facing Palestinian Christians, community service, meetings with government officials, and time to relax and engage in honest cross-cultural dialogue.

Though the youth were not able to travel to the Galilee as originally planned, the participants evaluated the conference as a meaningful experience.  As one of the international participants reflected: "Truly, to see is to believe and to be changed.  In no other circumstance would I be able to meet with so many Palestinian Christians and form relationships with them.  For that, I am very appreciative.  This is what will frame my involvement for fighting for peace throughout my life."