This joint Ramadan Iftar Dinner was preceded and highlighted by an educational panel titled “Education and Shared Living.”
Participating in panel discussions were Dr. Geries S. Khoury, Director of Al-Liqa’, educator Fathi Fourani and journalist Hatem Hassoun. Moderator of the panel was Ziyad Shleweit, administrative member of Al-Liqa’, the Galilee Branch, who focused his introductory remarks on the meaning of the Fasting of Ramadan in the context of shared living.
Journalist Hatim Hassoun, the editor of Al-Bayan, spoke about the meaning and concept of “education”. He was critical of the reality of education in society. He put forth the ideals of shared living.
Educator Fathi Fourani, on his part, gave real life examples of his experiences with shared living. There are treasures of teachings of Christ and Qur’anic and Hadith teachings focusing on shared living. Enlightened clerics and educators as well as committed teachers should take a leading part in developing shared living.
Dr. Geries S. Khoury critized the present school curriculum for the absence of “shared living” in school textbooks. There is also an absence of the role of Christian Arabs in building civilization. There is a crisis in the values of society which are becoming more and more sectarian in nature. He expressed the hope that a new initiative for “shared living” will come out of this gathering in Shafa ‘Amr.
Following the panel, participant attended the traditional Al-Liqa’s annual Joint Ramadan Iftar Dinner. Several figures blessed the Iftar and participants. They included Sheikh ‘Abd Al-Salam Manasrah, Sufi leader in Nazareth; Bishop Butros Mu’allem of Galilee; Knesset member ‘Abbas Zakkur; and Poet and Educator Majed ‘Ilayan, and Mr. Saleh Al-Sheikh. At the conclusion of the Iftar Dinner, Dr. Geries S. Khoury thanked those present and announced that the Galilee Branch of Al-Liqa’ will begin its activities from Mar Elias College in ‘Ibelin with the blessings of Archbishop Elias Chacour.
