The Education Division in the Local council in Mi’ilya organized a panel titled
“Christians in the Arab East: Present Challenges and Future Vision”
In which Dr. Geries S. Khoury, Director of al-Liqa’ Center and Dr. Yusri Khayzaran participated on Friday, 7 p.m., 11 December 2015, at The Theatre Hall, Mi’ilya – Galilee
The Director of the Education Division, Dr. Firas ‘Arraf and Mr. Fadi ‘Assaf organized the panel on “Christians in the Arab East: Present Challenges and Future Vision”. The panel was moderated by Mr. Iskandar Layyus. The Mayor of the Local Council in Mi’ilya, Mr. Hatem ‘Arraf welcomed the panelists and attendees to this very distinguished panel.
Dr. Geries S. Khoury of Al-Liqa’ Center gave an overview of Christian Arab presence in Palestine since the middle of the 17th century which has been diminishing constantly. And now it account less than 1.5% of the total population of Israel and Palestine. He also focused on the causes of Christian emigration and impact on the local church and shared living.
Dr. Geries stressed few challenges that face Christians, and among them: The challenge of identity, the challenge of faith, the challenge of education, the Political and social challenge.
In conclusion, Dr. Geries reiterated the need for sound education, true affiliation to identity, true faith, the need to participate in the public life and the importance of stressing national unity.
Dr. Yusri Khayzaran focused on the causes of Christian emigration from Arab countries and in the process pointed out the role of the Leftist parties and the period of President Jamal Abdul Nasser in Christian emigration, Mr. Kamal Junblat and Mr. George Hawi and others of Lebanon as well as the Civil war caused the emigration of Christians from Lebanon.
At the conclusion of the panel a question and an answer session as well as further discussion took place.
