The Longing to Smell the Fragrance that Belongs to Both Israelis and Palestinians
Activating Religion as a Force for Peace
Do YOU believe peace is possible among Muslims and Jews, Palestinians and Israelis? Meet Sheikh Ghassan Manasra, the International Director of the Abrahamic Reunion. An ordained Sheikh in the Qadiri Sufi Order, Ghassan has dedicated his life to building peace. He is the founder of Anwar-il-Salaam: The Lights of Peace Center in Nazareth, the Director of the Islamic Cultural Center in Nazareth, and a leader in the Abrahamic Reunion for more than 20 years.
Founded by Shahabuddin David and Anna Less, the Abrahamic Reunion is a team of religious and spiritual leaders – men, women, Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze – dedicated to uplifting human consciousness and building peace in the Holy Land by opening hearts to the love and wisdom of all spiritual traditions.
In this podcast, Sheikh Ghassan discusses his work with the Abrahamic Reunion. Greatly benefiting from his vision and guidance, this organization of peace-builders has expanded its influence among the many cultures and religions of the Holy Land and beyond. Providing outreach, awareness and education in the US, Canada and Europe, the essence of their work is in Israel and Palestine.
From the Tent of Abraham
Through the Abrahamic Reunion’s programs, Ghassan addresses the many misunderstandings between the Palestinians and Israelis. He creates opportunities to bring them together to know each other as neighbors who have come from the same tent of Abraham. Ghassan explores the longing on both sides to meet and smell the fragrance of the history which belongs to both Israelis and Palestinians.
A consummate story teller, Ghassan recollects the transformation of participants from distrust to mutual respect who can work side-by-side to build peace in their communities. He shares true stories of militant radicals on both sides who have had a change of heart and now work together to find peaceful solutions.
The Root is Politics, Not Religion
Seeing the problem as political, not religious, Ghassan helps people from many cultures to overcome tremendous obstacles by simply bringing them together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Listen in to discover why he sees NOW is the time to succeed, to believe that we will be strong together.
The dismal daily news misses the fact that the Abrahamic Reunion has grown in influence over time, making an impact – a real peace between neighbors. These efforts serve to create a new future for our children of peace, not fear.
From Sheikh Ghassan:
We will refuse to agree on everything! We will say NO! But we will love one another. We believe in the human being as a human being, the person as a person. And we love all of the people all around us, including the secular. They are part of us, part of our souls, part of our spirits, part of our life… a great mirror to see ourselves within them.
What Is the Direction for Peace?
The direction for peace is very simple. And it’s very hard. It’s simple if you are honest with yourself. It is hard when something horrific happens not to react. It comes through culture, education and taking a breath. It comes from reaching out and connecting with each other.
Your Questions Answered
What does the Abrahamic Reunion need most now to continue its work?
- Funding! Please help support our peace-building efforts in the Holy Land
How else can supporters of peace contribute?
- Visit us on the Abrahamic Reunion website, Facebook and YouTube
- Google our peace-builders and see their activities
- Contact us
“It’s very important not to leave us alone in the field and on the ground.”
What future programs are planned to raise understanding and awareness?
- PEACE UNITY PRAYER
- Zoom with us on December 31st, 11:00 am to Noon EST
- We invite all of you to come to see us
Coming Soon
Sheikh Ghassan will give a series of talks on the religion, culture and codes of behavior between Jews and Muslims in the Middle East
To get in touch with Sheikh Ghassan directly:
- Phone: (941) 894-8481
- Email: Ghassan.Manasra@gmail.com
Thank you ~ Toda ~ Shukran
The Abrahamic Reunion is a 501c3 Non-profit registered in the United States, and all donations are tax deductible.
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