Gabriel and Amir (Amen) are available in the Fall of 2010 for the following inspiring and transformative programs for religious institutions, community organizations, schools and more:
- Family Education program
- Concert – both large-scale & intimate venues possible
- Sulha Peace Project Film Screening & Discussion
- Experiential Sacred Musical Workshop – draws on both Jewish and Sufi mystical traditions
- Conflict Resolution Workshop – ask about adding special guest, beloved Palestinian peacemaker Aziz Abu Sarah*
- Musical & Spiritual Services in collaboration with your community’s spiritual leadership
- Artist in Residence weekend (combination package)
BOOK THEM NOW!!
Contact & Scheduling Information
Scott Cooper: Managing Director; Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University. (w)703-993-4473
Email: crdc@gmu.edu (WRITE ‘SULHA’ IN SUBJECT LINE)
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Sacred Interfaith Music – Amen
The Amen musical partnership serves as ambassador of a renewed spirit of Israel, offering cutting edge culture of peace, music, education & healing rooted in the prophetic values of the Jewish People: justice (Tzedek tzedek tirdof) & love (V’ahavta le’reacha camocha) transmitted with the courage & creativity of the present day Israeli & Hebrew living wisdom.
Gabriel Meyer Halevy, son of Rabbi Marshall Meyer z”l, is a pioneer of Jewish ritual, spirituality and music in Israel and co-founder of the Sulha Peace Project (see documentary below). Amir Paiss is co-founder of the world-famous band Sheva (“Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu”). Together they embody a holy, playful & grounded spirit of renewal deeply needed to share the gifts of the Jewish People in our times.
Amen’s new album – Hateva
Their newest album, Hateva – Skin of God, is deep ecology set to global sacred beat. It is described as a blend of ancient Hebrew wisdom, Jewish environmental liturgy and texts and original lyrics revealing Divine embodiment in the natural world.
Social Justice – Sulha Peace Project
The Sulha Peace Project is a grassroots organization for the healing and reconciliation of the Children of Abraham, rooted in the spirit of the prophetic voices from the Holy Land. Tens of thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have attended three day gatherings and other profound Sulha programs since 2001.
Describing their work, the courageous folks at Sulha write:
We are Jews, Arabs, Israelis, Palestinians, embodying a new language of peace and developing a culture of co-existence inspired by the Middle Eastern indigenous process of mediation, Sulha.
Through our annual “On the way to Sulha” gatherings, Sulhita Youth Project, Local Sulha Day and ongoing workshops, the Sulha Peace Project integrates listening circles, multi-cultural workshops, sacred interfaith rituals, shared meals, and the arts, from Arab and Jewish traditions.
Our goal is to build trust and restore dignity, from heart to heart and from village to village, moving beyond a specific political agenda, stereotypes, clichés, humiliation and despair. Working primarily on the grassroots level, we are preparing people for peace “from below” and complementing peacemaking efforts that are undertaken at the governmental and diplomatic level.
We appeal to a broad cross-section of Israeli and Palestinian society including: Muslims, Christians, Jews, Druze, Bedouin, academics, peacemakers, spiritual activists, children, artists, professionals, elders, clergy, educators, secular and religious. Anyone who feels the need to take responsibility to facilitate the coexistence and healing of the Children of Abraham in the Holy Land, at the heart level, is welcome.
Documentary from “On the Way to Sulha Gathering” in Latrun, Israel. Nearly 5,000 Israelis and Palestinians were in attendance.
H.H. Dalai Lama Blesses the peace work of Sulha
*Aziz Abu Sarah: Beloved Palestinian peacebuilder and Director of Middle East Projects at George Mason University’s Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
Aziz Abu Sarah, a Palestinian born and raised in Jerusalem, is a veteran practitioner in the Palestinian-Israeli peace movements. Most notably he was the Chairman of a joint organization of 500 Israeli and Palestinian bereaved families who work for reconciliation called the Parents Circle-Bereaved Families Forum. He also co-hosted a bilingual radio show called “Changing Directions” on Radio All for Peace in Jerusalem. Aziz has spoken in hundreds of churches, synagogues and mosques on interfaith dialogue and on the role of religion in reconciliation. He has also lectured for countless international organizations and universities, including the European Parliament, Georgetown University, Columbia, Princeton, Brandeis, Yale, and Fordham. He is a Co-Founder of Al-Tariq Institute, which runs projects in the West Bank for democracy, non-violent education, and civil society. Aziz has an educational background in Biblical studies and professional background in tourism management.
Aziz has been honored to receive many accolades for his work including: the Silver Rose Award from the European Parliament, the Goldberg Prize for Peace in the Middle East from the Institute of International Education, the Eisenhower Medallion from People to People International, and the Search for Common Ground’s 2009 Eliav-Saratawi Awards for Middle East Journalism.
Endorsements & Recommendations available:
- Rabbi Riqi Kosovske at Congregation Beit Ahavah, Northampton, MA, 413-587-3770
- Rabbi Jonathan Kligler at Kehillat Lev Shalem, Woodstock, NY, 845-679-2218
- Rabbi David Shneyer at Am Kolel Sanctuary, Beallsville, MD, 301-349-2799
- Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim Chaplain at Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 202-687-4272
- Rabbi Dr. Marc Gopin, Director of the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, Arlington, VA, 703-993-4473
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This tour is co-sponsored by friends at George Mason University’s Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution (CRDC) at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution in Arlington, VA.
Sulha Peace Project 