A TIME TO REMEMBER, A TIME FOR TRUTH:  THE NAKBA, MEMORY, REALITY, AND BEYOND
November 12-19, 2008

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conference program  (Can be changed)

conference program (arabic)

The conference will focus on the commemoration of 60 years since the Nakba, and the complex issues of memory, narrative, and identity raised by the events of 1948.

The conference will include:

Troubled Past, Complex Future

Among those who struggle for justice and peace in Palestine, our focus has been the fight to end the illegal Occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. However, in order to truly understand the complexities of memory, narrative, and identity faced by the Palestinian community, it is vital to examine the events of 1948—what the Palestinians refer to as the Nakba, or Catastrophe. For 60 years, the Nakba has cast its shadow over the struggles of identity and narrative undertaken both by Palestinian citizens of the state of Israel and those in the Occupied Territories. As the nonviolent resistance to Occupation continues, the question of what it means to be a Palestinian remains.

As Israel begins its celebration of 60 years since independence, the Palestinian community will commemorate 60 years since the Nakba. During this important year, Sabeel believes that it is vital to examine the impact of 1948 on the quest for justice and peace in the Holy Land. It is only by examining and understanding the past that the Christian community—and, indeed, all people of this land—can begin to move towards a future of justice and reconciliation. For Palestinian Christians, and those Christians who are now citizens of the state of Israel, the question of identity becomes even more complex. As this community continues to address identity crisis, it also questions what resources within its past can enable to it to construct a more just and hopeful future.

In addition to the question of identity, this conference provides an opportunity to address the ongoing refugee crisis which had its genesis in the Nakba. As Christians, we must face the challenge of finding a just resolution to the longest standing refugee crisis in the world today. This conference will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the refugees, and to explore options for a just and hopeful future for these Palestinians.

Sabeel believes that Christians are called to prophetically speak of justice and hope in the face of injustice and hopelessness. While memories of 1948 are often shocking and disturbing, the necessity of shining the light of justice and truth on the events of the past remains. By so doing, Sabeel hopes to forge a path from remembrance to justice and mercy and to challenge Christians and the global community to come to terms with 1948, to have a better understanding of the Palestinian Christian community inside the state of Israel, and to find a just solution to the refugee crisis.

The Questions

• What truly happened in 1948, and what did the Nakba mean for Palestinians?
• How have the events of 1948 shaped the complex identities of modern Palestinians and Israelis, and especially Christians living in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel?
• Why has the refugee crisis remained unresolved for 60 years, and what can churches and the international community do to promote a just resolution of this situation? 
• How will the events of 1948 continue to affect the quest for a just peace in Palestine and Israel?
• What do the events of 1948 reveal about injustice within Israel in addition to the injustice of the Occupation?
•  How can those who seek justice for Palestinians as well as Israelis face the truth of 1948 while moving beyond memory to justice and reconciliation? 

The Forum
These are some of the questions we will address at our Seventh International Conference. A roster of respected theologians, academics and activists from around the world will gather in Nazareth and Jerusalem in November 2008 to lead panel discussions, lectures, workshops, bible study and worship. Participants from many countries and a variety of faith denominations will have an unparalleled opportunity to learn, share insights, and work together. 

The Invitation
We invite you to be a part of this important conference.  Consider your personal ability to attend or come as a delegation from your church or faith community:

• Hear prophetic speakers from around the world.
• Meet participants from around the world committed to justice.
• Share together in worship and strategies for advocacy with others.

REGISTRATION AND FEES 
The following price includes: room and all meals, registration fee, all ground transportation costs (including airport transfers) and all tips.
US $ 1,288.- one person in a double       4 star hotel
US $ 1,528.- single                                 4 star hotel
US $1,131.- one person in a double         3 star hotel
US $ 1,271.- single                                  3 star hotel
Prices are for 4 nights in Nazareth; 4 nights in Jerusalem. Airfare not included (see below). Payment – in check or bank transfer - are to be made directly to Shepherds Tours (see below).

Air Travel
You may arrange your own air travel or make flight arrangements through Shepherds Tours.
To register, please go to www.sabeel.org and download the registration form.  Please send your check and registration form to:
Shepherds Tours
9 Azzahra Str.
P.O. Box 19560
Jerusalem
Tel: 972-2-6284121
Fax: 972-2-6280251
Email: info@shepherdstours.com
If you are sending the registration form by email, please also copy conf2008@sabeel.org

PRE-CONFERENCE AND POST-CONFERENCE
There are two additional options that you may wish to consider:
Pre-conference that includes visit to the holy sites and reflection in the Galilee;
Post-conference on Occupation 101 (two-day exposure visit to understand the occupation).
For registration for the pre and post conference, contact conf2008@sabeel.org