The Elijah Trust
exists to serve the Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel, and to raise awareness in the UK about this “forgotten” twenty per cent minority group who live within the Jewish State. We see our support very much as a partnership - and one of the main focuses for us has been the work and vision of Father Elias Chacour, at the Mar Elias Educational Institution (MEEI).
MEEI: A programme for everyone
Situated in the Arab village of Ibillin in Galilee, MEEI educates children of all ages from all over Israel, beginning at the Myriam Bawardi Kindergarten and Elementary School, to High School and Hi-tech College - as well as School for Gifted Pupils - and on through Mar Elias University. The central ethos of MEEI is pluralism, reconciliation and a respect for one another’s differences, whether cultural or religious, Muslim, Jew, Druze and Christian have always worked together on the staff at MEEI. For reasons of language, pupils are predominantly from among the young Arab citizens of Israel, Muslim, Druze and Christian, but special exchange projects with local Jewish schools are a high priority.
Father Chacour: A vision of unity in diversity
Arriving in Ibillin in 1965 as the new parish priest of its Melkite community, Father (Abuna) Chacour soon realised that education was a key to restoring his people’s sense of lost dignity and self worth. In fact it would be, he believed, the most important tool in equipping his fellow Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel for future equality and leadership alongside their Jewish neighbours.
And so, in the face of considerable opposition, he opened a High School in 1982 on the steep hillside across from Ibillin village, renaming it the Mount of Light - and it is here today that the extensive campus of MEEI is based. Though a refugee in his own land, Father Chacour has chosen not to hate but instead to spend a lifetime building bridges of peace with justice and reconciliation. Today he presides over a large well respected educational institution, teaching the youth of Galilee to live by the same values.
Mossawa: A commitment to equality
As well as our support for the school, however, The Elijah Trust also works with Mossawa, the Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens of Israel. Founded in 1997 and based in Haifa, Mossawa exists to build “a true partnership of equals” - the word itself meaning “equality” in Arabic. The Center’s mission is the improve the social, economic and political status of Arab Israeli citizens, while preserving their national and cultural rights as Palestinians. It does this in various ways, including advocacy in the Israeli parliament, political and economic analysis, public information and media campaigns, and capacity building with Arab local councils and NGO’s.
The Elijah Trust: A continuing hope
At a time when Arab/Western relations have been more significant, or more under strain, the Elijah Trust aims to educate and inform about the positive and encouraging work of its Arab partners in a region so often portrayed only by discrimination, violence and instability. We do this by providing regular newsletters and updates, as well as networking, awareness events and creative projects.
If you would like to know more you can email the Elijah Trust office by clicking here or visit their website here.
