Palestinian youth director at Pax Christi AGM

Pax Christi, the international Catholic movement for peace, has invited Fuad Giacaman, the Director of the Arab Educational Institute, to its annual general meeting in Birmingham this Saturday, 7 June. The Arab Educational Institute is an affiliate of Pax Christi International. Based in Bethlehem, it seeks to develop effective nonviolent actions in the Palestinian movement against Israeli occupation, to improve the skills of young Palestinians in intercultural relations and encourage the community to use opportunities to work together across social and religious borders. Writing about the Institute's work early in 2003 Fuad said: "During 2002 we witnessed a great many inhuman actions committed by the Israeli occupation. The continued curfews, closures, sieges, assassinations, house searches and home demolitions paralysed all walks of life. Many of our Institutes activities have been affected. "I am impressed by the spirit of give and take and steadfastness of our students and teachers in carrying out their mission even during curfew hours. The cooperation of our youth in nonviolent actions, together with the local civil society, was a new pillar in the mission of the Institute. One on-going project of the Institute is the Read, Reflect and Act Peace Spirituality programme. Groups choose a common theme and explore the way in which it is presented in theQuran and the Gospels. These inter-religious meetings help to strengthen faith and promote better understanding and inner peace for Muslims and Christians and who wish to serve their community." Pat Gaffney, General Secretary of Pax Christi said: "We are delighted to welcome Fuad. We understand he has had some problems in getting permission to leave Israel so his efforts are all the more appreciated. We look forward to seeking ways in which we might develop greater solidarity and co-operation with the work of the Institute." Pax Christi members from around the country will hear reports of the movement's work over the past year - including increased support for Peace Sunday and the interest and campaigning work that was generated around the Pax Christi Christian Declaration on Morality and Legality of War with Iraq. Bishop Malcolm McMahon OP, National President of Pax Christi, will celebrate Mass. The meeting is being held in the Grimshaw Room, Cathedral Hall, St Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham from 11.00 am - 4.00 pm. Source: Pax Christi