Al-Liqa’ Center

Wednesday Evening Forum
3 August 2007

International Visitors to Al-Liqa’ Center

August 2007

Al-Liqa’ Center hosted an Italian group affiliated with Pax Christi on 3 August 2007 led Fr. Nandino. Dr. Adnan Musallam and Mr. Musa Darwish welcomed the visitors. Both introduced the various activities of the Center focusing on the concept of Christian-Muslim dialogue in the Holy Land which is closely associated with “shared living” and national unity.

Al-Liqa’ Center was visited by another group affiliated with Pax Christi and led by Fr. Nandino on 13 August 2007. Dr. Geries Khoury and Mr. Musa Darwish introduced the various activities on Al-Liqa’. Dialogue ensued in which Dr. Khoury and Mr. Darwish answered questions concerning shared living between Muslims and Christians. Both stressed the special circumstances in Palestine in which shared living and Christian Muslim solidarity are important aspects. Concerning Christian emigration, both stressed that the main causes have to do with Israeli occupation which has destroyed infrastructure and did not allow local industries to develop. These policies led to unemployment and to emigration to the Americas, Australia and Europe in search of a better life. Both also stressed that the emigration of both Christians and Muslims from Palestine is a very serious matter. Therefore, hard work is needed to stop the phenomenon of emigration which empties the land from its original inhabitants.