Muna Nassar is one of 14 International Peacemakers coming to the U.S. this fall
by Kathy Melvin | Presbyterian News Service
Muna Nassar
LOUISVILLE — As a young Palestinian Christian woman living in the occupied West Bank, Muna Nassar sees those around her losing hope each day. But hope is just what she wants to talk about when she joins 13 other international peacemakers traveling the U.S. this fall speaking to congregations, mid-councils and educational institutions as part of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
Nassar is project coordinator of Kairos Palestine, a Christian Palestinian movement born out of the Kairos document, which advocates for ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just solution to the conflict.
The Kairos document states that the military occupation of Palestinian land constitutes a sin and that any theology that legitimizes the occupation and justifies crimes perpetrated against the Palestinian people is not in line with Christian teaching. It urges the international community to stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle against oppression and displacement and advocates for non-violent resistance. Learn more by clicking here.
“Kairos” is the Greek word for “an opportune or decisive moment.” The Kairos Palestine document was issued at an international conference in Bethlehem in December 2009. Another Kairos Document sparked worldwide debate over the policies of apartheid when it was issued by South African theologians in 1985.
“The deteriorating situation is the main reason why Palestinians are losing hope with each passing day,” Nassar said. “Kairos is the uniting voice of all churches because united is stronger than divided. Through its message of faith, hope and love, Kairos became the resource for all the people to come back to and get their source of wisdom and inspiration. Kairos became the voice encouraging us to have hope and to remain faithful to this land.”
Nassar said the launch of Kairos Palestine has grown into a national and international solidarity movement that has promoted understanding of the Palestinian plight. She says it’s a way for Christian Palestinians to be heard and to reach new audiences with their story.
Through Kairos Palestine, Nassar said she is working toward gaining hope, something that previous generations may have lacked.
“I am participating in the International Peacemakers Program because it is crucial at these times to keep our voice heard against all odds to try and silence us, dehumanize us and paralyze us,” she said. “But our voice should continue to be heard, reflecting the message of hope in the Palestinian context, not only the oppressed message,” she said.
The 2019 International peacemakers will be in the U.S. from Sept. 13 to Oct. 7.
Click here for the application to host a Peacemaker.
Read more:
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She works to bring healing to those around her
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