For many years you have heard of the plight of the Palestinian people and you think you have a picture of what is, or has been going on. And then you read a book like this ... a game changer.
Elias Chacour grew up a Christian Palestinian, next to Jews, in Palestine, and they all got along. And then came 1948 when the powers of the world concluded a Zionist plan that was hatched before the turn of the century, to establish the nation of Israel.
At this point one would expect to hear ranting and railing against the Jews, but not so. Elias was heavily influenced by his peace loving father to find reconciliation in the midst of conflict and it inspired him to go into the ministry, and become a peacemaker.
The book tells of his early struggles as a young man to come to terms with the injustice all around him, and his strong Christian belief that love and peace are the only way to respond. His many accomplishment to date are a testament to his commitment to the fulfilling of that desire.
This book is an eye opener as well as an inspiration for hope. Conflict, violence, and war only fosters more of the same. The cycle has to be broken. People everywhere just want to be left alone in peace, but the leaders of this world, in their clamouring for more territory, or more power, prevent this from happening. Through his life's work, Elias has shown that there is a better way and he has blazed a trail for all to follow. (He has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize)
3 1/2 stars
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