I am writing to you from the Holy City of Jerusalem, where my official visit has begun in the most extraordinary way.
Last evening, Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz and I were deeply honoured to gather for dinner at the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.
Around the table were:
- His Eminence Patriarch Attallah – Head of the Greek Orthodox Christians in Palestine and the Holy Land
- Father David Steffy The cultural Attache for the Vatican in the Holy Land and the Head of Notre Dame.
- Mohamed Hamed – Founder of the Mariam Foundation (fighting cancer in Palestinian children)
For years I have been profoundly inspired by His Eminence’s nationalistic spirit and his unwavering stand for Palestinian human rights, dignity and freedom. It was a deep honour to finally meet him in person. He graciously thanked Timothy and me for our advocacy for Palestine and the Palestinian people.
I was moved to present His Eminence with a photograph from Shawky’s Archives — alongside the immortal words of my dear friend, the late poet Mahmoud Darwish:
“On This Land We Deserve to Live”
The magical evening concluded on the rooftop of Notre Dame, gazing out over the breathtaking lights of Jerusalem at night.
CIDO’s work continues this week:
- Mariam Foundation donation presentation
- Finalizing six Schmalz sculpture locations in Bethlehem (10 years in the making)
- Prosthetics & rehabilitation partnership with HI Canada
- iPads for 170 students with disabilities in Nazareth
- Official meetings with Canadian Representatives and Ambassadors
- Canadian-Palestinian Cultural Day, Bethlehem (February 11)
Canada has a huge role to play in advancing peace and development in Palestine. CIDO is proud to be that bridge.