Page 54 - Holyland Magazine - 2018 Edition
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A living community Shadi Khalloul leads a group of pastors
of ancient faith on a tour of the ruins of Bar’am
Synagogue in Khartoum Bar’am Israel.
Christians reviving the language of Jesus in Gush Halav, Israel Photos: Jeremy Del Rio
TVivian Hughbanks encounter the land—and more significantly, While many tours of the Holy Land are limited
wilight silhouettes a skyline of crosses its people—is a vital aspect of this work. to holy sites and historical preserves, genuine
and minarets as a tour bus jostles into connection with Israel’s diverse people is the
the Israeli town of Gush Halav, three The bus comes to a stop, and travelers trademark of any trip with the Philos Project.
kilometers south of the Lebanese disembark to a warm welcome and a While walking the very ground where Biblical
border. Nestled in Israel’s lush delicious home-cooked meal with the local figures lived is essential, a journey through
northern hill country, Gush Halav is home to community. Shadi Khalloul, a leader of the Israel would be remiss without the traveler
a community of Christians who are working Aramean community and a fellow of the Philos connecting with one of the most ancient
to rediscover Aramaic identity and revive the Project, shares the story of his rediscovery Christian presences in the world.
ancient language of Syriac-Aramaic—the Aramean culture and identity. Shadi invites
language spoken by Jesus Christ. the tour group into his elaborately decorated Aramean Christians are a Semitic people
church, where he shares touchstones of his descended from the very first Christians
Thousands of Christians have been brought Aramean heritage. Standing before a vibrant evangelized by the Apostles. Their liturgy
to Gush Halav by the Philos Project in the fresco of the Lord poised above a crucifix, and scripture remains read and recited in
past three years to meet and learn from this Shadi begins to teach the travelers the ancient Aramaic to this day. Shadi shows his
Aramean community. The Philos Project is Lord’s Prayer in Jesus’ Aramean tongue. visitors the family’s Bibles—each more than
an organization that promotes engagement 500 years old—and allows them to literally
by Western Christians with the Middle East. “Abwoon d'bashmaya,” Shadi begins. hold the roots of their Christian faith in their
Bringing Western Christians to Israel to “Netqaddash shmak. Teete malkutah...” hands. It is a moment of profound biblical
heritage and spiritual significance.
The Philos Project works to build values-
based friendships between East and West
that yield benefits for both sides. Philos
brings groups of thought leaders, journalists,
policymakers, and church leaders to connect
with the roots of Judeo-Christian heritage,
to develop a nuanced understanding the
Middle East’s complexities, and to identify
those in the region who share our values.
Shadi Khalloul holds his family’s The Holy Land is the cradle of Christianity,
500-year-old Bible as he teaches and there is no place like Gush Halav for
a group of pastors how to recite Christian pilgrims to encounter their most
the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, the ancient brothers and sisters, and partake in
language of Jesus the truly incredible communion of faith.
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