Reflections on my third Pilgrimage to the Holy Land by Zakir-Amin Ron Povich.
In early December 2022, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel and Palestine with The Abrahamic Reunion. The Abrahamic Reunion is an inspiration that came to our beloved friend on our path, Shahabuddin Less, over five decades ago when Murshid Sam shared his vision of peace in the Holy Land in a project called: “Hallelujah, the Three Rings.” For over twenty years, Shahabuddin and other visionaries from four faith traditions in Israel and Palestine, have been working tirelessly to make this vision of peace a reality. They are deeply informed by the teachings of Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan. A continually changing cast of peacemakers from the Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Druze communities have worked, prayed, and gathered in celebration together to exemplify the possibility of peace, friendship, mutual caring, and harmony.
On our pilgrimage, we were blessed to be guided by Shahabuddin and Sheikh Ghassan Manasra, the Abrahamic Reunion’s international director. As during my previous experiences, there were a small group of 15 – 20 pilgrims who participated to witness and support the ideal of, and efforts toward peace-building. We had the opportunity to deepen our awareness of the challenges and possibilities of peace work in “the Holy Land,” while deepening our friendships with our fellow pilgrims. As we traveled together to visit sites sacred to one or more of the four faith traditions, we also met and shared meals with local faith leaders who are working to achieve peace and harmony. Our journey culminated with a wonderful, well-attended “Peace Summit” in Nazareth.
I experienced deep feelings while in the presence of these wise, heartful, and spiritual people of different faiths and ethnicities in Israel and Palestine. I was particularly moved by their efforts to find what unites these human beings from different backgrounds—especially the youth who are working tirelessly for peace. They represent the future of this land, a future of knowing, respecting and connecting with people of other faiths, traditions and cultures.
The pace of our pilgrimage was not hurried, including ample time to absorb the sense of the land, the history, and the sacred places—such as the dargah of Rabi’a, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the western Wall of the Jewish Temple. On this trip, we visited Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth, among other places. We were continually inspired by our guides, and the amazing peace-builders to whom we were introduced, as well as other spiritual leaders who are engaged in peace-building, healing, and reconciliation. We had many opportunities for reflection—as well as contemplation and meditation—both individually, and with our group.
Travel to Israel and Palestine as pilgrimage involves supporting the peace process and the peacemakers by our presence, as well as on an inner level. We engaged in practice, prayer, and experiential learning together. The Abrahamic Reunion is about connection and subtle activism. This work occurs between people, below the “political radar” of the historical and inter-communal conflicts. It both includes and transcends visiting sacred sites, making deep connections, and experiencing the possibilities of love, harmony, and beauty. Please visit their website to learn more.
In Bethlehem, Palestine with Father Issa and Mohamad Jamous, (Palestinian director of the Abrahamic Reunion, front, next to Shahabuddin) at the Church of the Nativity.