ELCJHL Director of Education Dr. Charlie D. Haddad recently addressed the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages at George Mason University of Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.A., on the topic of peace education.
In his Feb. 7 address, Haddad described the school’s efforts to integrate peace education and interfaith dialogue into the curriculum. Haddad explained the steps the ELCJHL is taking to respond to deteriorating socio-economic conditions, declining income and increasing fanaticism in the region. Haddad was encouraged by the response to his message.
“Many of the attendants who are TESOL teachers have already contacted me by e-mail since the conference expressing interest in doing twinning programs, exchanges and pen-pal correspondence with our schools,” Haddad said. Some expressed interest in volunteering in ELCJHL schools and TESOL president Dr. Shelly Wong invited Haddad to join the organization.
A day earlier, Haddad met with congressional aids in Washington, D.C. He said his message there was that “most Palestinians want real peace where Palestinians and Israelis can again live together as good neighbors,” but that measures by the Israeli government are “widening the gap between Israelis, Palestinians and also the West!” Haddad was accompanied by Pastor Russ Siler, who formerly served as pastor for the ELCJHL’s English-speaking congregation in Jerusalem.