A Somber Anniversary

June 2007 marked the 40th anniversary of the 1967 War between Israel and Egypt, Syria and Jordan. In commemoration, the Israel-Palestine NGO Working Group at the U.N. (currently co-chaired by the Presbyterian U.N. Office) hosted a screening of the film Encounter Point on June 6. This documentary tells the stories of a former Israeli settler, a Palestinian ex-prisoner, a bereaved Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian, who is also a bereaved brother, who risk their lives and public standing to promote a nonviolent end to the conflict. An open discussion on hopes for peace in the region and humanitarian updates followed. A worship service at the Church Center for the U.N. in New York was held on June 6 to witness to the pain and suffering that continues to affect Israelis and Palestinians living in the context of occupation. Encounter Point is available on DVD for private viewing. Information on how to arrange public screenings is available from the producers.