ROTARY LUNCHEON: Jerusalem Peacebuilders

Learn about Jerusalem Peacebuilders and the EXCEL teachers' program, a new grant partner for the Rotary Club of San Francisco. Today's speakers (Rev. Canon Porter and Dr. Elias Farah) will also touch upon the current conflict in Israel.

A two-time graduate from Yale University, Rev. Canon Porter holds advanced degrees in Middle East Studies, Theology, War Studies, and Conflict Transformation. The former International Chaplin to the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Rev. Porter also teaches at St. Nersess Armenian Orthodox Seminary, serves on the board of the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that supports 36 different hospitals, schools, orphanages, and training-centers in Jerusalem and the Holy Lands, and provides leadership service to the Order of St. John, the largest provider of ophthalmic health care in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. The hallmark of his global ministry in London, Paris, Geneva, Jerusalem, and the United States has been the promotion of education and healthcare essential to human progress and interfaith understanding. In 2008, Rev. Porter was made a Knight in the Order of St. John by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II for his work supporting healthcare in Jerusalem. In 2016, Dwight Hall at Yale University awarded him the Curran Prize for distinguished public service for his contributions to peace and leadership education among youth.

Dr. Elias Farah is the CEO of Retorika for Multiculturalism, an organization that creates opportunities for dialogue among young people and educators from diverse backgrounds in Israel through science, debate, and English. Dr. Farah is the co-founder of the EXCEL teacher training program. He holds a teaching position in English at St. Joseph Seminary & High School in Nazareth, and he is also a lecturer in the English Department at Oranim Academic College of Education. His specific area of research is ethnic-American literature. Dr. Farah is the director of the second largest Model UN conference in Israel. In 2017, Dr. Farah received the Rothschild Prize for Education in the Israeli Knesset. He has recently been named by Oranim Academic College of Education as one of its 70 graduates that has left an imprint on Israeli society.

Jerusalem Peacebuilders (www.jerusalempeacebuilders.org) programs – including EXCEL – are developed and informed by its Founder and Executive Director, The Rev. Canon Nicholas Porter. Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB) is a non-profit organization that partners with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim educators to provide Middle Eastern adults and youth with the skills, relationships, and confidence they need to be effective leaders and change agents. Jerusalem Peacebuilders operates 49 humanitarian projects and educational programs in Israel, Palestine, Europe, and the United States.

Register here for In Person or Zoom attendance.

For in-person attendees: We welcome all attendees! The in-person registration cost for all adults and children is $45 until 11:59 AM on Friday, May 10, 2024. The meeting cost increases to $60 at noon and beyond on May 10, 2024 and includes any walk-ins on Tuesday, May 14.

The Hotel Nikko holds us to the headcount that we submit on Friday at noon, prior to our Tuesday meeting, whether those registered attend or not. In Rotary spirit, thanks for helping us to maintain a good relationship with our host hotel. 

For attendance via Zoom: For those who wish to participate via Zoom, there is a $10 fee to attend.

Parking: If you are driving to the Hotel Nikko for this meeting, please leave your car with the Hotel Nikko valet. Pick up a validation sticker available at our check-in table. The discounted parking is $17.50 for three hours.

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