Shireen Awwad Hilal
Shireen Awwad Hilal lives in Palestine where she is a member of “In His Image” – a Palestinian – Israeli women Initiative that works for peace. Shireen is the Dean of Students at Bethlehem Bible College. She has a passion to work with students and educate them towards knowing their purpose in life as Christian youth. Shireen is also the coordinator of Musalaha women’s ministry. As part of her work with Musalaha she desires to see women leaders in the area who are educated and trained toward leadership, reconciliation, nonviolence, rights, and other issues that are essential in daily life especially in Palestine. Musalaha utilizes seminars, workshops, conferences, summer camps, dessert trips, and small community project to work towards these goals. Shireen holds a BA English Literature from Bethlehem University, an MA degree in Educational Administration from Texas A & M University and an MBA from Tel Aviv University – Israel. She and her very supportive husband have 3 children – Miron, Marcell, and Mae.
Gender, Justice, & Palestine: Christians, Muslims, & Jews Working toward Freedom & Liberation for All
This workshop will provide an overview of the history of the contemporary aspects of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and how it affects Christians in the region. Shireen Hilal Awad, a Palestinian Christian leader and dean of students at Bethlehem Bible College, will talk about Islam and extremism and what it means to be a Christian living in Bethlehem. In the midst of violent conflict and as two women directly engaged in peacebuilding, what does it mean to advocate for peace, justice, and reconciliation as women working in the land? Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon will provide a historical overview of the conflict and share her experience working in the region and mobilizing American Christians toward more holistic engagement. This conversation will focus on how American Christians and others can constructively contribute toward ending the occupation and working toward a just peace.