A chance to experience the creative, peacemaking spirit of Sheikh Abed Manasra; the soulful genius of Stu Dias; and the heartfelt voice of Brennan Whaley! An intimate concert Saturday night, with no tickets or charge! Come to be inspired!
Who is Abed Manasra?
Sheikh Abed Manasra is from Nazareth in the Galilee region of Israel/Palestine. He says he represents the third generation of spiritual masters in his family within the Sufi Qadiri Tariqa As-Salaam, described as a branch of Sufism/Islam dedicated strictly to the study and promotion of peace. His father Ghassan has been to Durham twice these past several years, sharing the family's commitment to reconciliation in this heartbreaking season of war and genocide.
In addition to his speaking work, Sheikh Abed is also an oud player. The oud is a traditional Middle Eastern short-necked lute. He uses music as a core mechanism for reconciliation in times of division and uses the instrument to engage young people through his Young Peacebuilders Training Program.
Abed says that he committed his life to grassroots diplomacy in high school while working in a region marked by long-standing conflict and oppression. He serves as the interfaith dialogue expert for Rising Tide International and the Israel programs manager for the Abrahamic Reunion, a nonprofit organization focused on building sustainable peace among the diverse faith communities of the Holy Land.
"Given the difficult circumstances we are facing today in the world, and especially in the Holy Land," he says, "our great responsibility compels us to work hard for a better future for all of us — a future in which we live in safety, peace, and love, and reject hatred, aggression, wars, and extremism."
