Washington Report, March 2006, page 67

Waging Peace

Dumbarton Church Hosts Palestinian Ambassador, Photo Exhibit

DUMBARTON United Methodist Church in Washington, DC’s historic Georgetown neighborhood hosted a Dec. 17, 2005 reception to welcome Palestinian Ambassador Afif Safieh to Washington, DC and inaugurate a month-long photo exhibit by Michael Keating entitled: “Palestine: Struggling to Survive.” Members of Dumbarton’s congregation and their friends will be making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in March. The reception and photographs got everyone in the mood to join them.

More than 50 framed photos captured the spirit of Palestinians facing the occupation of their land with dignity, humor and even joy. (Many of Keating’s photos are featured in past issues of the Washington Report.) Scenes from the Palestinians’ struggle for a viable future state played across the walls of the stately church, which was a hospital during America’s Civil War.

After admiring the photos, conversing and snacking, the audience listened to Ambassador Safieh describe his meetings with members of President George W. Bush’s administration, as well as with community activists, church leaders and representatives of the media, businesses, and NGOs. Sharing his worries about the upcoming Palestinian elections, the ambassador said he hoped the United States would support democracy by pressuring Israel to stop harassing, killing and interfering with candidates and voters alike.

For more information, or to join Dumbarton’s pilgrimage, contact Rev. Doris E. Warrell at (202) 238-0245. To view photographs from “Struggling to Survive” visit <http://mkeating.com>. To contact Ambassador Afif Safieh call the PLO Mission in Washington, DC at (202) 974-6360.

         —Delinda C. Hanley

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