Salem Church To Host Nazareth Peacebuilder, Musician For 2 Sessions

SALEM, MA — Grace Episcopal Church in Salem will host international peacemaker and musician Abed Manasra for two community events on Monday.

Manasra will lead a noontime luncheon and return for a public presentation at 7 p.m. at the church on Essex Street.

Manasra is from Nazareth in the Galilee region of Israel. 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 dedicated strictly to the study and promotion of peace.

Manasra said he has committed his life to grassroots diplomacy since high school while working in a region marked by long-standing conflict. 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," Manasra said, "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."

In addition to his speaking work, Manasra is 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.

The noontime luncheon is $5 with space limited. An RSVP is required to office@gracechurchsalem.org.

The 7 p.m. presentation is free and open to the public, with donations accepted.