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The ATD Symposium can be an opportunity to bring people together, build bridges, heal wounds and affirm that our mutual survival is in each other’s hands and hearts. There are shared challenges we face as a species, and the message of a sustainable, just and fulfilling future speaks to people across borders and even in the face of war.
A group of committed facilitators in Israel is embracing the Symposium in just this way. Earlier this month, they held the country’s biggest symposium to date with 50 committed and excited participants. This is not just the story of one Symposium; it is the story of an emerging movement toward peace.
A Sacred Setting for Israel’s Largest Symposium
The Symposium was held in a magical place called the Fairy's Forest in the Carmel Mountain, a popular site for sacred events and spiritual work.
Seven months ago this area suffered the biggest fire in the history of Israel, one that took 44 lives and destroyed over 1,000 acres of natural forest. Burned trees at the edge of the Fairy's Forest show how close the fire came, but for some miraculous reason, the flames could not invade further..
We had the most wonderful Eagle & Condor experience in this beautiful and protected space!
There were some technical challenges, of course. Even though we had the Hebrew subtitles ready, the computer could not read the files and we had to do the video portion in English only. The screen itself had to be tied to a rock to make sure it would not fly away during the event. The Symposium purpose was attached to a tree.
Growing in Israel, Looking Toward Palestine
In spite of these details, all together we had a powerful and special Symposium that has opened many new doors for the ATD message in Israel. We had five Palestinian friends join the event and we are already trying to see how soon we can bring the Symposium there.
In the meantime, it’s full speed ahead, with two Symposia already scheduled in Tel-Aviv and Pardes Hana, as well as two Facilitator Trainings, one coming on July 28th-30 in Cesarea.
As always, we wish to express our deep gratitude to our fellow ATD Facilitators and Program Team for all the love, support and inspiration.
