In this episode of the Touring the Holy Land Series, Jen has a conversation with Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Mae shares some of her transformative experiences traveling and leading trips in Palestine-Israel. She unpacks the role that privilege plays when foreigners travel to the region, emphasizing the cognitive dissonance that travelers often face when encountering conflicting narratives and the systemic injustices that Palestinians endure. Mae shares about how Churches for Middle East Peace facilitates Christian Holy Land pilgrimages, fostering transformative possibilities for Christian peacebuilding through multi-narrative trips that uplift diverse perspectives from Palestinians and Israelis.

In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Jennifer and Mae discuss the impact of Christian pilgrimage on Palestinian communities, highlighting both the economic and emotional significance of solidarity. To access this extended conversation and others, consider ⁠supporting us on Patreon⁠.

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Cannon formerly served as the senior director of Advocacy and Outreach for World Vision U.S. on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC; as a consultant to the Middle East for child advocacy issues for Compassion International in Jerusalem; as the executive pastor of Hillside Covenant Church located in Walnut Creek, California; and as director of development and transformation for extension ministries at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois. Cannon holds an MDiv from North Park Theological Seminary, an MBA from North Park University’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management, and an MA in bioethics from Trinity International University. She received her first doctorate in American History with a minor in Middle Eastern studies at the University of California (Davis) focusing on the history of the American Protestant church in Israel and Palestine and her second doctorate in Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Northern Theological Seminary. She is the author of several books including the award-winning Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps for a Better World and editor of A Land Full of God: Christian Perspectives on the Holy Land. Her work has been highlighted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, Chicago Tribune, Christianity Today, Leadership Magazine, The Christian Post, Jerusalem Post, EU Parliament Magazine, Huffington Post, and other international media outlets.

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Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.

Show Notes:

Vox article on the influence of the book Exodus by Leon Uris

CMEP Trips

CMEP Action alert

In this episode of the Touring the Holy Land Series, Jen has a conversation with Jer Swigart on immersive peacebuilding in the context of Israel-Palestine. In this conversation, Jer discusses the complexities of Christian tourism in Israel and Palestine, highlighting its role as a propaganda tool that often neglects the realities of the local communities. He emphasizes the importance of building deep, meaningful relationships with both Israeli and Palestinian kin to foster genuine peacemaking efforts, and how Global Immersion seeks to do this through immersion trips for Christian leaders. Jer shares personal experiences and insights on navigating the challenges of peacemaking, especially in light of recent conflicts. He advocates for local immersion and community engagement as vital components of social transformation, encouraging listeners to connect with marginalized communities in their own cities.

In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Jen and Jer chat about the intersections in peacebuilding work across the contexts of the U.S. Deep South, Northern Ireland, and Israel and Palestine. To access this extended conversation and others, consider ⁠supporting us on Patreon⁠.

Dr. Jer Swigart is the Co-Founding Executive Director of Global Immersion, a non-profit training organization and conflict consultancy that forms Everyday Peacemakers and Reconciling Leaders to mend divides. Whether on international battlefields, the divided streets of U.S. American cities, or in organizational and congregational boardrooms, Jer is adept at guiding immersive processes that transform constructed enemies into co-creating allies and forge conflict-competent leaders and teams.

He is a North American contributing member of the Reconcilers Together Alliance, a Pepperdine University Cross Sector Leadership Fellow, a Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow at the Hebrew College’s Miller Center of Interreligious Learning and Leadership, and on the Leadership Team of the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME). He holds an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Global Leadership from George Fox University. He’s the co-author of the award-winning book, Mending the Divides: Creative Love in a Conflict World (IVP, 2017), host of the Mending Divides Podcast, a leadership coach & conflict consultant, and a speaker and writer who regularly reflects on the intersection of faith, leadership, and peacemaking. He and his family live in Spokane, WA.

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Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.

Show Notes:

Global Immersion

Swigart and Huckins, Mending the Divides: Creative Love in a Conflicted World

Elizabeth Neumann, Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace

In this episode of Touring the Holy Land, Jen has a conversation with Sara Williams about the power dynamics of narratives surrounding the Holy Land and the emergence of solidarity tourism among American Christians. Sara shares a shift she has observed in her research from traditional pilgrimage models to a focus on witnessing marginalized communities, emphasizing the call to come and see as a transformative experience. Sara and Jen also discuss how liberation theology informs solidarity tourism, and the complex identities and experiences of Palestinians that travelers can encounter. Their conversation explores the transformative potential of these tours, the ethical implications of participants' experiences, and the necessity of acknowledging the multifaceted narratives of marginalized communities.

In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Jen and Sara discuss the transformative potential of “Come and See” tours and their invitation for travelers to engage in deeper reflexivity and genuine solidarity within Christian communities.

Sara A. Williams is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Fairfield University. Her scholarship examines possibilities for just relationships in contexts marked by asymmetries of power and privilege. Her research on this topic has spanned progressive American Christian Holy Land tourism and gentrifying post-industrial U.S. urban communities. Dr. Williams holds a PhD from Emory University, an MA in Religion from Yale Divinity School, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia.

If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide

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Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.

Show Notes:

Hillary Kaell, Walking Where Jesus Walked: American Christians and Holy Land Pilgrimage

Sara A. Williams and Roger Baumann, “Journeys to and among the Margins: Transnational Religio-Racial Identity on American Christian Palestinian Solidarity Tours”

Sara A. Williams, Moral Commodities and the Practice of Freedom”

Sara also recommends Roger Baumann’s book, Black Visions of the Holy Land: African American Christian Engagement with Israel and Palestine

In this episode of the Faith and Activism series, Abeer engages in a conversation with Rev. Dr. Sari Ateek to explore how theology, identity, and justice intersect in the life of a Palestinian Christian leader. They discuss Sari’s journey from Israel/Palestine to leading St. John’s Norwood Episcopal Church in Maryland, his commitment to inclusivity and radical generosity, and why he believes the true Christian message calls for the liberation of Palestinians.

Together, they reflect on the challenge of holding onto faith in a polarized world—and the spiritual responsibility to pursue justice not from a place of partisanship, but from a deep conviction that God is always on the side of the oppressed.

Rev. Dr. Sari Ateek is a Palestinian Christian pastor and the rector of St. John’s Norwood Episcopal Church in Maryland. Born and raised in Israel/Palestine, and the son of an Episcopal priest, Sari brings a rich depth of experience to his ministry. His leadership is marked by a commitment to inclusivity, justice, and spiritual generosity. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary.

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide

Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠

Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.

Show Notes:

St. John's Norwood Episcopal Church: https://stjohnsnorwood.org/

Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center: https://sabeel.org/visit-sabeel/

A Palestinian Theology of Liberation Book: https://www.amazon.com/Palestinian-Theology-Liberation-Palestine-Israel-Conflict/dp/1626982600

In this episode of the Touring the Holy Land series, Jen has a conversation with Michel Awad on the current state of tourism in Palestine-Israel and the challenges posed by mass pilgrimage tourism, which often disconnects visitors from the local community. Awad emphasizes the crucial role of church leaders in promoting a more balanced and informed approach to pilgrimage, encouraging visitors to engage with local Palestinians. He highlights the work of the Siraj Center in fostering alternative tourism that prioritizes community interaction and peace-building. Through personal stories and transformative experiences, Awad illustrates how tourism can serve as a tool for peace, urging visitors to approach their journeys with open hearts and minds.

In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Jen and Michel discuss how church leaders and individuals can engage in pilgrimage experiences centered on justice and cultivating relationships with Palestinian Christian communities. To access this extended conversation and others, consider ⁠supporting us on Patreon⁠.

Michel Awad is the founder and owner of Angels Tours and Travel and the co-founder of Siraj Center where he works as the executive director. He is the President of the Holy Land Tour Operator Association and executive board member of the Network of Palestinian Tourism. Michel was a member of the Steering Committee for the Palestinian Initiative for Responsible Tourism (PIRT). Michel was also a member of the Palestinian Task Force for post-COVID19 Recovery and a member of the Palestinian Tourism Ministry Consultant Council. He was an instructor in Tourism Management in Bethlehem University from 2003 until 2023.

Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠

Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.

Show Notes:Siraj Center- https://www.sirajcenter.org/index.php/en/

Michel’s Tour Company, Angel Tours & Travel- https://www.angels-tours.com/

For more on sustainable and culturally resilient Palestinian tourism, see https://hlitoa.com/

In this episode of the Touring the Holy Land series, Jen has a conversation with Raphael Greenberg, an Israeli archaeologist focused on the political implications of archaeology in Israel/Palestine. Raphael shares his personal journey into archaeology, highlighting the intersection of science and politics, particularly in the context of Israeli-Palestinian relations. He discusses the colonial roots of archaeology and its entanglement with tourism, emphasizing how narratives are shaped to fit ideological perspectives. The conversation also touches on the City of David, where archaeology is used to support settler politics, raising critical questions about cultural heritage, modern tourism, and the implications for local communities.

In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Jen and Raphael discuss the importance of critical awareness for visitors to consider the context and implications of what they see. Raphael also shares about the current realities of conflict in Israel-Palestine, the impact on tourism, and the importance of engaging with local organizations for peace and justice. To access this extended conversation and others, consider ⁠supporting us on Patreon⁠.

Dr. Raphael (Rafi) Greenberg is Professor of Archaeology at Tel Aviv University. His research has focused on the Bronze Age Levant and on the social and political entanglements of archaeology in Israel/Palestine. His most recent book, co-authored with Yannis Hamilakis, is Archaeology, Nation, and Race: Confronting the Past, Decolonizing the Future in Greece and Israel (Cambridge 2022). He also serves on the board of Emek Shaveh, an Israeli nonprofit devoted to heritage justice in Israel-Palestine.

If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide

Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠

Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.

-Neil Asher Silberman, Digging for God & Country

-Raphael Greenberg, Archaeology, Nation, and Race: Confronting the Past, Decolonizing the Future in Greece and Israel

-Emek Shaveh

-Rabbis for Human Rights

In this episode of the Faith and Activism series, Abeer has a conversation with Rev. Amy Graham about the transformative power of faith in driving justice and activism. They discuss Amy’s journey from West Virginia to co-founding The District Church in Washington, DC, and how her experiences in social work, pastoral ministry, and advocacy have shaped her understanding of the Gospel’s call to action. The conversation also highlights the role of faith communities in healing and advocacy, particularly in the context of Palestine, and the Church’s role in supporting justice and liberation for oppressed communities.

In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Abeer and Rev. Amy Graham discuss the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles within faith-based spaces. Amy offers advice on navigating the balance between pastoral leadership, activism, and personal growth, while fostering courage and perseverance in the face of doubt and fatigue. To access this extended conversation and others, consider supporting us on Patreon⁠⁠.

Rev. Amy Graham is one of the founding pastors of The District Church in Washington, DC. After receiving her Masters in Theological Studies from Golden Gate Seminary and her Masters in Social Work from Boston University, Amy has devoted her life to bringing the love and peace of Christ to desperate and dark places. She has worked as a pastor, counselor, social worker, and advocate for those in bondage to sin and those affected by the injustices of our world. From her trips leading groups to Israel/Palestine, the relationships that she has built, and the partnerships The District Church holds with those in the Holy Land, Amy has felt a particular call and burden to speak the truth in love on behalf of those suffering as a result of the genocide of the Palestinian people. Through her role as pastor, she has sought to support, encourage, and empower the voices of those living in the land.

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Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.

Show Notes:

https://districtchurch.org/

In episode 2 of the Touring the Holy Land series, Jen talks with historian Stephanie Stidham Rogers about the history of Protestant pilgrimage in Palestine. They discuss the historical context and cultural influences in the 19th century that shaped the phenomenon of Western Christian tourism in Palestine. Stephanie explains how American Protestants viewed the Holy Land as a "frontier" and the role that Orientalism played in shaping their understanding of the land of the Bible and the people who inhabited it.

In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Jen and Stephanie discuss more of Stephanie's own journey and the marginalization of research on the Holy Land in the early 2000s . To access this extended conversation and others, consider ⁠supporting us on Patreon⁠.

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Across the Divide partners with ⁠Peace Catalyst International⁠ to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.You can learn more and register for the March gathering hosted by Telos at telosgroup.org/gathering2025Stephanie Stidham Rogers is an author, independent scholar, humanities expert, and semi-retired University Professor. She resides in both Seattle and Tampa with her husband and family. Stephanie's Published Books:-Inventing the Holy Land : American Protestant pilgrimage to Palestine, 1865-1941 - ⁠https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780739148426/Inventing-the-Holy-Land-American-Protestant-Pilgrimage-to-Palestine-1865%E2%80%931941⁠ -Suffragist Migration West after Seneca Falls, 1848–1871 - ⁠https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004AO9MNS⁠