This week, I have the honor and privilege of sitting with Ihab and Ora Balha, a married couple from the Holy Land whose love crosses numerous divides to model a new possibility for union, courage, and reconciliation.
In this episode, Ihab tells the beautiful story of his past, starting with his father being the only one of his siblings to stay in Jaffa after the Nakba in 1948. He shares how he released the hate in his heart and ultimately found the love of his life.
Ora shares about the profound work that has come from wanting to raise their kids in a culture of peace and in an environment that values our shared humanity. She also lets us know how we can get involved in their growing movement.
Ihab and Ora’s love is a transcendent one – it bridges families, religions, lands, cultures, languages… and their non-profit, The Orchard of Abraham’s Children, was birthed out of this strong intention for peace in the Holy Land.
Today, the Orchard of Abraham’s Children is a growing network of nine bilingual kindergartens, an elementary school, a community center, and an interfaith spiritual home, that serves over 20,000 families and community members across the region and beyond.
You can learn more about the organization here: https://www.orchardofabrahamschildren.org/.
There is a link to donate on their website, and this link will take you directly to the donation page: https://www.orchardofabrahamschildren.org/copy-of-support-us
If this conversation impacted you, please share it with your friends and family!
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