Join us for our 5th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference
Under the Auspices, and with Participation of,
His Excellency Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah

Diaspora Palestinians have built impressive and successful careers in academia, the arts, business, politics, science and technology. There is an immeasurable wealth of collective knowledge, expertise and creativity among them, and their contributions to the world have been among the most influential of our time. In spite of their numbers and talent, Palestinians in the Diaspora have remained fragmented from Palestinians in the homeland. Now, more than ever, Palestine needs its people to UNITE in common cause to support Palestinians everywhere to grow and flourish—to show the world the real size and power of Palestine.

Our 5^th Palestinian Diaspora Annual Conference will bring together Palestinians from all over the world to learn about how they can become actively involved in fostering a robust and flourishing Palestinian nation.

 This year, in celebration of our 5^th anniversary, the conference will offer a dynamic, engaging and memorable program, beginning with a Welcoming Banquet on July 12^th and culminating in General Assembly on July 13^th. Conference attendees will:

• Hear from Palestinian dignitaries about the key challenges facing Palestine
• Learn about Diaspora initiatives already underway and find out how to get involved
• Build relationships with Diaspora Palestinians from around the world
• Experience the power of Palestinian arts and culture through exhibits and performances

The 5^th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference offers a unique opportunity to unite Palestinians as one nation for the advancement of the Palestinian cause and the development of a strong, autonomous Palestinian nation. The conference will serve as a first step for all Palestinians to meet, dialogue and work together for the common good of all Palestinians, regardless of where they reside.

Do not miss this opportunity to COME HOME for what promises to be one of the most important congregations of Diaspora ever to gather in Palestine

Note: If you participate in the Homecoming Journey,  the KTH Journey, or if you become a sponsor, your conference registration is complimentary.

BUILDING MOMENTUM, BUILDING THE FUTURE:

The concept for the Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference first emerged from HCEF’s Know Thy Heritage (KTH) program, which, every year, brings young professional Diaspora Palestinians from around the world to visit Palestine and reconnect with their roots. These young people represent professions that are highly needed in Palestine, and who are ready to contribute their talent and skills to the Palestinian cause. The incredible enthusiasm of our first KTH cohort is what inspired HCEF to launch the conference as a way to unite Palestinians from around the globe in dialogue and common cause. Since our inaugural year in 2012, the conference has only grown in number and popularity.

This year, by popular demand, HCEF will add a new initiative to these stellar precedents,  launching our first ever Homecoming Journey to Palestine. The Homecoming Journey will expand upon our KTH Program by hosting established Diaspora Palestinians and their families for an intimate tour of our homeland. Both the 2016 Homecoming Journey to Palestine and the 2016 KTH Journey will culminate in the 5^th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference on July 12-13, 2016.

OBJECTIVES:

• BRIDGE the divide between Palestinians and the Diaspora in order to unite in a common vision for OUR nation
• CONNECT Diaspora Palestinians to each other to foster collaborative relationships for the betterment of Palestinians wherever they reside
• INSPIRE active involvement  in the development of Palestine
• HIGHLIGHT the size and power of the global Palestine nation and emphasize that EVERYONE has the power to affect change
• UNITE regionally-oriented coalitions of Diaspora organizations and institutions in dialogue
• MOBILIZE Diaspora and Palestinian media outlets to work together to globally disseminate information about Palestine and its Diaspora
• PARTICIPATE  in building the infrastructure of the State of Palestine

Join us for a Homecoming Journey to Palestine and the Holy Land
8th – 16th of July, 2016

Through this Homecoming Journey, you will reconnect with your past and rediscover your heritage. This trip is about you and your history. It is about coming home to a culture that you belong to. Join us as we explore the land of our ancestors and the spiritual sites important to us all. You will be moved and inspired by the land, but more importantly, you will connect with the people—your Palestinian family. This is your opportunity to come home. Through this Journey, you will:

• Explore your Palestinian heritage in a safe and encouraging atmosphere
• Participate in the 5th Annual International Diaspora Conference
• Experience the beauty and diversity of Palestine’s landscape
• Gain access to exclusive sites not offered anywhere else
• Participate in social and cultural events with local families
• Learn about Palestine’s fascinating history
• Hear from inspiring local and global leaders working for justice, peace and reconciliation
• Connect to your people and your land in a life-changing way
• And much more…

We can also arrange for you to extend your stay beyond the organized journey to personally explore your roots!

The Mission of KTH is to empower Palestinian youth in the Diaspora by strengthening their Knowledge of their Palestinian Identity, culture, history, and traditions, as well as their understanding of Palestinian economic environment, political landscape, social structures and conditions. “Visit and Live Palestine” provides them with the necessary tools and skills to remain in continuous connection with their roots, heritage and homeland.

This unique program is supported by prominent Palestinians and businessmen from around the world and across a broad spectrum of society. HCEF and its partners launched KTH as a pilot project in the summer of 2011 for a Delegation of 33 Palestinian-American youth living in the United States. KTH was an eye-opening and life-changing experience for these young men and women. With their continued support, the program will continue to expand to include Palestinian Youth all over the world.

PROGRAM DATES and COMMITMENTS:

• July 6 – July 23, 2016
• Delegates are responsible for round-trip airfare with the group from Washington, D.C. (for North American Delegates) to Amman, Jordan. Delegates are also responsible for registration fees of $300 USD (NOTE:  Airfare is contingent upon airline-imposed fuel surcharges. Interested youth are encouraged to apply speedily to avoid increased fuel surcharges)
• HCEF covers all other expenses
• Delegates are required to volunteer to effectively promote, sustain and grow the KTH Program following their return from Palestine. This commitment includes specific time contributions and participation in relevant events.

PROGRAMS ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

• Tour museums and cultural centers
• Host and participate in folkloric and cultural nights.
• Worship and explore the importance of Holy Places.
• Visit the various cities of Palestine.
• Host meetings with and attend lectures by political, religious, civic leaders and opinion makers within the Palestinian community.
• Learn about various business and technological initiatives.
• Visit Palestinian universities and youth centers.
• Join various established youth activities, such as summer camps
• Visit with local Palestinian families.
• Engage in special events.
• Have fun days while participants explore their country.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Youth will discover the nature and beauty of Palestine.
• Youth will enjoy several days being immersed in the rich culture and heritage of Palestine.

HCEF President met with Mr. M. Khalil Yahya, President of the French-Palestinian Businessmen’s Club

During his recent business tour in Paris, France, HCEF President and CEO, Rateb Y. Rabie, KCHS, met with Mr. M. Khalil Yahya, President of Club d’Hommes d’affaires Franco Palestinien (French-Palestinian Businessmen’s Club—CRFP). CRFP agreed to send a special delegation of French-Palestinian business people to participate in the 5th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference set to take place in Ramallah, Palestine July 12-13, 2016. Both Mr. Rabie and Mr. Yahya left the meeting invigorated by the prospect of a deepening relationship between CRFP and HCEF, signaling the Palestinian Diaspora’s growing interest in supporting Palestine’s economic growth and development. To learn more about the 5th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference, please visit: https://kthps.org/diaspora-palestinian-annual-conference/

HCEF President met with Know Thy Heritage 2012 Alumna, Hanadi Khalil who is French-Palestinian

During his visit, Sir Rabie met with Know Thy Heritage (KTH) 2012 Alumna, Hanadi Khalil. Hanadi, who is French-Palestinian, expressed her deep to gratitude for HCEF’s KTH Program, citing that the experience changed her life, leading her to become more active in her support of Palestine. Hanadi will be drawing on her new found activism by helping to organize HCEF’s KTH Reunion, which will coincide with the 5th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference in Ramallah, Palestine, July 12-13, 2016. To learn more about the KTH Reunion and the 5th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference, please visit: https://kthps.org/diaspora-palestinian-annual-conference/

 

HCEF President visits Spain to promote Homecoming Journey to Palestine

Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS, HCEF President/CEO, meet with the Palestinian Ambassador to Spain, Mr. Musa Odeh, the vice President of the General Union of the Palestinian Communities in Europe, Mr. Marwan Burini and other members of the Palestinian community. He promoted the new initiative, Homecoming Journey to Palestine and the Holy Land, which brings Palestinians of all ages back to Palestine. This program reconnect Palestinians with one another from all over the world, empowering them to bring positive change to their people and state. If you are Palestinian, join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity! You can learn moreand sign up here: https://holylandtours.ps/pilgrimages/lsp-2016-06/

HCEF to bring together hundreds of Palestinians from the Diaspora

The Holy Land Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) is now prepping for the National Conference for the Palestinian youth in the Diaspora, as part of the Know Thy Heritage program that is taking place for the fifth consecutive year now. CEO and Founder of HCEF, Sir Rateb Rabie told PNN that this year’s program will include 200 Palestinian  youths and their parents coming from 15 countries all over the world. The old  delegates who have been part of the KTH program have been attracting new participants to take place over the past four years in order to create bonds between Palestinians and their roots. Click here to read all the article on PNN Website.

 

Giving Plan and Benefits

Your sponsorship of the 5^TH Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference will allow Palestinians to UNITE in common cause to build the State of Palestine—to show the world the real people and power of Palestine.

Key of Palestine Giving Circle $15,000+

• Complimentary Homecoming Journey and Conference Registration for ten people
• Complimentary reserved table at the Banquet for ten guests
• Invitation to private, post-conference networking event
• Full-page color ad or salutation in the Conference Programs book at the 5^th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference
• Recognition as Key of Palestine Giving Circle sponsor from the podium
• Receive personalized gift: “Key of Palestine”
• Logo recognition on Conference website including web link
• Logo on Conference Banner
• Branding at the event (rolling power-point presentation during breaks)
• Exposure in program e-newsletter
• Promotion as a major conference sponsor via media and press outlets
• Display your brochure and other printed material at a conference promotional table
• Sponsor designation on Conference name badge
• Five complimentary VIP cards granting free admission to the Bethlehem Museum and 15% discounts at the Museum’s Al Khan Gift Shop and Al Karmeh Restaurant for one year.

Note: As a Key of Palestine Giving Circle sponsor, you will receive a complimentary invitation to the HCEF 18^th International Conference in Washington, DC (October 13-15, 2016). Additional benefits include:

• Ten complimentary tickets to the conference
• Complimentary reserved table at the Awards Banquet for ten people
• Full-page color ad or salutation in the Conference program for the HCEF 18^th International Conference in Washington, DC

Jerusalem Giving Circle $10,000

• Complimentary Homecoming Journey and Conference Registration for two people
• Complimentary reserved table at the Banquet for ten guests
• Full-page color ad or salutation in the Conference Programs for both the 5^th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference and the HCEF 18^th International Conference in Washington, DC
• Recognition as a Jerusalem Giving Circle sponsor from the podium
• Receive personalized gift: “Key of Palestine”
• Logo recognition on Conference website including web link
• Logo on Conference Banner
• Branding at the event (rolling power-point presentation during breaks)
• Exposure in program e-newsletter
• Promotion as a major conference sponsor via media and press outlets
• Display your brochure and other printed material at a conference promotional table
• Sponsor designation on Conference name badge
• Five complimentary VIP cards granting free admission to the Bethlehem Museum and 15% discounts at the Museum’s Al Khan Gift Shop and Al Karmeh Restaurant for one year

Note: As a Jerusalem Giving Circle sponsor, you will receive a complimentary invitation to the HCEF 18^th International Conference in Washington, DC (October 13-15, 2016). Additional benefits include:

• Six complimentary tickets to the conference
• Complimentary reserved table at the Awards Banquet for 10 people
• Full-page color ad or salutation in the Conference program for the HCEF 18^th International Conference in Washington, DC

Olive Tree Giving Circle $5,000

• Two Banquet tables named in honor of your family, company or organization
• Complimentary Preferred seating for two at the Awards Banquet
• Half-page color ad or salutation in the Conference program
• Recognition as an Olive Tree Giving Circle sponsor
• Receive personalized gift: “Key of Palestine”
• Logo recognition on Conference website with web link
• Logo on Conference Banner
• Branding at the event (rolling power-point presentation during breaks)
• Exposure in program e-newsletter
• Promotion as a major conference sponsor via media and press outlets
• Brochure included in conference packet (if applicable)
• Display your brochure and other printed material at a conference promotional table
• Sponsor designation on Conference name badge
• Two complimentary VIP cards granting free admission to the Bethlehem Museum and 5% discounts at the Museum’s Al Khan Gift Shop and Al Karmeh Restaurant for one year

Note: As an Olive Tree Giving Circle sponsor, you will receive a complimentary invitation to the HCEF 18^th International Conference in Washington, DC (October 13-15, 2016). Additional benefits include:

• Four complimentary tickets to the conference
• Complimentary reserved seats at the Awards Banquet for four people
• Half-page color ad or salutation in the Conference program for the HCEF 18^th International Conference in Washington, DC

Heritage Giving Circle $2,500

• One Banquet table named in honor of your family, company or organization
• Complimentary preferred seating for two at the Awards Banquet
• Quarter-page color ad or salutation in the Conference Program for the 5^th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference
• Logo recognition on Conference website with web link
• Receive personalized gift: “Key of Palestine”
• Logo on Conference Banner
• Display your brochure and other printed material at a conference promotional table
• Two complimentary VIP cards granting free admission to the Bethlehem Museum and 5% discounts at the Museum’s Al Khan Gift Shop and Al Karmeh Restaurant for one year

You can also support the 5th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference by making one of the following donations:

$1500     Sponsor a program participant from the Diaspora
$300       Have a Banquet table named after your family
$200       Have a photo/name/logo of your family displayed on our Diaspora Giving Wall to be exhibited for 6 months at the Bethlehem Museum
$100       Purchase an ad in the 5th Annual Palestinian Diaspora Conference Program

 

HCEF is a charitable non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization committed to replace despair with HOPE, fear with human SECURITY and humiliation with DIGNITY”

Homecoming Diaspora Hotels