The Third Annual ‘Jerusalem Hug’ event took place on June 21st, 2009, with over 800 people joining the event, including peacemakers from the Abrahamic Reunion. Groups met at 2 meeting points around the Old City Walls- ‘Shuk il Falahin’ above Damascus Gate and at the plaza outside Jaffa Gate.
The first group formed a human chain, then went down to the steps of the Damascus Gate, the second group focused around a ‘grandmother drum’ at Jaffa Gate. The two groups met, in the end, at the top of the Old City for a final drum and prayer circle.
Joining the event were Israelis, Palestinians and internationals. The ‘Hug’ event was covered by international media, including CNN.
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Ibrahim Abuelhawa organized a creative, artistic way to unite the adults and youth. They painted and marked their wishes for peace on a large white sheet. Eliyahu and Ibrahim painted their hands together
Hands held in prayer
Part of the human prayer chain around the Old City
After forming the chain around the Old City walls, the group then filled the steps of the Damascus Gate, also called Nablus Gate or Shaar Shechem
Children for the peace of Jerusalem
The now-covered “grandmother drum” in the closing circle
