Two representatives from the Jerusalem International YMCA, Raed Abu Leil and Hannah Rendell, visit the CYMCA in Red Bank on November 11 for a special free public discussion.

Press release from The Community YMCA

The current situation in the city of Jerusalem — and the important work of the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY) towards conflict mitigation — will be the topic of a public-welcome discussion, hosted on Friday, November 11 at The Community YMCA  Family Health and Wellness Center in Red Bank.

Scheduled for 7 p.m. inside the facility’s gymnasium, the free presentation will feature two guest speakers with experience and expertise in fostering a better and more peaceful Jerusalem, and who are passionate about the importance of shared positive experiences between Israeli and Palestinian communities.

A Jewish Israeli, Hannah Rendell is the Director of Development at the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY). Hannah moved to Jerusalem from Beer Sheva in the South of Israel, where she had previously worked in the field of conflict mitigation at Hagar; Jewish/Arab Education for Equality. Hannah’s children attended one of few bilingual Arab/Jewish schools in Israel, and she brings to this presentation her own personal experiences and perspective on the mission of the JIY in serving its community.

Raed Abu Leil, a Palestinian Christian who was born and raised in East Jerusalem, is the General Manager at the YMCA Three Arches Hotel. Raed joined the JIY in 2006, when he started to work as a waiter in the restaurant. During his employment at the JIY, Raed has worked in every department of the organization from Accounting to Youth, and now holds the responsibility of both the hotel and restaurant. Raed has been an integral part of JIY’s growth over the last decade and has a special connection with its mission and vision for a better and peaceful Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem International YMCA has been serving the people of Jerusalem for over 133 years, facilitating peaceful coexistence between its communities.  A meeting ground and conference center for people from all backgrounds and nationalities, coming together to discuss issues of shared concern, the JIY is a safe haven in the complex region, celebrating what unites us, while also respecting what makes us all different. The Jerusalem International YMCA provides a model for how diversity strengthens us all. The future can be different because of what is happening at the Jerusalem International YMCA today.

For more information on the November 11 event, email information@cymca.org or call (732)671-5505, ext. 131.