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    Overview Walking side by side. Sharing a meal and a story. Learning through this simple exchange of hospitality that, no matter what divides us, what unites us is far greater still. The ancient path of Abraham the Friend – the Masar Ibrahim al Khalil – invites us to set out, in a spirit of friendship, on a journey through the heart of the Middle East to remember our common origins, respect our differences, and recognize our shared humanity. The story of Abraham is humanity’s most widely shared origin story, reminding us of the scientific and spiritual truth that we are all one family. The Masar Ibrahim al Khalil is a cultural route that retraces the remembered journey of Abraham and his family through the cradle of civilization four thousand years ago. The Masar (Arabic for path) connects many of the world’s most fabled and cherished destinations, ultimately spanning ten countries. The Masar is at once a network of ancient walking paths, a place of courageous encounter across cultures, and an open-air university where people, young and old, can rediscover what connects us all. What are the intended benefits of the path? In the genuine encounter of guests and hosts in dozens of villages along the Masar, many practical benefits will emerge including: • dignified livelihood for villagers • leadership training for youth • empowerment for women • restoration of cultural and natural heritage • inspiring positive media about the hospitality of the Middle East • and practical hope for humanity When will the path be open? The Masar – Abraham’s Path -- is no longer just a dream, but an emerging reality as the first few thousand intrepid travelers journey along parts of it, the first twenty host villages open their generous doors, the first hundred families reap economic benefits, and the first few million people share in the message of human unity through the media and on the web. In 2009 over 3,000 people walked parts of the path and more groups are planning trips every day. The Masar is also beginning to come alive with friendship walks and runs organized in communities anywhere in the world, inspired by Abraham’s journey. The first Friendship Run took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in June 2009 with over 2,000 runners participating.  The Masar Ibrahim Al Khalil belongs to the communities along the way and depends upon the leadership of host families, social leaders, local and national governments, universities, tour operators, and other civil society partners in the Middle East. The project is served by the Abraham Path Initiative: an international non-governmental organization whose mission is to inspire and support the opening of this route. The Initiative is a not-for-profit entity which has no religious or political alignments of any kind and which honors all faiths and cultures. It is based in the Middle East and overseen by a global board. Founded at Harvard University, Abraham Path Initiative is endorsed by the UN Alliance of Civilizations and by the UN World Tourism Organization. Funding comes from a range of foundations and individuals from around the world, and a list of major donors may be seen on the website. A story from the path In Ajloun, one of the poorest regions of Jordan, families have been able to increase their income by $125 per month by providing services to travelers on the Masar. An example is Um-Ahmad, a hard-working woman from this region who supports her family of seven children and a disabled husband. She has struggled to earn a living in Ajloun, and poverty forced her to marry off her eldest daughter at the age of 15 years old. The Abraham Path Initiative first encountered Um-Ahmad when she offered to make bread at one of its markets. That experience inspired Um-Ahmad to create a business of her own, baking bread -“Taboon”. Because of her skill, the Abraham Path Initiative hired Um-Ahmad to prepare meals for tourists in Ajloun. Travelers could stop by her home for a hot meal. This simple stop was a turning point for Um-Ahmad and her family. She now generates a steady income enabling her to renovate her humble house, including their only toilet, which was previously dysfunctional. As the path continues to develop, the initiative is working to replicate this success in more communities. How can you get involved? We invite you to co-create the Masar Ibrahim al Khalil with us. Become a walker, a partner, or a sponsor – or all three. If you would like to walk the Masar or are simply interested to learn more about the project please visit our website at www.abrahampath.org If you are interested in writing a story about the Masar, please contact Daniel Adamson at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it If you are interested in supporting this effort or becoming a partner please contact Dr. Yunus Ebrahim at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Please join us in helping to reconnect our human family – step by step! |