Born in Kafr Yasif, in the Galilee, to Christian Palestinian parents Fahed came to the United States in the 1960s. An ordained minister in the PC(USA), Rev. Dr. Abu -Akel has served the church in numerous executive capacities including Moderator of its 214th General Assembly, General Assembly Commissioner, board member of the National Middle Eastern Presbyterian Caucus, and member of the Outreach, Christian Education, and Peacemaking Committees of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.

Rev. Katie (she/her) is a connector. She is an ordained minister in the PC(USA) and works as the Resident Assistant at Villa International. A photographer, ethical travel designer, and a yoga instructor, Katie wishes the need to educate and advocate for justice in Palestine/Israel didn't have to exist. Since it does, she’s grateful to participate in the work of bringing an enduring and just peace to the Holy Land. Learn more about Katie’s multifaceted work here.

Walt is a retired CPA and former JHJPI Board Chair and Treasurer. He is married to Louise and together they have four children, nine grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Sarah has been active in working for Palestinian justice for several decades. Now retired, she worked as the Director of Presbyterian Answer to Hunger, an initiative of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, for over 20 years. Sarah has extensive experience working in nonprofit fundraising and community organizing. She has facilitated cross-cultural exchanges in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Palestine/Israel. Sarah has a strong commitment to social justice and peacemaking and serves as the Chair of JHJPI.

Ellen is a member of Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, and represents its Mission Committee on the JHJPI board. An advocate for peace and justice issues, she is also a member of Atlanta Grandmothers for Peace, demonstrates with the Colony Square Friday group, and attends the meetings of The Peoples Agenda.

Rev. Darrell is a retired ELCA pastor. He has traveled to the Holy Land, including the West Bank, four times. An ambassador for Bright Stars of Bethlehem, he is the former chair for Lutheran Service agencies in South Dakota, Colorado, and Georgia (now called Inspiritus).

Mary is a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta. She is the coordinator of Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, an initiative of the Southeastern Synod ELCA. Mary is Ambassador for Bright Stars of Bethlehem, which supports Dar-al-Kalima University for Arts and Culture in Bethlehem.

Dee (she/her) is a theological librarian currently working at Pitts Theology Library. Having been active in Palestinian justice work for over a decade, she is a member of the Palestine Justice Network of the PC(USA) steering committee, one of the co-chairs of the Hosanna Preaching Project, and the library manager for the Institute for the Study of Christian Zionism. She is also actively involved with Librarians and Archivists with Palestine, Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine—Georgia, and Christians for a Free Palestine.

Mary Smarr is a member of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, and is currently serving as Clerk of Session and co-chair of the Peacemaking and Justice Committee. She has traveled to Palestine and Israel and has previously served as Secretary and Chair of the JHJPI Board.

Rev. Bonnie is a retired United Church of Christ pastor and Bright Stars of Bethlehem Ambassador. Since 2004, she has led 12 trips to Palestine and Israel to introduce participants to people living in the “holy and conflicted land” in order to help travelers understand the Israeli occupation through the experiences they have during their trip.

Irene is an active member of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church - Upper Room Ministry. Professionally, she serves as a member of the faculty at Emory University's School of Nursing.