INSTITUTE UPDATE:  2005 Wrap-Up

           In 2005 The Martin Luther King Jr/ SCLC Ben Ammi Institute for a New Humanity (INH) embarked upon a course to introduce the principles of Kingian Nonviolence into the social and philosophical state of affairs in Israel.  While continuing to develop the infrastructure and staff of the organization the Institute also undertook meaningful programs which had international impact in the social, political and academic arenas and continued to build relationships with new friends committed to the same ideals of peace, brotherhood, and understanding.  In choosing Israel as a new proving ground to demonstrate the effectiveness of nonviolence the Institute punctuates its firm commitment to nonviolence as the only means to completely eradicate violent conflict and its harmful effects from all lands.  This commitment is underscored by the unique challenge Israel represents as a region which for many has come to be veritably defined by lingering social unrest and intermittent episodes of violence.

In July 2005 the Institute For A New Humanity conducted a one day conference for visiting scholars from the United States entitled “Peace In Israel: Political Perils- Prophetic Possibilities.”   The conference was held at the request of the Israeli Foreign Ministry to highlight ongoing development activities in the Negev region and the Village of Peace community of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem which serves as the impetus for and houses the Institute For A New Humanity. 

In December the Institute undertook a whirlwind of activity connected to the return visit of Dr Bernard Lafayette, Jr to Israel.  During his visit the Institute participated in a Global Peace Conference between Israeli and Palestinian nonviolent activists in Bethlehem.  The Conference featured a broad range of notables from the political, academic, and activist world including the featured participation of Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.  The Institute was represented by staff members including Dr. Lafayette as a featured presenter at the 5 day conference and distinguished itself at the conference by presenting the principles pf Kingian Nonviolence in three languages; English, Hebrew, and Arabic.

In January 2006 the Institute introduced its Enlightened Speakers Series to Israel in Jerusalem with a “meet and greet” featuring Dr. Bernard Lafayette at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute.  The Series is an adaptation of previous presentations sponsored by the Hebrew Israelite community for many years to introduce the concepts and work of important public figures and servants to a broader, international community and now has become an eagerly anticipated event in Israel.  The event brought together a broad cross section of individuals from the worlds of politics, business, entertainment and media and was broadcast live via radio to the United States.