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  • Arab Center Washington DC to host Conference on Second Trump Administration Policies toward the Middle East American Arabs
  • The Arab American Foundation, launched in2 019 to educate Americans about the Arab identity and empower and connect Arab Americans, will host the "Connect Empowerment Summit" on Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25, at the Teaeck Marriot at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey.
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Author: Maria Khoury

Maria C. Khoury Palestine Christian Writer, Blogger at St. George Greek Orthodox Church Maria (Kouremenou) Khoury is the author of Orthodox Christian children's books including Christina Goes to the Holy Land, walking the footsteps of Christ. She is a graduate of Hellenic College (1982), Harvard University (1985) and Boston University (1992) with a doctor of education degree. Born in Tripoli, Greece, she was raised in Denver, Colorado. On Dec 31, 2009 she was included on the top 4 Human Rights Champions list by DC Human Rights Examiner including the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Hilary Clinton. Maria is the author of Witness in the Holy Land (distributed by www.HolyCrossBookstore.com), a publication reflecting personal experiences living under military occupation with her husband the former Mayor of Taybeh, David Canaan Khoury and three children Elena, Canaan, and Constantine. Her articles have been published world-wide in numerous newspapers and magazines and have been translated to various languages bringing awareness of the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Maria Khoury has been the Taybeh Oktoberfest organizer since 2005. She divides her time between her homes in Boston and Taybeh, travels throughout the world promoting the Christina Books and making presentations about the dwindling Christian community in Palestine. She encourages people to stay at the new Taybeh Golden Hotel and experience rural life in Palestine.

Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic

Posted on March 25, 2020March 29, 2020 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic
Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic

Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic A look in photos and comment at the challenges facing Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, this a look at the Christian Palestinian Community in Taybeh and also in Bethlehem, from correspondent Dr. Maria Khoury. Photos courtesy of Maria Khoury. By Maria Khoury May God protect you…

Read More “Update from Palestine in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, News, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now!

Posted on September 9, 2018September 9, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now!
Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now!

Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now! Religious leaders offer blessings at the opening of the annual Taybeh OktoberFest which celebrates the Fall harvest and the local economy of the Palestinians living in one of Palestine’s few Christian hubs. The festival is popular among Christian Palestinians, and also many Muslims, to show support. By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D. …

Read More “Taybeh Oktoberfest is Happening Right Now!” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Editors Picks, Entertainment, Food, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan

Taybeh OktoberFest to rock the West Bank this weekend

Posted on September 5, 2018September 9, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh OktoberFest to rock the West Bank this weekend
Taybeh OktoberFest to rock the West Bank this weekend

Taybeh Oktoberfest to rock the West Bank this weekend Nadim Khoury and David Khoury, co-founders of Taybeh Brewing Company, announce the 14th annual Taybeh Oktoberfest will take place at the Taybeh Brewery, on Saturday and Sunday, September 8 & 9, from 1 pm until 11 pm on both days. The festival has been a unique and…

Read More “Taybeh OktoberFest to rock the West Bank this weekend” »

Arab World, Entertainment, Features, Israel, Middle East, News, Palestine & Jordan, Spotlight

A Black Day to Remember the Nakba

Posted on May 15, 2018May 15, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on A Black Day to Remember the Nakba
A Black Day to Remember the Nakba

A Black Day to Remember the Nakba By Maria C. Khoury As a little girl I use to pray for the president of the United States every Sunday in the Eastern Orthodox Liturgy never really understanding why I should do so.  But finally in my old age after waking up to the bloodiest day I…

Read More “A Black Day to Remember the Nakba” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan

A Taybeh Day for Saint George

Posted on April 27, 2018April 29, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on A Taybeh Day for Saint George
A Taybeh Day for Saint George

A Taybeh Day for Saint George By Dr. Maria C. Khoury Today was a wonderful celebration for our Patron Saint George with Archimandrite Fr. Jack-Nobel, our Taybeh parish priest of St. George Great Martyr Church  of the Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarchate  celebrating the feast of St. George in our village with His Excellency the new General Patriarchal Vicar in…

Read More “A Taybeh Day for Saint George” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression

Posted on March 31, 2018March 31, 2018 By Maria Khoury 13 Comments on Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression
Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression

Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression The killing of 15 Palestinians who were among thousands of demonstrators protesting against Israel’s government atrocities and discrimination is a reminder that more needs to be done. The stories are not being reported fully in the mainstream news media as Israel continues to abuse Palestinian rights….

Read More “Time for Churches to join protests against Israeli oppression” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan, Politics, racism

Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend

Posted on September 13, 2017September 13, 2017 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend
Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend

Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend One of the most popular festivals in Palestine kicks off this weekend Sept. 16 and 17 in Taybeh, Palestine just north of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Taybeh is one of the Middle East’s few remaining Christian villages and also the home to the world famous Taybeh Brewery By…

Read More “Taybeh kicks off OktoberFest this weekend” »

Arab World, Baby Boomers, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Events, Features, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan

Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment

Posted on September 7, 2017September 7, 2017 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment
Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment

Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment Dr. Maria C. Khoury Taybeh Oktoberfest has been the stage for new musicians to be introduced to the world.  In staying true with this tradition that started in 2005, a very interesting new band that has formed this year is Maqdess, the handsome trio from Jerusalem. All young…

Read More “Taybeh OktoberFest promises wide range of entertainment” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, News, Opinion, Palestine & Jordan, Photographs

Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17

Posted on June 15, 2017September 24, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17
Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17

Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17 Stop by for a free Taybeh Beer Tour and Free Taybeh Winery Tour whenever visiting Taybeh, West Bank, Palestine. It’s a unique location and features the amazing Palestinian art exhibit at the Taybeh Golden Hotel By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D. Returning one more time to Taybeh,…

Read More “Taybeh announces OctoberFest details, Sept. 16 – 17” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Events, Features, Maria Khoury, Middle East, News, Opinion

A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin

Posted on April 23, 2017April 23, 2017 By Maria Khoury 1 Comment on A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin
A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin

A visit to Saint George Church in Burqin Writer Maria Khoury explores the traditions of Holy Land Christians in her writings. In this feature, Mrs. Khoury describes her visit to the St. George Church in Burqin, Palestine. Burqin is a Palestinian town in the northern West Bank located 5 km west of Jenin. According to the…

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Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Palestine & Jordan, religion, Travel

Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh

Posted on April 3, 2017April 3, 2017 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh
Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh

Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh Writer Maria Khoury shares the exhilarating Christian religions experience of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem, a Christian tradition dating back more than 2,000 years in Palestine. Khoury takes us through the emotions and excitement of the experience for Christians of Palestine and the Middle East By Maria C. Khoury, Ed.D….

Read More “Receiving the Holy Fire in Taybeh” »

Arab News, Bloggers, Commentary, Editors Picks, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine

Posted on February 22, 2017February 22, 2017 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine
Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine

Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D.  Jazz Trio will be the highlight of the Taybeh Vinfest 2017 on Friday night starting at 5 pm, February 24th at the Taybeh Winery in one of the most ancient locations in Palestine where good things continue to happen under harsh conditions with Mohammed Qutati on keyboard;  Stelios from…

Read More “Taybeh Vinfest in Palestine” »

Activism, Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Food, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Palestine & Jordan

Reflection from my Christian Eyes

Posted on October 14, 2016September 24, 2018 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Reflection from my Christian Eyes
Reflection from my Christian Eyes

Reflection from my Christian Eyes A Christian reflects on the challenges they face as a faith and community under Israeli occupation. Why isn’t Israel held to the same standards and laws as everyone else? By Dr. Maria C. Khoury The Day after Yom Kippur, I decided I should be more faithful in practicing my religion. I have…

Read More “Reflection from my Christian Eyes” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Israel, Maria Khoury, Middle East, Palestine & Jordan

Holy Mother celebrated in Jerusalem

Posted on August 25, 2016September 24, 2018 By Maria Khoury 1 Comment on Holy Mother celebrated in Jerusalem
Holy Mother celebrated in Jerusalem

Honoring the Mother of God. A Spectacular Day in Jerusalem in Honor of the Holy Mother of God By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D It was a beautiful and solemn procession at four in the morning to walk the icon of the Theotokos, the Holy Mother of God, from the monastery next to the Holy…

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Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Maria Khoury

Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh Sept. 24, 25

Posted on July 30, 2016September 24, 2018 By Maria Khoury 1 Comment on Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh Sept. 24, 25
Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh Sept. 24, 25

Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh coming September 24 and 25. This is one of Palestine’s most favorite cultural events at one of its most favorite villages. By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D. Every time my husband  David Khoury starts up a new project, I sort of get a deeper culture shock.  It has been over twenty-three years…

Read More “Palestinian Oktoberfest in Taybeh Sept. 24, 25” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Editors Picks, Events, Maria Khoury, Palestine & Jordan

Palestinian Christians celebrate St. George Day in Taybeh

Posted on May 6, 2016May 8, 2016 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Palestinian Christians celebrate St. George Day in Taybeh
Palestinian Christians celebrate St. George Day in Taybeh

Palestinian Christians in the Israeli occupied West Bank Village of Taybeh celebrate St. George Day in the community with the local Greek Catholic Church (Melkite Practice). Taybeh has one of the strongest Christian communities in Palestine with three churches, Ancient Byzantine Church and several enchanting chapels By Dr. Maria C. Khoury Today, May 6th was a…

Read More “Palestinian Christians celebrate St. George Day in Taybeh” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Editors Picks, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, News, Palestine & Jordan, religion

Christians celebrate Easter in Palestine

Posted on April 30, 2016April 30, 2016 By Maria Khoury No Comments on Christians celebrate Easter in Palestine
Christians celebrate Easter in Palestine

Christians in Palestine prepare to celebrate Orthodox Easter, Sunday May 1 By Maria Khoury We are sending you sincere greetings from the sacred land of our Lord’s Resurrection on this most joyous Holy Saturday where the Miracle of the Holy Fire was received from the Holy-Life-Giving-Tomb-of-Christ in Jerusalem by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch His Beatitude Theophilos III….

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Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Editors Picks, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, religion

What are Christians Doing Today in the Holy Land?

Posted on August 25, 2015August 25, 2015 By Maria Khoury 1 Comment on What are Christians Doing Today in the Holy Land?
What are Christians Doing Today in the Holy Land?

How do you explain to the Israeli Authorities the ancient unbroken Christian traditions that should be carried out for pure witness and faith? Christians lucky enough to have permits to enter Jerusalem gathered from all corners of the Holy Land for the annual procession of the icon for the Holy Virgin Mary three days before the special…

Read More “What are Christians Doing Today in the Holy Land?” »

Arab World, Bloggers, Christian & Muslim, Commentary, Editors Picks, Features, Israel, Maria Khoury, Palestine & Jordan, religion

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