In a society still torn apart by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, The Mar Elias Educational Institution (MEEI) is a special school because it offers students a chance to get an excellent education where nonviolence and mutual understanding are highly valued.  MEEI was founded in 1968 by Father Elias Chacour, an internationally recognized peacemaker.

Students enrolled at MEEI not only rank high on Israeli achievement tests, but also learn values of mutual respect daily. The students and faculty are Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Druze who learn and work together in order to know and value ‘the Other’ in an otherwise segregated society.

PILGRIMS OF IBILLIN helps raise funds for the school so that Father Chacour’s legacy may continue.  At MEEI, almost 3000 students from ages 3 through 18, regardless of family income or religion, are prepared to be this region’s future leaders with a strong moral compass and a passion for peace.