Who We Are
The Abraham Path Initiative is an international affiliation, structured as a non-governmental organization (NGO), existing solely to inspire the creation of this Path. Founded at the Global Negotiation Project of Harvard University, and sustained by a worldwide network of supporters, the Abraham Path Initiative is a not-for-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization honoring all peoples, faiths and cultures.
Our Organization's Mission
The purpose of the Abraham Path Initiative is to inspire and support the opening of a long-distance route of cultural and historical tourism that follows the journey of Abraham (Ibrahim) through the Middle East some 4,000 years ago. Three and a half billion people – half of humanity - trace their history to Abraham and his family. The Abraham Path honors this shared heritage by connecting sites through the region important to the history of Abraham and his children.
Who We Serve
The Initiative opens a route of sustainable tourism as a catalyst for regional economic prosperity. It also serves as a neutral platform for human encounter and cross-cultural understanding, community-based development, youth leadership, preservation of historic sites and natural environment, and positive media coverage highlighting the hospitable people of the region.
Board of Directors
Dr. William L. Ury, Chairman of the Board (USA)
Mr. Elias Amidon, Board Member (USA)
Mr. Rene Guitton, Board Member (France)
Dr. Amir Mahallati, Board Member (Iran)
Ms. Susan Collin Marks, Board Member (South Africa)
Mr. Salim Schahin, Board Member (Brazil)
Major Supporters and Sponsors
• Global Negotiation Project, Harvard University (USA)
• Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School (USA)
• Leadership Team, Abraham Path Initiative Brazilian Chapter (Brazil)
• Dedeman Hotels (Turkey)
• Kellogg Fellows Leadership Alliance (USA)
• Rockefeller Brothers Fund (USA)
• Kingdom Holding Company (Prince Al Waleed bin Talal) (Saudi Arabia)
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust (UK)
• Threshold Foundation (USA)
• Association for Global New Thought (USA)
| Year Founded : |
2003 |
| 501(c)(3) Ruling Year : |
2007 |
| Volunteers : |
30 |
What Sets Us Apart
The Route
The initial Abraham Path route begins from the ancient arch in the center of Harran, in the ruins of the old Mesopotamian city, where Judaism, Christianity, and Islam concur that Abraham heard the call of God to go forth. The route proceeds through scores of spectacular historical and cultural sites in the Middle East (crossing the Euphrates and passing through, Aleppo, the dead cities, Dier Mar Musa, Damascus, the Northern Highlands of Jordan, Mt. Nebo, Shechem, Bethel, Jericho, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Beersheba), and culminating in Al-Khalil/Hebron at the Tomb of the Patriarchs where Abraham is buried…a total of 1,200 kilometers. As with other well-known trails, travelers will choose to travel part or all of the route, and will do so on foot, by animal transportation, by car or bus, or some combination. Other parts of the Abraham Path could be opened in the future in Iraq, Egypt, and for Muslims, from Mecca.
HOW WILL THE PATH WORK?
The Abraham Path will be open to all. Some of the many ways in which it will be used include the following:
Walkers
Some people will walk the full length of this path, which would take about 10 weeks. Others will walk a shorter section. These hikers will be supported by maps, waymarking, and by a guidebook which provides practical, historical, and cultural information about the route. Walkers will stay in hotels, hostels, and campsites along the way. Much of this infrastructure already exists. More will develop in response to demand. Where necessary, the Abraham Path Initiative will work with local communities to support the creation of accommodation for travelers.
Travelers
The Abraham Path is not just a trail for walkers. Many more will use the path as an itinerary of outstanding sites that can be visited by bus or car. The Abraham Path Initiative is already developing an international network of tour operators which will offer a range of itineraries along the path. Some of these tours will have a religious focus; others will be based around nature and hiking, or have a more secular theme of history and culture. Organized tours will help to publicize the path, to bring immediate economic benefits to communities along the way, and to establish the idea of a safe and beautiful trail that can be followed by independent travelers.
Virtual and worldwide participants
The story of Abraham and the creation of this path is already inspiring media coverage around the world. As the path develops, this story will be told and retold through newspaper articles, television reports, documentaries, films, books and websites - highlighting the cultural heritage and hospitality of this region, generating a positive news story from the heart of the Middle East, and extending the reach of this initiative to a worldwide audience of millions. These people may be inspired to travel the Abraham Path or to join in one of the local ‘Abraham Walks’ that are now being organized in towns and cities across Europe and the Americas.
Objectives for This Fiscal Year
At the moment, we are engaged in a number of efforts to open the path. These activities include:
* Researching the best route based on beauty and interesting historical and cultural sites,
* Surveying the most appropriate terrain to begin to find the route,
* Mapping the path on the ground in a very concise manner with GPS equipment; for example, see latest map of Jordan Highlands
* Holding meetings in different villages to discuss the project, get feedback, and build local partnerships,
* Working at the national level to gain approval from the governments involved,
* Raising resources and funding to employ more people to assist with the effort.
Recent Accomplishments
In 2007 we have shifted from the study phase to the implementation phase. The following is our progress (please underline heading):
Mapping the Path. Our Jordanian team has mapped, using Google Earth and GPS technology on the ground, eighty kilometers of the Abraham Path, a beautiful stretch through hills and valleys that includes many historical ad cultural sites of interests. Our Palestinian colleagues have mapped out a day hike around the city of Bethlehem complete with a preliminary guidebook and are planning other segments. Our Israeli colleagues are busy laying plans for a path around the city of Beersheba and through the surrounding Negev desert. We have developed a partnership with Bethlehem University and are in active discussions with Universities along the path to do the same.
Obtaining governmental permissions. We have thus far been successful in obtaining statements of strong support, written or verbal, from ministries of tourism or higher authorities along the route — in Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. In addition, the Abraham Path Initiative has also just been adopted as one of the five projects selected by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for partnership in implementation.
Sponsoring launch events. In order to build understanding and support in the countries along the route, we are sponsoring a series of launch events. Our Turkish colleagues are planning the first one in early November in the cities of Sanliurfa and Harran. There will be a conference on Abrahamic tourism in its many forms — including adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and voluntourism. There will also be an initial trek along a segment of the Abraham Path, and a concert.
Organizing local chapters. Around the world, there has been keen interest in walking or touring the Abraham Path, as well as in organizing local Abraham walks. Brazil has taken the lead in organizing the first formal chapter of the Abraham Path — hiring an executive director, sponsoring delegates on the Study Tour, and planning local and global events. Omni local events have continued in the US in a number of cities, including Dallas and Austin, Texas.
Getting the word out through the media. In the last few months, articles about the Abraham Path have been written in Gulf News (UAE), Hurriyet and Referens (Turkey), Le Monde (France), Gazeta Mercantil (Brazil), the Christian Science Monitor (US), among others, as well as on Al-Arabiya TV and CNN Turkey.
Building a team and fundraising. In the last few months, we have been building a team working on the ground in the Middle East. We have also hired an executive director Tyler Norris, who can be reached for further information at tyler@abrahampath.org. We are in the midst of active fundraising across the world.
