7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 1/28
STEPS ALONGTHE PATHANNUAL REPORT 2013
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 2/28
“The Abraham Path has changed the waythat local people feel about tourism and
feel about themselves. They never thoughtthat one day people from all over the
world would be knocking on their doorsand sharing their food. It’s great to be a
part of this.”– Ömer, Yuvacali
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 3/28
About Us 4
Report From Our Chair 6
Financial Facts & Figures 8
Institutional Funding 2013 9
Institutional Seed Funding 9
Thank You to our Donors 10,11
Board of Directors 12
International Partners 12
Local Partners 13
Abraham Path Online Guidebook Launch 14
In the Press 15
Host Spotlight 17
Guide Training 18
Trail Expansion in the Negev 19
Abraham Path Around the World 20
Women Inspired to Run for the Abraham Path 20
Caminho da Paz Race in Brazil 21
Travelers on the Path 22
The Path Ahead in 2014 24
Map of the Abraham Path 25
Growing the Path with our Partners in 2014 26
Join the Abraham Path Initiative in 2014 27
Contents
Photo Credits: David Landis, David Santos Jr., Izzet Aran, Joanne Jones and LauraKardasinski, Joey Marotta, Judith Ansara and Robert Gass, Julian Bender, KonstantinHoshana, Max Farrar, Omer Tanik, and Sumaya Agha
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 4/28
4
The Abraham Path is a long-distance walking trail across the Middle East.
The path retraces the journey of Abraham, the legendary ancestor of over
half of humanity, who is known for his hospitali ty and kindness toward
strangers. The Abraham Path Initiative is an internat ional organization
cultivating the development of the path along with local and international
partner organizations. The initiat ive is a non-profi t, non-religious andnon-political organization. The mission of the Abraham Path Initiative is
to support local partners in developing the Abraham Path as:
• a catalyst for socioeconomic development and sustainable tourism.
• a place of meeting and connection between people from the Middle
East and people around the world.
• a creative space for stories that highlight the unique culture,
heritage and hospitality of the region.
Vision: The purpose of the Abraham Path is to inspire understanding,
prosperity, and hope for humanity. By inviting us to participate in a grand
adventure: to walk together in the cradle of civilization, to meet people
from very dif ferent cultures and traditions, to learn something new about
ourselves, others, and the world, and to serve the larger community.
About Us
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 5/28
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 6/28
6
This year, thanks to generous supporters like you and thanks to our dedicated
partners in the Middle East and around the world, the Abraham Path is truly
coming alive! You have helped our team publish maps and information on over
437 km of trail, train 20 local guides, engage 53 communities, and inspirethousands of local and international travelers to come experience the other
face of the Middle East with its beauty and kind-hearted hospitality!
A trail becomes more ‘real’ when there is a guidebook. I ’m delighted to report
that, in 2013, we achieved a long-held dream by creating a virtual guidebook
of the Abraham Path. If you haven’t had a chance to see it, I encourage you to
visit www.abrahampath.org.
On the ground, our team and local partners have opened some beautiful and
culturally rich new walks along the path, developing detailed maps and trail
descriptions, and waymarking the trail. People have responded by joining
walking groups that headed out on the path every week during the spring
and fall seasons. This year we have truly seen the Abraham Path become aplatform for good, where we can walk together in the cradle of civilization,
meet people from very different cultures and traditions, and learn something
new about ourselves and others. With all this fine work serving as a founda-
tion, 2014 promises to be the best year ever for the path!
Thank you for joining us on this extraordinary adventure! By walking together
on the Abraham Path, I believe we can build a better world with greater
understanding, prosperity, and hope for humanity.Step by step...
With gratitude,
William Ury
ChairAbraham Path Initiative
From the Chair
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 7/28
7
The Abraham Path Is
53
437
Communities
Kilometers(272 Miles)
“When locals receive hikers, they are naturally generous hosts; hospitality
exists inside of us; Abraham exists inside of us.”
– Amira Jaber, Beit Sahour
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 8/28
8
Income: $554,798
2013 audited statements
Expenses: $459,861
Financial Facts & Figures
74%15%
11%
Individuals
Institutions
In-Kind
83%
17%
Programs
Management & General
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 9/28
9
Institutional Seed Funding
Institutional Funding 2013
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 10/28
10
Anonymous
Alexandre Chade
Alex Maslanka and Merle Miller
Amanda B Taylor
Amanda Jones
Amy K. Brown
Anisa Mehdi and Peter Zimmermann
Annalea McCurry
Anthon Keuchenius
Babak Razzaghi
Barbara and Peter Thornton
Benjamin Friedman
Bob and Joan Feitler
Bruce Cohen
Catherine and Matthew Grainger
Carl and Tinbat TinstmanCharles A. Pillsbury
Charles and Jonelle Boteler
Charles Steel
Charles Steinberg and Torkin Wakefield
Charlie Bresnahan
Chris Jennings
Christopher BondClaire Goulding
Claude Shammas
Clifford Meek and Lucinda Holmes
Connery Cepeda
Danielle Ophelders
David Cohen
David Friedman and Tirzah Firestone
David and Anna Dintaman Landis
David Sulzberger
Dick Simon
Dominik Knill
Donna Childs
Elaine Teo
Eleanor Ross
Ellen Brock and Larry KapteinFetzer Institute
Francie and Tim Hester
Frank, Thomas, Alison Sander
Google Advertising
Gwen Davies
Harvard Arab Alumni Association
Ian Smith and Caroline FirstbrookIsabelle and Jean-Jacques Joris
James Carty
James Cooke
James Patrick Finerty
James Sebenius
Jamie and Anita Orlikoff
Jamil MahuadJanet Kardasinski
Jeff Orlowski and Exposure
Jerry Newton and David Weinberg
Jerry White
Jo Smith-Nilsson
Joanne Jones
Thank you
We gratefully acknowledge the following gifts from individuals and foundations to the
Abraham Path Initiative received between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013.
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 11/28
11
Joao Gentil
John Jones
John Steiner and Margo King
John Whitehead
Josh Weiss
Judith DackJudith Kass and the Albert E. Marks
Charitable Trust
Judy and Mickey Gaynor
Karuna Foudrait
Katherine Bradley
Kathrin Egger
Keith FairmontKelsey Whiting-Jones
Kerry Kring
Laura Klemt
Laura O’Callaghan
Leaf and Sharon Van Boven
Lena Demashkieh and Fahad Roumani
Lew HarveyLionel Sauvage
Lis Rhodes
Liz Mirante
Louise Sibley
Lynn Maroon
George Markos and the Estate of
Madeline F. MarkosMarcel and Cynda Arsenault and the
Arsenault Family Foundation
Mark Tremblay
Mark and Shirley Yolleck
Marnie Pillsbury
Mary Sari
Matthew D BreretonMelissa Michaels and Mark Gerzon
Michael Marlowe
Morris Friedell
Murray and Sheryll Thomson
Neil and Trudie Prior
Nicholas Dunwell
Nikki Thompson
Nohad Harati
Oreg Foundation and Julie Schaffer
Pat Stocker
Paul Carpenter
Paul and De Gray
and the Gray Family FundPeggy Dulany
Peter Sommer
Raed Saadeh and the Jerusalem Hotel
Rick and Rebecca White
Rita Bourgeois
Robert and Judith Ansara Gass
Robert StruthersRonald Kertzner
Rose Community Foundation
Ross Sherbrooke
Salim Schahin
Samuel Card
Sarah Wilson
Sergio BondiShahm Al Wir
Shawn Dunning
Sheila Marshall
Simon Wethered
SOLO School of Wilderness Medicine
Sonia Rai
Stefan SzepesiStephen Goldberg
Stephen Perry and Rebecca DiDomenico
and Compton Foundation
Sujatha Rajapakse
Susan Collin Marks
Susan Jinnett-Sack
Susan KlemtThomas and Debbie Lund
Thomas Modern
Tova Jacober and Ron Claman
USAID
Veronica Martini
William and Lizanne Ury
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 12/28
12
Board of Directors
Verónica Martini
Lionel Sauvage
Salim SchahinJames Sebenius
Deena Shakir
Louise Sibley
Joshua Weiss
Rick White
Shahm al WirStefan Szepesi
William Ury (Chair)
Anisa Mehdi (Vice-Chair)
Raed Saadeh (Vice-Chair)Alexandre Chade
Paul Gray
Jamil Mahuad
SanFrancisco
Boulder Chicago LondonRotterdam
New York
BostonAmman
Sao Paulo
Jerusalem
United Nations World Tourism Organization
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
Harvard Program on Negotiation
Association pour la Formation des Ruraux aux Activités de Tourisme (AFRAT)
Tetraktys
Great Himalaya Trail
Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene
Friendship Ambassadors FoundationOne Light Cinema
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
SOLO School of Wilderness Medicine
Leeds Metropolitan University
Sabancı University
Harvard Arab Alumni Association
Our International Partners
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 13/28
13
Nomad Tours TurkeyAl Ayoun Society
Experience Jordan
Masar Ibrahim al-Khalil
The Siraj Center for Holy Land Studies
Palestine Wildlife Society
Rozana
SidrehBedouin Experience
Our Local Partners
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 14/28
14
Abraham Path Online Guidebook Launch
This year we have reached a game-changing milestone by publishing the first-
ever Abraham Path online guidebook, which brings the path to life for millions
worldwide. abrahampath.org contains over 200 pages covering more than 437
kilometers of walking trail through stories, site descriptions, photos, videos,
travel information, and even maps & GPS data you can download directly from the site. It is a beautiful and inspirational piece of work and it shines a light both
on what is and what can be. Now with the online guidebook, the Abraham Path is
a reality in a way that it never was before. People—from local and international
travelers to the armchair traveler—can discover the history, the people, and the
landscape of this path, walk its ancient footsteps, and connect and get involved
with the initiative. We invite you all to explore!
abrahampath.org
200 437 75K+Pages Km Visits
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 15/28
15
In the PressMedia Highlights Featuring the Path in 2013
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 16/28
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 17/28
17
Host Spotlight
Pomegranate and fig trees surrounding Fethea’s home help her support her
family, but it is not enough. Determined to send her children to universit y,Fethea, the head of her household, searched for a creative solution to
supplement her income and began hosting hikers and serving af ternoon
meals to walkers along the Abraham Path. With only a sixth grade education
and no job experience, Fethea created her homestay, teaching her guests the
magic of Arabic cooking with the fruit from her trees. Watching her children
play and connect with the walkers and develop friendships with their guests
is a rewarding sight for Fethea. From the income she has earned hosting
along the Abraham Path, she has been able to help her daughter, Salsibeel,attend Yarmouk University.
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 18/28
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 19/28
19
Trail Expansion in the NegevA new expanded section of the Abraham Path has been mapped out in the Ne-
gev desert! The seven-day route takes walkers from Abraham’s Well in Beer-
sheva to viewpoints overlooking the Dead Sea at the ancient site of Masada.
The rugged landscape of the Negev provides a veritable playground for outdoor
adventure, with stunning canyons, refreshing oases and fascinating historical
sites. The area is home to a variety of Jewish and Muslim communities as well
as over 160,000 Bedouin, nomadic people who maintain a rich desert culture.
Apart from heritage sites, walkers will almost certainly spot shepherds tending
sheep, goats and camels. The Abraham Path Initiative worked with Trails Com-
mittee of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, the Sidreh Bedouinwomen’s association, and the community of Lakiya to mark the last portion
of the trail with painted blazes, making this 7-stage route the first completelywaymarked section of the Abraham Path in the Negev! We have detailed
topographical maps and GPS tracks which you can download directly from our
website so you can start your journey. You can prepare for your trip by reading
up on the places you’ll find along the way, accommodation options, and trans-
portation tips particular to this section of the Abraham Path. Several informal
weekend walks are planned for early 2014.
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 20/28
20
Abraham Path’s global network continues to expand and grow. Abraham Path
Chapters are independent NGOs, charities or volunteer groups which help
promote the project. In addition to existing groups in Brazil, Spain and the UK,new chapters formed around the world in 2013-14.
Abraham Path Around the World
Joanne Jones and Laura Kardasinski
were so inspired by their trip to the
Abraham Path in the Urfa region that they decided to run a half marathon
in Istanbul to support the path. “We
decided to pledge the proceeds to
the Abraham Path after a humbling
and deeply moving visit to one of their
projects in Eastern Turkey. The sunny
dispositions of the villagers that we
met, in the face of adversity, was trulyinspirational.” Thank you to Joanne andLaura for leading a hugely successfulfundraising campaign on behalf of thepath!
Women Inspired to Runfor the Abraham Path
London
Madrid
Naples
NewChapters
CurrentChapters
Sydney
São PauloSantiagode Chile
Toronto
Jerusalem
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 21/28
21
On November 24, 2013 the streets of SãoPaulo, Brazil welcomed 8,000 walkers andrunners at the 5th annual Caminho da Paz
race organized by the Brazilian Abraham
Path chapter – O Caminho de Abraão. Art
installations spelling out the words ética
(ethics), respeito (respect), liberdade
(liberty),paz
(peace) andamizade
(friend-ship) adorned the 7km route. Supporters of
the event include Abraham Path Initiative
Board members Alex Chade and Salim Schahin, Ana Maria Diniz, Carlos Jereissati,
David Rockefeller, Luciano Huck and José Junior from AfroReggae, as well as the
Mayor of São Paulo, Fernando Haddad. The race in 2013 doubled in size from therace in 2012! Congratulations to our partners in Brazil!
Caminho da Paz Race in Brazil
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 22/28
22
Travelers on the Path
In 2013 a record 1,150 travelers walked the Abraham Path. Since the opening
of the first path sections in 2008, an estimated 4,800 people have traveled the
path. Walkers in 2013 were of many ages, creeds and nationalit ies - all coming
for their own reasons. Some came as individuals, like Boudewijin Koole from
the Netherlands who ventured out on the entire 10-day segment of the path in
Turkey. Some came with groups like Gulf for Good, Eastern Mennonite Univer-sity, or Mediators Beyond Borders.
In Kufr Malek, on a warm Ramadan summer night, an animated conversation
took place at the home of Um Qussai, an Abraham Path homestay host. The
conversation was not in Arabic, but in Brazilian Portuguese. Surrounding
Um Quassai were seven Brazilian women, all students at Fundação ArmandoAlvares Penteado University in Sao Paolo, visiting Kufr Malek with our local
partner the Siraj Center as part of a 10-day cultural exploration of the region.
To the delight of the students, Um Qussai invited her parents-in-law who spent
more than 30 years living in Brazil. Over tea and qatayef , a typical Ramadan
dessert, the group enjoyed an enriching conversation about the similarities
and differences between life in Brazil and in Kufr Malek. The students thank
Um Quassi and the Siraj Center for their “life changing experience.”
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 23/28
23
A group of 12 walkers took to the Abraham Path in the summer of 2013 on a
trip co-organized by Leeds Metropolitan University and the UK Friends ofAbraham’s Path. The students, led by Leeds professor Max Farrar, UK Friends
Chair Louise Sibley and longtime Abraham Path trip leader Daniel Adamson,
braved the summer heat to walk the Abraham Path; visit places like Bethlehem,
Taybeh, Kufr Malek, Jericho, Wadi Auja & Wadi Qelt, Jerusalem, Hebron, and
the Negev deser t; volunteer at community development projects at both the
Tent of Nations and Har Amasa village…and, naturally, indulge in a dip in the
Dead Sea.
“For now my physical journey on the path may be over, but the experiences
and emotions from it will impact me and my own personal path from now on.
And I WILL return to walk on the Abraham Path again.”
– Matthew Fisher, Leeds Metropolitan University
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 24/28
24
The Path Ahead in 2014
In 2014, we will extend and connect 345 kilometers/215 miles of new trail.These new sections will be thoroughly researched and developed with
cartography and guidebook content online.
New Sections of the Abraham Path to Open in 2014
Mt. Nemrut to Yuvacali
Kisas to Harran
Ajloun to Jericho
Pella to Jenin
Jenin to Nablus
Arad to Mamshit
In 2014, we will add 35 new communities to the Abraham Path and continue
to expand, empower and equip our growing network of local partners, hosts,
and guides.Trainings and Technical Assistance to local partners in 2014
Wilderness First Aid
GPS and Cartography
Tourism and Hospitality
Marketing, Networking, and Fundraising
Connect Kilometers
Connect Communities
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 25/28
25
Abraham Path as developed since 2008
with scouted walking trail, community
hospitality, and local guides
Future routes of the path
Places of hospitality, Abrahamic memory and
heritage along the path
New regions and routes in development
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 26/28
Growing the Path withour Partners in 2014
The Abraham Path will be able to grow at an unprecedented rate in the yearsahead with generous support from individual donors, foundations, and our
institutional partners like USAID, the World Bank, and AFD.
“There have been few ideas around
as good as the Abraham Path!”-John Whitehead
7/22/2019 Annual Report 2013 - Abraham Path Initiative
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/annual-report-2013-abraham-path-initiative 27/28
27
Join the Abraham PathInitiative in 2014
Contribute to the Path Ahead
Connect
The Abraham Path Initiative is a US-registered 501c3 non-profit organization
and all of your donations are tax deductible.
To donate online visit: donate.abrahampath.org
Donations by bank check can be made to the Abraham Path
Initiative and mailed to:
Abraham Path Initiative
1563 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
USA
Please contact us at [email protected] if you’d like to donate by bank
transfer or stock transfer, or if you’d like to discuss other ways to donate.
UK Donations: The UK Friends of Abraham’s Path is a registered charity in
the United Kingdom and your donations there are tax deductible. Please see
donate.abrahampath.org for more information.
Abraham Path Initiative
1563 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
www.abrahampath.org | [email protected]
facebook.com/theabrahampath | twit ter.com/abrahampath
Top Related