Prayers4Peace: Speak Truth Lest We Lose It
By: Hannah Hutton, Middle East Fellow at CMEP
This piece was written in June of 2025.
I sat anxiously in the plush, wine-colored chair, surrounded by books, nervously awaiting the beginning of my first formal meeting at my new job, where I was tasked with taking notes. Mae and Vicky chatted congenially in the background while my whole being was focused on getting myself prepared to write down every word of the forthcoming conversation. We were sitting in the offices of PASSIA, the Palestinian Academic Society for International Affairs, awaiting our meeting with Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi.
After a few minutes, Dr. Mahdi entered the room, aided by a walker, and greeted the three of us with a smile on his face and kind words of welcome. His gentle presence soothed my jittery nerves, and he soon began sharing with us the current happenings at PASSIA.
Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi was born in Nablus in 1948. When the Nakba occurred, his family fled to Lebanon, where he lived as a refugee for several years before returning to Nablus. Dr. Mahdi was educated as a lawyer before earning his PhD from the School of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford. After earning his PhD, Dr. Mahdi set out to enrich and enhance the lives of Palestinians by founding the Palestinian Council for Higher Education and a daily newspaper called Al-Fajr. In 1987, he founded PASSIA, a Palestinian think tank dedicated to academic research, dialogue, and education, and served as its director. Additionally, Dr. Mahdi was an astute political analyst, author, and served as a member of the Waqf Council.
Back in the PASSIA office, Dr. Mahdi recounted stories from 20 years of interfaith roundtable discussions that he had hosted at PASSIA, inviting Muslims, Christians, and Jews to gather together to examine the Holy Books. As the conversation progressed, it became evident that this man didn’t just preach interfaith dialogue; he lived it. A cross hung on a wall within sight of neatly folded prayer rugs, while Dr. Mahdi described his friendship with Christian patriarchs in Jerusalem and the times he had attended the Anglican Church. Hospitality emanated from him, extending warmth and inviting us further into the discussion. It was easy to see how youths from around Jerusalem were able to participate in a roundtable hosted at PASSIA. Dr. Mahdi felt passionate about giving them a chance to tell the Palestinian narrative and created an atmosphere where people felt relaxed and heard.
The topic of the youth roundtable led Dr. Mahdi to share a story of a young man who had been active in creative, nonviolent resistance but ultimately lost hope, became radicalized, and was eventually martyred. The weight of this story hung in the air as Dr. Mahdi emphasized the importance of empowering people, encouraging people, and respecting people, while simultaneously highlighting the message of Palestinian dignity and the hope for equality and freedom from the occupation.
This short meeting with Dr. Mahdi at the PASSIA office took place in November 2024, a mere two months before he passed away in January 2025. Tragically, I only had the pleasure of meeting him this once, but his words have left an enduring impact on me. I was and still am at the beginning of my journey as a peacemaker, and Dr. Mahdi’s example taught me to build in myself the values that I long to see held by others, to embody gentle hospitality, gracious openness in dialogue, academic pursuit, and a passion to empower and encourage others. During our time together, he said, “If truth is not spoken, it will be lost.” Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi spent his life speaking truth and making space for others to speak the truth; may he be remembered so.
Let us pray.
In a time where speaking truth seems to have become increasingly dangerous, Lord, give us the courage to not remain silent.
Give us the courage to speak the truth and to graciously hold space for others to speak truth.
May we embody a spirit of hospitality, encouraging those around us to engage in open, respectful dialogue.
Help us to elevate the voices that struggle to be heard above the din of those clamoring for power.
Strengthen us to work tirelessly to share the stories of those longing to be heard, on the verge of giving up. May we listen and truly hear.
About the author: Hannah earned her B.A. in Humanities from the University of Louisville with a concentration in literature and religious studies. She has been involved in various organizations over the last twenty years that work to create a safe space for dialogue between cultures and religions.
Hannah is passionate about people, hearing their stories and amplifying their voices. She is starting her Master’s in Peace and Justice from St. Stephen’s University. Hannah also serves as the Middle East Fellow at Churches for Middle East Peace.
Please note any views or opinions contained in this devotional series are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP).