Jamal Shehade
In this episode of Jerusalem TalksND, Avraham (Avrum) Burg visits the House of Grace in Haifa to speak with its director, Jamal Shehade, about the center's transformative work. They talk about Jamal’s parents - who founded the House of Grace as a rehabilitation center for released inmates - as well as the center’s core philosophical approach. As a Palestinian-Israeli Christian with Swiss heritage, Jamal reflects on the experience of being an outsider to both communities and how he has come to embrace all elements of his identity in order to foster dialogue and build bridges. Towards the end of the conversation, they address the challenges of rising violence and the need for more spaces like the House of Grace that prioritize compassion, trust and dignity.
Experience the Episode
Presented by Notre Dame Jerusalem
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 12:00 pm
In this episode of Jerusalem TalksND, Avraham (Avrum) Burg visits the House of Grace in Haifa to speak with its director, Jamal Shehade, about the center’s transformative work. They talk about Jamal’s parents – who founded the House of Grace as a rehabilitation center for released inmates – as well as the center’s core philosophical approach. As a Palestinian-Israeli Christian with Swiss heritage, Jamal reflects on the experience of being an outsider to both communities and how he has come to embrace all elements of his identity in order to foster dialogue and build bridges. Towards the end of the conversation, they address the challenges of rising violence and the need for more spaces like the House of Grace that prioritize compassion, trust and dignity.
In season two, Jerusalem TalksND offers a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between Catholicism and the Holy Land.
Through a diverse range of perspectives including theology, spirituality, history, Church life, institutional impact, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, postcolonialism, ecumenism, and interfaith dialogue, each episode delves deep into the rich tapestry of connections between Catholicism and the Holy Land.
The journey of exploration is led by a Jewish-Israeli host who works for the University of Notre Dame at its Jerusalem campus (Tantur). Avraham Burg conducts insightful interviews with fascinating individuals from various backgrounds, inviting them to reflect on the above themes and provide unique insights into the complex relationship between Catholicism and the Holy Land. The podcast aims to foster understanding and appreciation for the rich complexities of Earthly Jerusalem in the Catholic tradition. Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the spiritual, historical, and cultural significance of Jerusalem for Catholics around the world.
MoreMeet the Speaker: Jamal Shehade
Jamal Shehade was born in 1982, is married and father of two. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Haifa University and serves as the Director of the House of Grace Foundation in Haifa, a charitable association dedicated to rehabilitating prisoners, supporting low-income families, and empowering children and youth at risk. Shehade is also the Chief Scout of the First Greek Melkite Catholic Scout Group in Haifa. Since January 2023, he has been serving as the Honorary Consul of Switzerland in the Haifa region.