Palestine's Salam Fayyad to receive 2013 HCEF path of peace award

Dr. Salam Fayyad, Former Prime Minister of Palestine will receive the 2013 HCEF Path of Peace Award on Friday, October 18, 2013 at the HCEF Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the 15th International Conference, Friday and Saturday, October 18-19, 2013, Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) said in a press statement Wednesday. The HCEF Path of Peace Award has been established to honor an individual who throughout his/her life has vigorously championed the cause of Peace in the Middle East. HCEF also said that Fayyad's service and work as Prime Minister of Palestine has significantly advanced the Palestinian cause. His effort in strengthening and building the infrastructure of Palestine, especially during the many obstacles and challenges Palestine faced during his term as Prime Minister are outstanding! Under his noble leadership, new strength was given to the financial and economic structure of Palestine, and by turning it around Fayyad gave a positive global representation of Palestine and of Palestinians, HCEF continued. Through advocating for peace, Fayyad has worked to build safety and security for all Palestinians, similar to HCEF's commitment, as we seek to 'replace despair with hope, fear with human security and humiliation with dignity.' Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS, HCEF President and CEO expressed his sentiments with these words, "Truly, Prime Minister Fayyad's contributions have changed the world's perspective of Palestine and boosted the spirit of all Palestinians by building the infrastructure of the future state under occupation!" Prime Minister Fayyad's support of the HCEF Know Thy Heritage (KTH) Live & Visit Palestine Program has been inspiring. Through the KTH program, youth in Diaspora travelled to Palestine where they met with HE Fayyad and learned to be Ambassadors of Peace, by following in his footsteps. HCEF applauds and honors the tireless efforts of Minister Fayyad, a true visionary, in facilitating peace and building Palestine. According to HCEF, the Path of Peace Award is conferred on Fayyad in recognition of his work, his dedication, and the remarkable contributions he has made in establishing a dialogue of peace and reconciliation through his visionary leadership and career. This same evening, Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington will receive the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation Award; Mr. Said Khoury, Co-Founder and Chairman, Consolidated Contractors Companywill receive the Palestinian Diaspora Award and the HCEF President Awardees are Mrs. Jamilah Aranky, HCEF Representative in Birzeitand Mrs. Mary Ann Flannery, HCEF Volunteer. The Awards Banquet and the 15th International Conference will be held Friday, October 18 - Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Washington Marriott, 1221 22nd Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.