Founder and President
Israeli Christian Aramaic Association (ICAA)
Conference Presentation
Christian Arameans in Israel: Identity, Community and Jewish–Christian Relations
Working title — final title and abstract to be confirmed.
Speaker
Shadi Khalloul — Israel
Founder and President, Israeli Christian Aramaic Association (ICAA)
Date & Time
Wednesday, 27 January 2027
15:00–16:00 CET (Serbia time)
Format
Live Online via Zoom
Language: English · Presentation followed by live Q&A
Speaker Profile
Shadi Khalloul is the founder and president of the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association (ICAA), a community organisation concerned with Aramaic Christian heritage, education and Jewish–Christian cooperation in Israel. An Israeli Maronite Christian associated with the community of Kfar Birʿim and based in Gush Halav in the Galilee, he works to strengthen awareness of Aramean identity and the preservation and transmission of Aramaic language and culture.
His activities include community education, public speaking, engagement with international visitors and initiatives bringing Christian and Jewish young people together. He is also the founder of a Christian–Jewish educational leadership and pre-military preparation programme.
Khalloul studied business at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and previously served as a paratrooper officer in the Israel Defense Forces. His contribution to this forum is grounded in community leadership and lived experience.
Presentation Details
Working title
Christian Arameans in Israel: Identity, Community and Jewish–Christian Relations
Working title — final title and abstract to be confirmed.
Date
Wednesday, 27 January 2027
Time
15:00–16:00 CET (Serbia time)
Conference
Christians and Muslims in Israel — Facts, Myths and Lived Reality
Series
Religion, Society & Interreligious Studies
International Academic Conference Series
Organiser
Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature
Belgrade, Serbia
Format
Live Online via Zoom
Language
English
Session
Presentation followed by live Q&A
Presentation Overview
Christian Aramean identity in Israel brings together questions of language, religious tradition, cultural continuity and citizenship. This session introduces the perspective of Shadi Khalloul, a Maronite Christian community leader from the Galilee and founder of the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association.
His community work provides a starting point for considering the preservation of Aramaic heritage, education among younger generations and practical Jewish–Christian cooperation. The session offers participants an opportunity to hear a community-based perspective on Christian life in Israel and to discuss identity, belonging and shared civic life through live questions and answers.
Editorial overview based on the speaker’s public profile. A speaker-approved abstract will be added when received.
Areas of Community Work and Public Engagement
- Aramean Christian identity in Israel
- Maronite Christian heritage
- Aramaic language and cultural preservation
- Jewish–Christian relations
- Community education
- Youth leadership
- Shared citizenship and coexistence
- Christian communities in the Galilee
Professional and Community Background
Founder
Christian–Jewish educational leadership and pre-military preparation programme
Education
Business studies, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States
Community engagement
Aramaic heritage education, international public engagement and Jewish–Christian partnerships
About the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association
The ICAA works to preserve Aramaic Christian language and heritage and to strengthen Christian–Jewish cooperation in Israel. Its published project agenda includes youth leadership, Aramaic cultural activities, language education, support for students, and research and educational infrastructure.
The association describes a proposed research and education centre and a dedicated Aramaic school and kindergarten as longer-term initiatives. These are goals in its published agenda, not claims that the institutions are already operating.
Official Profiles and Further Information
Israeli Christian Aramaic Association
Official association website
Visit profile →About the Founder
Israeli Christian Aramaic Association
Visit profile →Association Projects
Published projects and initiatives
Visit profile →ICEJ Jerusalem Summit Speaker Profile
Speaker information
Visit profile →Catholic Information Center — Speaker Biography
Rebuilding His Footprints event
Visit profile →Conference Participation
Shadi Khalloul is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, 27 January 2027, from 15:00 to 16:00 CET at Christians and Muslims in Israel — Facts, Myths and Lived Reality.
The event forms part of the Religion, Society & Interreligious Studies International Academic Conference Series, organised by the Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade, Serbia, and takes place live online via Zoom.
Keywords
Shadi KhalloulChristian ArameansAramaicMaronite ChristiansChristians in IsraelGalileeGush HalavKfar BirʿimCultural heritageCommunity educationJewish–Christian relationsCoexistenceMinority identityShared citizenship
Suggested Citation
Khalloul, Shadi. “Christian Arameans in Israel: Identity, Community and Jewish–Christian Relations” [working title]. Presentation scheduled for Christians and Muslims in Israel — Facts, Myths and Lived Reality, Religion, Society & Interreligious Studies International Academic Conference Series, Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, 27 January 2027.
Attend Shadi Khalloul’s Presentation
Join the live online session on Wednesday, 27 January 2027, at 15:00 CET. Registered participants can ask questions and access conference recordings for 12 months.