In the Middle East conflict, land and ownership requirements have important roles. Who owns the land? The Nassars’ right to their farmland on a hill south of Bethlehem is confirmed by British, Jordanian, Israeli and Ottoman papers, some 100 years old. Nevertheless, Israeli settlers lay claim to the land.

The Nassar family operates the farm themselves, always keeping at least one family member present. In the last few years they have also operated a simple Christian retreat and meeting centre, while continuing their 15-year struggle in Israeli courts for their possession rights.

Jewish settlements already occupy the surrounding hills, but despite the difficult circumstances, the Nassar family continues to live a Christian witness. They combine the rightful claim to their land with the active hope the conflict in the Middle East can be peacefully overcome and justice can become possible.

With the prize, the German Mennonite Peace Committee, together with its ecumenical partners, remembers the Anabaptist Michael Sattler, who was burned May 20, 1527, in Rottenburg for his Christian witness and non-violent stance. Besides Sattler, three other Anabaptists were executed that day, and his wife Margarethe was drowned a few days later in the Neckar River.

The award was presented at a ceremony at the Kirchgasse Protestant church on May 20, 2007, in Rottenburg followed by a worship service at the site of Sattler’s execution. The award is supported by the Evangelical and Catholic churches of Rottenburg, the Catholic Peace organization Pax Christi, and the City of Rottenburg.

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