DECEMBER 20, 2016 PROGRAM:
The Jerusalem International YMCA and the Jerusalem Rotary Club: Defining a way forward in Jerusalem and the Holy Land
Middle East historians record that Jerusalem, the city of peace, has over 40 centuries of recorded history and that the city has been fought over, repeatedly pillaged and destroyed over forty times. One only has to connect to daily newspapers and newscasts to realize that current events in Israel and Palestine continue to reflect these centuries-long conflicts. Despite centuries of discord, two organizations, the Jerusalem International YMCA and the Jerusalem Rotary Club, have defined a way forward in the Holy Land that has allowed Israelis and Palestinians, as well as Jews, Christians and Muslims, to find common ground, to develop healthy relationships and ultimately experience a quality of life not easily found in the city of peace. The amazing work of these two organizations in Jerusalem since 1878 (the Jerusalem YMCA) and 1929 (the Jerusalem Rotary Club) has provided hope for a better future for all of those whose faith eventually connects them to Jerusalem and the Holy Land.
Michael D. Bussey’s consulting work with Donor By Design follows a YMCA career spanning nearly four decades, including 20 years as a Rotarian in Hudson (WI), St. Paul and Jerusalem.
Mike spent the first 20 years of his YMCA career with the YMCA of Greater St. Paul where he served in numerous capacities, including as the Director of Camp St. Croix and as the Association’s Vice President for Operations and Financial Development.
In the summer of 1990, just prior to the start of the Gulf War, Mike, Marcia and their three sons moved to Jerusalem, where he served as the Director General of the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY). During his tenure, Mike secured the two largest gifts ever received by the JIY and the YMCA was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize for its historic work in creating peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.
From 2000 - 2014, Mike and his family lived in Chicago, where Mike served as a YMCA of the USA National Consultant, working with over 350 YMCAs in 14 Midwest states.