The 2007 Holy Jerusalem Writer’s Conference-Chicago

An Unimaginably Powerful Weekend
By Eitai B. N. Aharon
KNN-Cleveland

The 2007 Holy Jerusalem Writer’s Conference convened on Yom Sheeshee (Friday) October 12th and concluded on Yom Rishone (Sunday) October 14th. The Alumni House, situated in the heart of the historic University of Chicago campus, provided a cozy and opulent setting for this power-packed weekend long presentation. The theme of this dynamic forum was “The 5000 Year Evolution of the Adamic / Bray-sheet Civilization; 3000 BCE to 2000 ACE.

The purpose of this unique conference was to commemorate the African Hebrew Israelite’s 40th year of existing outside of the United States as a thriving independent community. This comprehensive symposium reviewed and underscored each of the significant social, spiritual and cultural epochs that shaped and defined the African Hebrew civilization and culture. The spiritual, emotional and intellectual impact that this immensely powerful presentation had on both speakers and listeners is nearly impossible to put into words!

On day one (Saturday, Yom Shabbat), Ahturah Yoahnah topped a list of distinguished presenters and speakers. The morning program included a moving tribute to the esteemed founder of The Holy Jerusalem Writer’s Conference, Prince Dr. Shaleak Ben Yehudah by his inimitable student and protégé Dr. Avimeleck. In their capacity as the inaugural presenters of the conference both Ahturah Yoahnah and Dr. Avimeleck each carefully emphasized the spiritual significance of this extraordinary commemorative event. As advertised, the ensuing program would prove to be no less than a phenomenal spiritual happening!

Throughout the day conference organizer, Dr. Ahtur Khazriel Ben Israel provided a continuous historical narrative and informed commentary that aptly set the stage for each speaker. The spiritual brilliance and intellectual acumen of each and every speaker on the roster was simply awe-inspiring!! The intense spiritual energy generated by these prodigious expositors of Truth was palpable and set the tone for the day.

The closing session was highlighted by a thrilling keynote presentation by Atlanta’s own Nasiy Rahm. The legendary Prince of Order provided an insightful and captivating preview of his newly released book “The Ramle Seven; Seven Men and the Destiny of a Nation” by Shamiyah E. Elyahkeem . This book is a biographical narrative of the remarkable events surrounding the political imprisonment of seven African Hebrew Israelites in Israel’s infamous Ramle maximum security prison in 1972. Nasiy Rahm gave a vivid personal testimony of the miraculous exploits of seven mighty men of destiny who courageously prevailed against the negative forces that had aligned themselves against the Kingdom of Yah at that time. And so, the first full day of this great conference was brought to a close with a dramatic and resounding flourish!!

On day two (Sunday, Yom Rishone) Dr. Ahtur Khazriel established the historical context that provided the framework for a quartet of speakers who would begin and end the day’s morning session. Ahtur Evutar, and Ahk Neftakiyah shared inspiring testimonies relative to their experiences in West Africa (Ghana and Liberia, respectively). Afterwards, the very youthful Dr. Ahturah Yahfah highlighted the Redemptive Enterprises and Institutions of this great Kingdom.

Ahtur Ben Khiel followed with a very informative and often quite humorous account of the case of The United States Government vs. Warren Brown (His Excellency Prince Asiel). Ahtur summarized some of the stunning episodes that make up the period in Kingdom history known as The Great Siege. It was during this time that the Federal Government of the United States conspired with other international agencies in a bold attempt to destroy the nascent Kingdom of Yah. Even though this notorious case was the longest and most expensive trial in the history of the Washington D.C. court system, it resulted in the acquittal of the Great Ambassador and all of the individuals who faithfully stood with him during this very pivotal epoch of Kingdom history. Fittingly, as Ahtur Ben Khiel was nearing the close of this enthralling presentation, the Great Ambassador, himself, Nasiy Asiel Ben Israel entered the venue with entourage in tow!

The Shagreer punctuated the first portion of the day’s activities with a brief but very personal “talk” in which he emphasized – not his own greatness – but the greatness of each individual in the Kingdom. The Great Prince took special care to explain that all of the profound and miraculous achievements that comprise the previous 40 years await a response from those who would lead the way into the next 40 years. It is up to us to write the next magnificent chapter of our storied history! The Holy Ambassador ended his address by instructing the Saints to take a serious internal inventory to determine if we are really committed to going all the way with this. He said that we should ask the question, Am I who and what I want to be? And, if not, what am I lacking? We carried these sobering questions with us as the morning program concluded.

The consummating activities of the conference reconvened at the International House banquet hall located just a short distance from the Alumni House. Dr. Avimeleck hosted the Special Awards Banquet. The Special Awards Banquet underscored an outstanding program which began with a virtuoso jazz set by Ahk David and the Divine Universal Brotherhood Band. Akote Bahtiyah and an ensemble cast of actors gave an entertaining theatrical performance that answered the thought-provoking question, What if Abba Never Moved on the Vision?

As the many attendees sipped sparkling apple cider and dined sumptuously on the delicious carte du jour, Crown Dr. Khazriel acknowledged those Saints who had distinguished themselves in service throughout the various North American extensions. Finally, as was the case in the morning session, His Excellency Nasiy Asiel Ben Israel closed out this exhilarating event with a recap of the Vision that has inspired us thus far, and that will propel us into the next 40 years!

Yah Khai!!