Stephen M. Osborn, 32°
26 N. Sunset Drive, Camano Island, Washington, 98282-8607
theplace@whidbey.net

The recent creation of a second Arabic-speaking Lodge in Nazareth demonstrates that Masons can become the "stewards of humanity and the world."

In its "Through Masonic Windows" column, the April 2003 Philalethes magazine had the following news item citing Ill. Leon Zeldis, 33°, Past Sovereign Grand Commander for the State of Israel.

"From Israel and Leon Zeldis, Fellow of the Philalethes Society, comes another reminder of what Freemasonry is all about. 'Last night, in Nazareth, a second Arabic-speaking Lodge came into being, Galilee Lodge No. 31, under the Grand Lodge of the State of Israel. A large hall in a local hotel had to be turned into a Masonic Temple to hold the hundreds of Brethren, Jews and Arabs, who came to celebrate the installation of Worshipful Master Samir Farran.'"

Subsequently, Ill. Zeldis informed the Scottish Rite Journal that: "The Lodge had been dormant for some years, and it has been reconstituted with new membership, at the initiative of its current Worshipful Master, R.W. Bro. Samir Farran, a Chris-tian Arab, as are most of the Lodge Members." Ill. Zeldis goes on to note that "Brother Farran was the recipient some years ago of the Masonic Peace Prize awarded by the Grand Lodge and Supreme Council of Argentine, in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote fraternal understanding between Arab and Jewish Masons, encouraging mutual visitation, joint meetings, and close personal relations. Brothers wishing to support the work of Galilee Lodge No. 31 can become affiliated members by contributing the sum of $100, which entitles them to receive the Lodge medal (left) and a suitable diploma issued by the Grand Lodge of Israel. This is an honorary membership that does not involve any future obligation." All interested Brethren can send checks payable to Galilee Lodge No. 31 to: Grand Lodge of Israel, P.O. Box 33206, 5 Weizman St.,
Tel Aviv, Israel 61331.

For more information contact the Grand Lodge of Israel or Ill. Zeldis at: lzeldis@netvision.net.il

Inspired by the Philalethes news item, Bro. Stephen M. Osborn, 32°, sent the following essay to the Scottish Rite Journal for publication consideration.

I have a simple dream as I watch the world crumbling about me. So many nations and peoples want peace, yet the planet, our Mother Earth, is being poisoned, and horrific weapons of mass destruction are poised ready for use. The United Nations, created to prevent wars, hangs by a thread.

My dream is simple. There must be Masons in all countries, though some may be covert, given the anti-Masonic stance of their governments. If Arab and Jewish Masons can sit in Galilee Lodge No. 31 as Brothers and remember their vows, then share in refreshment and, abandoning rancor, determine to carry that Brotherly Love out into the community, why cannot Brethren throughout the entire Middle East share in fellowship and work toward the same goal? At some point, perhaps the idea of Friendship, Charity, and Brotherly Love would begin to spread around the globe to create a world free of sectarian and political strife.

We cannot involve ourselves as Masons in politics or religion, but as individuals we can keep our obligations in mind and spread the cement of Brotherly Love to repair the cracks in the foundations of our world. We have vowed to fly to each other's relief, but we are also reminded in the charge that the same obligation is extended to all men. This Masonic vow makes us stewards of humanity and the world.

I have a dream that could become a reality. Perhaps we, as Masons, can swing the balance. It is worth a try.

Stephen M. Osborn was raised at Mill Valley Lodge No. 356, Mill Valley, California, on 5 May 1984. He is Junior Warden of Camanio Lodge No. 19, Stanwood, Washington, and a member of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281, Grand Lodge of Washington. He joined the Scottish Rite, Valley of Everett, Orient of Washington, in April 2002 and is now a Life Member. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and the Philalethes Society. A retired Fire Battalion Chief, Bro. Osborn is a lifelong sailor, writer, poet, philosopher, historian, and former newspaper columnist.