Peace King

Dr. Eliezer Glaubach-Gal

Chairman, The I. Foerder Institute for Liberal Studies, Israel

he prophecy, vision and mission of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon seek to bring about a change in the world and improve life for mankind by laying a worldwide foundation for a global culture of peace. Peace zones have the best prospect for bridging diverse cultures and forming a good basis for empathy among all people. Peace zones are a way to extend the family model. Peace comes through cooperation beyond the boundaries of ethnicity, religion and nationality. The atmosphere in peace zones makes this cooperation possible and gives people the power to end the cycles of resentment and violence. Peace zones can foster international understanding and cooperation, thus serving as anchors for lasting peace.

To create such zones of peace, freedom and ecological harmony, the concerned nations would have to be willing to provide the necessary land. This is not a simple matter, for there will be resistance to the surrender of land, even for a peace zone. I have dedicated much effort toward finding solutions to this problem.

- Rev. Sun Myung Moon, August 18, 2000

The world today is struggling with conflicts between different nations, religions, ethnicities and races. These global conflicts are an expression of humanity's failed culture of conflict and rivalry.

The prophecy, vision and mission of Rev. Moon seek to bring about a change in the world and improve life for mankind by laying a worldwide foundation for a global culture of peace. This is no simple matter. For example, even the end of the Cold War did not mean the advent of an age of peace. Even at this moment, fierce wars and brutal massacres are still going on in numerous places around the world.

The division of Korea and the war that followed are outgrowths of the Cold War. This same is true for many other places of regional conflict in the world, such as Vietnam, China, Cyprus, Kashmir, Sudan, Rwanda, Belfast, Kosovo and the numerous conflicts in the Middle East. Rev. Moon continuously expresses his profound hope that the current mood of reconciliation and cooperation between South and North Korea will continue. He hopes the entire demilitarized zone along the 155-mile military demarcation line that crosses the Korean peninsula can be turned into a peace zone under UN jurisdiction. The peace zone will include peace museums, exhibition halls, educational sites and peace parks, in order to teach visitors lessons about peace.

Rev. Moon recommends that peace zones be demilitarized and developed as industrial and commercial zones. Allocation should be based on mutual agreements between the related parties. Therefore peace zones will develop gradually, so that trust can be built step by step, along with the direct involvement of nations in dispute.

In order to establish peace in each area, support from the international community, NGOs and private investors is vital. The incentive for the parties would be to create job opportunities for thousands of people and to establish free trade zones with economic advantages, such as tax exemptions. The leadership of such projects should be mainly comprised of business entrepreneurs, notwithstanding intensive public involvement.

Rev. Moon regards each individual, family, community and nation as a potential "peace zone." Core universal principles are applicable at all times and in all places, serving as a common ground for the cooperation of diverse peoples, faiths and races. Peace zones are the cornerstones where we may realize our potential and build positive relationships through the spiritual and moral qualities that are the highest qualities of human beings. These are the best conditions for families as a school of love and peace.

Peace zones have the best prospect for bridging diverse cultures and forming a good basis for empathy among others. Peace zones make it possible to end the cycles of resentment and violence. Peace zones can foster international understanding and cooperation and serve as anchors for lasting peace.

Through his providential holy vision, Rev. Moon has laid an historical foundation for world peace which can benefit every single person on earth. As described in scriptures, this will fulfill the long-desired expectations of humanity. He will then truly deserve the title of the greatest prophet and king of peace on earth.

7 A VISION FOR PEACE