Daliet El Carmel, Israel - Upon returning from the Interfaith Assembly held in Korea last October, our Israeli chapter of UPF decided to hold a follow up reflection meeting. Our host was Sheikh Ali Birani, who invited to his home the three Ambassadors for Peace who participated in the assembly: Sheikh Jaber Mansur (Druze imam of Usfia), Sheikh Samir Asi (Muslim imam of the second largest mosque in Israel, at Acco), and Father Dmitri Mussa (Greek Catholic leader of the town of Maker). Sheikh Birani's home is located at the picturesque Daliet El Carmel, in the north of Israel.
In addition to the three main guests several dignitaries were invited, among them the prominent Druze sheikhs Prof. Fadel Mantsur and Samich Natur, former judge Farez Falach, as well as Rateb (a renowned playwright), and several other figures from the culture, political, and business areas.
Sheikh Birani served as the MC for the meeting and asked UPF's senior advisor Mr. Hod Ben Zvi to offer welcoming remarks. Mr. Ben Zvi encouraged the assembly participants to share their experience.
Sheikh Mansur expressed that at the World Peace Blessing in Korea he was greatly impressed to see all the young couples pledging in front of God and Father and Mother Moon that after living pure lives up to that point they will remain faithful to each other forever and educate their children the same way. He said this because the Druze have the same ideals; however, their youth are challenged by the bad influence of the media and the general society trends around them. He also said that he admired how Korea is so well developed and how beautiful Seoul is, with the Han River running through it; he would have loved to be able to spend another day just sight-seeing there and talking with the guests from the conference.
Sheikh Asi expressed that this was his second time to attend such a conference, recalling his first experience in New York. He was deeply moved by the hospitality of their hosts. especially the personal care given to the Israeli delegation by UPF's chairman Rev. Dr. Hyung Jin Moon. Sheikh Asi explained to him about the unique situation in his city of Acco, where Muslims and Jews live side by side trying to forge a path for coexistence. He expressed his hope that UPF can follow up with actual plans to resolve issues such as the religious divide in his city.
Father Dmitri said that although the Arabic people are well known throughout the world for their excellent hospitality and attendance to their guests, he was amazed to find that Rev. Hyung Jin Moon and UPF took even better care of them. In the Middle East, as "people of the book,” we should reflect on our attitude and behavior in light of such kind hospitality as was offered in Korea. He reiterated that we need to make an effort to enlighten the dark side as well, namely to speak bravely about peace to those who oppose it. He even suggested holding the next conference in Iran.
After several others had shared their hearts, Ali invited us all onto his patio, where he and his family served a delicious dinner. Afterwards, all the guests stood in a circle talking for a while reflecting on the evening, and after hugs and handshakes everyone departed for their homes.
Several of them requested that we have more such meetings, especially among the Druze they often talk about Father Moon and are seeking ways to better educate their youth.