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Day of Peace in Jerusalem and Haifa
Written by Kaori Phillips, UPF - Israel
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Jerusalem & Haifa, Israel - On September 21, the Israeli chapter of UPF held three events commemorating the International Day of Peace. Two events took place in Jerusalem and one in Haifa.
The first event took place in the “Tree Garden,” in a beautiful valley in the midst of Jerusalem. A big garden that was erected by the city ten years ago has been neglected, becoming a desolate place. We gathered several groups of young and enthusiastic volunteers in an attempt to bring this public garden back to life for the sake of the people living nearby in humble communities. Participants included representatives of the Youth Federation for World Peace, “Mashatsim” (a youth leadership corps organized by the Ministry of Education), and a group of volunteers from a community center.
Professor Eliezer Glaubach, a four-time Jerusalem city councilman and senior Ambassador for Peace, gave a remarkable speech covering the contemporary history and the need to transform the prevailing culture in society from one of conflict to one of peace. He highlighted the fact that in UPF was holding rallies supporting world peace on six continents. He concluded his remarks with the UPF declaration in support of the UN resolution making the 21st of September the International Day of Peace.
Dr. Shuki Ben Ami, a key Ambassador for Peace, added a very special flavor to the event. Beating gently on his Native American drum, he gave an inspiring talk, explaining the reason for choosing the 21st of September as the International Day of Peace. According to the tribal tradition, equality is a precondition for peace. Since the night and the day are equal on this date, a balance is created symbolizing the peace between the two.
The enthusiastic youth were then handed shovels and rakes and began tackling with the high weeds, which were covering the deserted garden. Mr. Yehiel Mike Leiter, the director of the “Green Community,” a municipal project, guided diligently all participants and allocating the various tasks needed. When dusk fell, we gathered together in a circle sharing together and discussing future plans and collaboration.
Another event took place at noon in the Truman Institute, at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Shelley Elkayam, a researcher and another key Ambassador for Peace, gave a public talk about the significance of the day, during a distinguished panel called “Religious Figures in Peace Making.” The UPF peace declaration was also affirmed on that occasion.
In the northern city of Haifa, several representatives of various NGOs gathered to exchange views about peace making. Ms. Adi Sasaki, the president of the Haifa chapter of the Women's Federation for World Peace, organized the event, and Sheik Ali Birani, a senior Ambassador for Peace, represented UPF. Sheik Ali gave an overview of UPF’s interfaith work in Israel and while reading the declaration, pointed out that in several of the various religious communities the same declaration was affirmed.
To read UPF's Peace Declaration and reports of observances in other nations, click here.
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