An engaging presentation about being part of the Universal Peace Federation's Middle East Peace Initiative, which includes visits to sacred and historic sites, interfaith encounters, opportunities for service, and briefings with officials.

1. Middle East Peace InitiativeMiddle East Peace Initiative
Universal Peace FederationUniversal Peace Federation
www.upf.orgwww.upf.org
MIDDLE EAST PEACE:
How you and I can
make a difference

2. Can this land ever see peace?

3. Bombs in Jerusalem . . .

4. Miles of wasteland in Gaza . . .

5. Where do we find hope?

6. What is the Middle East Peace
Initiative all about?
How did it start?
Does it work? Can anything work?
What can we do?

7. First-hand understanding is best.

8. On MEPI trips we see Jerusalem

9. Visit the Mount of Olives

10. Get baptized in the Jordan River

11. Sail on the sea of Galilee

12. And imagine what it was like

13. When Jesus sailed these waters.

14. Everyone has a fine time!

15. But then we go to Bethlehem

16. To see the church of the Nativity.

17. Coming back to the border

18. We pass through a checkpoint.

19. It reminds one of East Berlin …

20. We march together for peace

21. With people from many nations.

22. We pray at the Western Wall

23. And go to Al Aqsa mosque.

24. There is dramatic repentance

25. And heartwarming reconciliation.

26. All kinds of people join in.

27. At a peace rally in a park

28. Local people show their concern.

29. Faith leaders speak passionately

30. And all listen carefully.

31. Everyone likes it, from the old

32. To the very young …

33. There is a lot of dancing

34. And many new friendships.

35. People of all faiths come on stage.

36. A Muslim lights Hanukah candles

37. Faith leaders pray for peace

38. And everyone joins in.

39. We also arrange service projects

40. Art workshops for peacemaking

41. Tree planting … always a favorite

42. And in fact an old Israeli tradition

43. Muslim volunteers helped clean

44. A neglected Lutheran cemetery.

45. Everyone worked hard together

46. Even the youngest kids joined in.

47. Volunteers held parties

48. For the children of Bethlehem.

49. For the first time in several years

50. Christmas decorations went up.

51. Arabs tutored Jewish youth.

52. The youth learned old traditions.

53. Working together brings hope.

54. Arabs and Israelis host us.

55. Jews share bread and wine.

56. A sheikh offers a warm smile.

57. We celebrate Palm Sunday

58. Grieve over terrorist attacks

59. And bring the light of hope.

60. There are disagreements

61. Times of somber reflection

62. And celebration with new friends.

63. We visit the sick in hospitals

64. We’ve made new friendships

65. Held meetings in the Knesset

66. At a hotel in Gaza City

67. In the Jordanian Parliament

68. At the Islamic Shari’a Court

69. And in private homes

70. Always hoping for a new generation.

71. The first step is to get involved!
It starts with encounter – making efforts to
meet people who are different.
We can learn about each other’s faiths and
traditions where we live.
We can engage in service to others
And test the proposition that we can be
“One Family Under God.”

72. Involve
yourself and
your family
in service
projects.

73. Have you ever
visited a house of
worship of
another faith?

76. Invite people of
different backgrounds
to your next picnic or
holiday gathering.
Start with neighbors or
the parents of your
children’s friends.

77. Join in
celebrations of
the UN
International
Day of Peace,
September 21
each year.