New Approaches to Peace
The Youth Federation for World Peace in Partnership with the Universal Peace Federation has initiated a series of interreligious encounters, fact-finding trips, cultural initiatives, athletic programs, and service projects as part of its Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI). Bringing young leaders from the world's faith traditions, young business leaders and parliamentarians, and leaders from civil society, MEPI participants meet with Palestinian and Israeli leaders, as well as citizens from all walks of life in an effort to transcend polarizing stereotypes that perpetuate division. Unlike past popular movements for peace and social justice, the international, interreligious delegations work to build coalitions that can build a critical mass to change both public opinion and move institutions of authority. Each side in the conflict has its own narrative and history. The first objective, accordingly, is to enable both to listen to and understand the experience of the other. Importantly, the Middle East Peace Initiative draws on the history and spiritual authority of the great Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Far from being obstacles to peace, these traditions, with ancient roots in the Holy Land, provide the essential values and spiritual resources to facilitate peace.One important outcome is to build a model of unity and mutual respect among the religiously diverse participants. Thus, Jews, Christians, and Muslims travel together to each others' holy sites and gain a first-hand understanding of the history and traditions of those who share the land. For many participants, this is the first substantial encounter with the people and traditions of the other faiths in a religious context and not only provides a new perspective of one's own faith but deepens an understanding of the beliefs, traditions, and essential values of those of other faiths. YFWP's emphasis on young leadership is particularly meaningful. Young people have inherited the divisions and largely been excluded from the peace process. YFWP specifically engages young leaders and provides service training and education in principles of nonviolence and conflict resolution rooted in the timeless ethical values of the world's religions. Developing bonds of friendship across racial and religious divides and devising broader perspectives that reconcile divisions can be critical to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. | YFWP Reports
 A New Paradigm for Peace
A joint initiative of the Youth Federation for World Peace and Martin Luther King III's Realizing the Dream has opened the peace process in Israel to a largely overlooked stakeholder: its youth.
 International Delegation of Young Leaders Brings Ethic of Service to Israel and Palestine
Young leaders from Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East bring a unifying message of interfaith service to the Holy Land.
 YFWP Hosts Palestinian and Israeli Young Leaders in Italy
Israelis and Palestinians traveled across the Italian peninsula for ten days, seeking fresh perspectives, new leadership capacity, and greater understanding of the conflicted relations that have inflamed the region.
 Youth Learn Peacemaking in Israel and Palestine
International young leaders bring compassionate listening and a commitment to service to heal divisions between Israeli and Palestinian youth.
Get involved to foster peace in the Middle East! If you would like to join an international young leaders program in Israel and Palestine tell us about your interests and accomplishments.
YFWP's international, interfaith delegations bring life changing transformation through an ethic of service and openness to the experience of others. |
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