Terrorism in the Middle East between Israelis and
Palestinians is ongoing - it has not stopped.
They need help and support from all of us to help bring peace to that
part of the world. Each and every
one of us has a part to play in furthering the peace process.
As the Founder of the
Middle East Peace Dialogue Network, it is my belief that the only way true
peace can be accomplished is by former enemies developing a dialogue.
The impediments to
peace in the Middle East are rooted in centuries of distrust between the three
great religions, Moslem, Christian, and Jewish.
The problems faced by the people is further compounded by politicians
who have from time to time had an agenda that is not always in the best
interest of peace.
My own experience, commitment and involvement is in the
peacemaking community of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam (50% Israeli Jews and 50%
Israeli Palestinians -1/3 Christian, 2/3 Muslim).
For the last eighteen years, this community has proven to me that
co-existence of the diverse cultures in the Middle East can be achieved.
It is the goal of the
Middle East Peace Dialogue Network (MEPDN) to support dialogue activities
throughout the Middle East between its many and varied nationalities,
cultures, religion and political philosophies.
Dialogue can take place in many ways, through economic development, the
arts, workshops, and lectures. The
dialogue groups that will be supported by MEPDN will be located throughout the
Middle East.
Yours for peace,
Richard
C. Goodwin
Hope is believing in
spite of the evidence - Then watching the evidence change.
If the people will
lead, the leaders will follow.