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Today, the Holy land is host to thousands of weary but persistent peace builders, each of whom believes that harmony and goodwill can prevail. They understand that most Israelis and Palestinians want a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has plagued their region for decades. They know that the majority of Jews and Arabs alike just want to make a living, raise children in a safe environment, and to live in happiness and harmony.
Imagine a community where people of all races and faiths can come together in a special land, safe, embraced, and working together to secure the gift of peace for each other and all mankind. This is the goal. Bridges to the Holy Land stands as a testament to the commitment, dedication, and resoluteness of all those who join in this inspirational endeavor. Whatever your faith, wherever you live, you too can make history.
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links to get started.
The mission of Bridges to the Holy Land is to provide professional, logistical and financial support to people working on the front lines of creating peace in Israel/Palestine. We coordinate efforts between people and organizations in the U.S. and the Holy Land and take tangible steps to create peace between Jews and Palestinians.
The project began in 2004-5 when Executive Director Mark Libowitz spent 14 months in Israel/Palestine directly working with interfaith peacemakers there. Through interviewing them and observing and participating in their work, he conducted a full assessment of the most effective types of support that are currently needed.
We have already accomplished several projects, and are now ready to create the Shlom Zion, Al-Quds Peacebuilders Center in Jerusalem. The center is designed to address many of the key areas of support that are needed. It will provide:
* Advanced training in peacemaking strategies by experts in the field.
* A safe space to rest, share a meal, meet and network with fellow peacemakers of all denominations.
* Wellness support and trauma counseling to meet the many needs of peaceworkers
* Light-hearted recreational entertainment produced occasionally by staff and volunteers
* Advanced training materials that will be published and distributed throughout Israel/Palestine and beyond.
* Consultation for other peace-related organizations.
* An Interfaith Peacebuilders Directory published on the Internet and in print in order to further unite and strengthen the peacemaker community throughout the region.
Peace in this region is essential to world peace. We hope you will support our efforts.
Once the basic programs are in place and required funds are available, additional projects will be initiated that further the process of uplifting and transforming the mental and emotional status of people living in this challenging region. These projects include: Positive Images/Positive News, Family Harmony Education, Living Spiritual Elders, Interfaith Fathers Initiative, 3,000 Points of Light, and Whole Person Service Training for community service providers. We will also support highly innovative projects of others, including those that emphasize children and adolescent youth.
BHL associates have also fully committed to bringing the above innovative approaches into the community of Sarasota, Florida. We are core team members of a wide variety of community and peacebuilding organizations. We are engaged in introducing peace and human relations education into the elementary, high school and university school systems. Excellent progress is now being made toward the future of our youth and their families. Healthy individuals and successful families will produce a more peaceful world.
+ Click here to view the PDF
for the Complete Project Plan
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Mark Avraham Libowitz
Project Founder/Director
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