UPF International: Paths Toward a Safer Middle East — Tageldin Ibrahim Hamad

From November 17 to 21, 2025, representatives of governments and international organizations will gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the Sixth Session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction. This annual meeting reviews progress toward the objective of reducing the risks associated with weapons of mass destruction in the region and provides a forum for states to discuss practical steps forward.

The Sixth Session of the Conference invites the international community to examine the conditions required for regional stability and shared responsibility. Conducted under the presidency of H.E. Omar Hilale, president of the Sixth Session of the Conference, and mandated by the UN General Assembly, the meeting contributes to global efforts to strengthen cooperation among states. Its agenda on non- proliferation, civilian protection, and transparent governance aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Urgency this year arises from the ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on October 10, 2025, amid ongoing diplomatic initiatives focused on de-escalation, highlighting assessments by international organizations that the ceasefire remains fragile and requires sustained monitoring by the international community. The outcomes of this session may also inform preparations for the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, where regional WMD-free zones are expected to remain a concern, with analysts noting the interdependence of the Middle East Zone process and global non- proliferation frameworks.

Preparatory discussions surrounding the conference have highlighted how regional initiatives can inform the 2026 NPT Review and reinforce broader multilateral efforts. This perspective aligns with discussions held at the UPF World Summit 2025 in Seoul from April 10 to 13, where participants examined

challenges to world order and approaches to sustainable peace.

UPF considers this moment an opportunity to underline the principles advanced by its founders, Dr. Hak Ja Han and the late Dr. Sun Myung Moon, who emphasized mutual respect and shared responsibility. These ideals shaped the development of the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI).The Middle East Peace Initiative was launched in early 2003 by the Universal Peace Federation’s predecessor (the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace) as a long-term track-two diplomacy effort to complement official peace processes in the Middle East. Its inaugural consultation, convened in Washington D.C. on Feb. 27 - Mar. 2, 2003, brought together religious leaders, scholars and policymakers to chart a “new culture of peace” for the region.

That same year, MEPI organized its first interfaith peace mission to Jerusalem, inviting 135 American Christian clergy to meet with an equal number of Israeli rabbis - alongside local imams - for grassroots reconciliation amid the ongoing violence. On May 18, 2003, these leaders signed a historic Jerusalem Declaration, a joint statement in which the clergy and rabbis repented “for the dark parts of our past” and pledged to build “a bright future together.”

Over the ensuing years, MEPI has convened dozens of peace missions, fact-finding tours, interfaith conferences and cultural exchanges across Israel, the Palestinian territories and neighboring states. Notable programs ranged from a December 2003 peace rally in Jerusalem that drew some 20,000 multi- faith participants, to a 2004 “Women of Peace” mission in which 500 women leaders from 40+ nations fostered dialogue with Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, to grassroots projects like the “Play Football, Make Peace” tournament that united Israeli and Palestinian youth teams. MEPI has included track-two dialogues on the future of Syria and interreligious visits that brought together leaders from Israel, Palestine, and Jordan for discussions in neutral settings.

These dialogue platforms represent expressions of the UPF vision of One Family under God, which seeks to build peace by recognizing shared humanity and fostering cooperation across cultural and national lines reflecting the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs’ view of civil society as vital in raising awareness and capturing the public conscience in support of disarmament.

These activities complement UN agency work in the region, including programs of UNDP and FAO that address drivers of vulnerability and reflect the peacebuilding priorities noted in the 2024 UN Disarmament Yearbook. This approach aligns with ongoing United Nations deliberations on future peacekeeping models that are politically focused and people-centered, consistent with the Secretary- General’s 2023 policy brief, A New Agenda for Peace.

As the international community meets in New York to advance the aspiration of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, UPF reaffirms its commitment to supporting environments in which trust can deepen and cooperation can emerge. UPF encourages its partners to contribute to track-two peacebuilding efforts in the region, supporting spaces for dialogue and practical cooperation.

This commitment aligns with the United Nations Pact for the Future adopted in September 2024, which calls for enhanced multilateral cooperation to address shared security challenges, including disarmament. This emphasis is particularly relevant amid continuing humanitarian and security concerns in the region, which underline the value of multilateral cooperation and sustained engagement by civil society. The conference in New York highlights that security depends not only on diplomatic processes but also on the work of civil society institutions and individuals who choose cooperation over division.

o~ ABOUT ~ ,ff

WORKS UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION

INITIATIVES UPF HISTORY @) a in •• Q KO

REV. DR. SUN MYUNG MOON, 1920-2012

Rev. Sun Myung Moon was born in 1920 in what is now North Korea. In 1935, after praying near Mount Myodu, Jesus Christ appeared to him on Easter Morning and asked him t o Mtake on a special mission on Earth having to do w ith Heaven’s work.MAfter having escaped to Pusan at the beginning of the Korean War, he began writing and teachi ng t he Divine Principle. In 1954, he founded t he Holy Spirit Association for t he Unif ication of World Christianity, now known as the Family Federat ion for World Peace and Unification, in Seoul, Korea. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon was blessed in marriage to Rev. Moon in 1960. They founded an array of religious, academic, educational, arts and peace orga nizations working in more t han 190 nations. Dedicat ed to the belief t hat world peace must begin w ith harmonious families, t hey advocate the coming together of diverse polit ical, religious, academic, media, and civic leaders to work cooperatively in addressing and solving t he crit ical problems of the world. The Universal Peace Federat ion was launched in New York City in 2005, after which Rev. and Mrs. Moon and t heir family traveled throughout the world delivering peace messages. His aut obiography, As a Peace- Loving Global Citizen, was published in 2009 in Korea and t ranslated into nearly 40 languages

Sun Myung Moo n was born on January 6, 1920, into a family of farmers that had tilled the land for centuries. As a boy he studied at a Confucian school and was a keen observer of t he natural world. Aro und 1930, his parents became fervent Christians - Presbyterians - and the young Sun Myung Moon became a Sunday school teacher.

At that t ime, Japan ruled Korea and was trying to force t he practice of the Shinto religion onto all Koreans. The religious intolerance of t he Japanese regime was one facet of the contempt t hey held for the Koreans, a people they believed to be inferior. The Korean people were subjected to forty years of humiliat ion and cruelty as part of Japan’s Greater Asian Co- Prosperity Sphere. Growing up oppressed in his own land, Sun Myung Moon learned early the pain of inj ust ice, whether among his own people or at the hands of t he Japanese rulers.

The young Moon became intensely aware of human suffering and t he failure of humanity to creat e a loving and just world. He sought to understand w hy people suffer and how suffering can be ended. From going to church, he knew that religion addressed the funda mental human condit ion and prom ised an ideal world to t hose who obey God; but he saw that established religions, although centuries old and based on scriptures offering revelatory insights, were, in practice , unable to answer many of life’s questions or solve t he deepest problems facing humankind. Troubled by the immense gap between religious ideals and t he actual state of the world, he began his own ardent pursuit of solutions through a life of prayer and study.

Early Easter morn ing 1935, Jesus appeared to the young Sun Myung Moon as he was praying in the Korean mounta ins. In t hat vision, Jesus asked him to cont inue the work which he had begun on earth nearly 2,000 years before. Jesus asked him to complete the task of establishing God’s kingdom on eart h and bringing peace to humankind.

C. The young Korean was st unned by t his encount er, and especially by the request t hat had been made of him, ~ and at first he re f used. However, aft er deep reflection, meditat ion and prayer, he pledged to take on t he

…s overwhelming mission .

“”’ DJ After personally accepting Jesus’ call, the young Moon set out to discover the meaning of th is unusual call. If Jesus called him to complete his mission, it meant that Jesus’ mission was incomplete. Was not salvation through t he cross all that humankind needs? What was it t hat Jesus had left undone on eart h? If sin is not completely solved, then what is t he actual root of sin?

Sun Myung Moon ceaselessly studied the Bible and ot her religious teachings in order to unravel these mysteries of life and human history. During t his t ime, he went into deep communion with God and entered the vast battlef ield of t he spirit and flesh. Through denying his personal desires he overcame temptat ions of knowledge, wealth and physical pleasure. He came to understand God’s own suffering and His longing to be reunited with His children. He learned the difficult st eps that humankind would have t o take in order to return to God and est ablish true peace on earth. After receiving his commission from God, he knew he could not succeed in his task wit hout a profound understanding of the Creator and His creation. He int ensified his quest for the trut h. spendi ng days and nights in passionate prayer, rigorous fast ing and study. His method was to posit specif ic questions, research answers in the physical and spiritual worlds, and then seek confirmation for t hose answers through prayer. On several occasions he was guided directly by Abraha m, Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha and other saints and sages of all faiths, w ho met him in spirit and cont ributed to his understanding of God and the complex history of God’s relationship wit h humankind. By the age of 25, he had developed t he fundamentals of t he Divine Principle and Unificat ion Principles.

Rev. Moon gradua ted from high school in 1941 and went to Japan to study electronic engineering at an industrial college affili ated with Waseda University. During his t ime in Japan, he continued his intense prayer and search for the truth. A school friend during that time said t hat in his room he kept t hree Bibles- one in Korean, one in English and one in Ja panese, which he studied continuously.

He also was a Christian leader in the Korean independence movement against the Japanese occupation of Korea. Young Christians and com munists were the strongest leaders of t he independence movement against t he Japanese occupation. In Japan, some of his closest school friends were communists, and while their atheism pained him, he recognized their sincere dedication to a utopian ideal. A fellow student at t hat time, Aum Ouk-Moon, report s that Rev. Moon defended communists to his Christian friends, saying that they we re good people and that Koreans should work together to save their country. He was eventually imprisoned by the Japanese for his st udent underground activities and tortured for not revealing the names of his collaborators. This impriso nment was what would be his first of six imprisonments under fo ur governments: Japan, North Korea, South Korea and the United States

Rev. Moon returned to his native land in 1943. Upo n ret urning from Japan, he was married to Sang ll Choi, a strong Christian from a well- known rresbyterian family.

In 1944, Rev. Moon was again arrested and severely tortured by the Japanese occupation government in Korea after his name came up in t he interrogat ion of a commun ist student friend who had been active in the anti-Japa nese underground in Tokyo. He refused to confess and was finally released. In spite of such t reatment by the Japanese, his cousin and companion at the t ime report s that Rev. Moon showed only love and respect to Japanese people. When the war ended in August 1945 he persuaded others not to take revenge on local Japanese officials and worked secretly to get them safe transport back to Japan .

By 1945 he had systematized his teachings, which came to be known as t he Divine Principle, and he began his public ministry. The Divine Principle is the fundamental teaching of Rev. Moon and t he Unif icat ion Church.

C. The Republic of Korea , although an Asian country, is recognized having perhaps the most fervent Christian fait h of any nation. Rev. Billy ~ Graham was so impressed by the spirit ual vitality of her churches during his first visit to Korea t hat he predict ed that one day Korea .s … would send missionaries t o revive the West. In this atmosphere of fervent Christianity, Rev. Moon’s original plan was not to start a

“”’ DJ separate denomination but t o work with other Christians to build God’s kingdom on the eart h. He worked hard to introduce his new revelations to existing Korean Christ ian churches. But his new teachings were not well received. American Christian m issionaries disregarded him as an unschooled ·country preacher.° Korean ministers, j ealous of the young man’s impact on their congregation members, accused him of espousing false teachings. Despite his many efforts to reach out to established Christian churches, they did not respond to his new ideas. Rev. Moon soon realized that he was headed down the lonely path of a pioneer religious visionary.

In 1946 while buying rice for his family, Rev. Moon was told by God t o leave his family w it hout notifying them and go to communist North Korea to preach.

Before World War 11, the center of Korean Christian activity was Pyeongyang, now the capital of North Korea; it was called the “Jerusalem of the East.· Among the spirit-filled churches were many with st rong messian ic expectations. Some of these churches had received revelations that the Messiah would be born in Korea, and they were directed in various ways t o prepare t o receive him.

He began to teach publicly, despite the dangers presented by t he comm unist-dominated government. As a poor preacher with new interpretations of t he Bible, Rev. Moon was more vulnerable than leaders of the established churches and was, therefore, one of the first religious f igures to be imprisoned by the communists.

Rev. Moon at a North Korean court

Charged with disturbing the social order, in November 1946, the young minister was im prisoned and t ort ured. The police believed him to be dead and tossed his body into t he prison yard. Some of his followers found him and carried him away to tend to his broken body. Miraculously, Rev. Moon survived and rega ined his strength. Undaunted, he began preaching in public once again.

In April 1948, he was arrested a second t ime and sentenced t o five years of hard labor in Hungnam prison. He was among the first of the Christ ian ministers sent to the Soviet-style North Korean gulag. Hungnam was an exterm ination camp where prisoners were deliberately worked to death. Few lasted more than six months. Yet in that horrif ic concent ration ca mp, Rev. Moon survived for nearly three yea rs. Although he did not speak a word of t he Divine Princ iple, many of his fellow prisoners looked to him for spiritual strength and became his disciples.

On June 25, 1950, t he North Korean army invaded the South in a lightning attempt to unify the entire peninsula by force. UN and American forces, under Gen. Douglas MacArthur, rescued t he beleaguered South. One month after the capture of Seoul, UN forces reached the gates of Hungnam prison. Knowing the UN forces were near, the communist prison authorities began to execute the Cl. i=? prisoners. The prison camp was liberated by UN forces just hours before Rev. Moon’s scheduled execution. e -”’ u Despite his brutal prison camp experience, Rev. Moon did not immediately flee t o the South. Inst ead, he returned to Pyeongyang and “’ Ill spent 40 days sea rching for the members of his scattered flock. He eventually found a few members and then traveled south on foot with two of them. One of his followers had a broken leg and prot ested that he would slow the party down. Rev. Moon insist ed on bringing him and for t he long trek either pushed him on a bicycle or carried him on his back.

As one of hundreds of t housands of war refugees, Rev. Moon arrived in the sout hern port city of Busan, where he and one disciple built the first Unification Church from discarded army ration boxes. At that time, he t old his small following that one day the message of t he Divine Principle would be spread all over the world. He prophesied t hat people f rom all over the world would venerat e t hat hillside. Rev. Moon’s predictions sounded unbelievable. Today, in fact, t ens of thousands of people make a pilgrimage to the spot.

Beginning his evangelization work in the South after nearly five yea rs in the North, Rev. Moon was rejoined by his wife. However, he continued t o dedicate himself night and day to his reli gious mission. She could not accept his dedication to t he mission at the sacrifice of his fam ily. Finally she f iled for divorce, in spite of Rev. Moon’s strong opposition to a divorce and ef forts to dissuade her. (His only child from this marriage and his family are loyal followers of Rev. Moon.)

On May 1, 1954, in Seoul, Rev. Moon founded the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, Rev. Moon’s fa it h community which became popularly called the “Unification Church” worldwide.

TIie church immedic l ely c llrcc l ed follower~ h um a major Chri~l ic11 women·~ univer~ily, Ewhc1 University, a school closely linked with t he Korean government and with the mainline Protestant denominations. Because many st udents were joining the church, the school sent professors to investigate. When several professors also joined, inst ead of sincerely welcoming this new church, t he school persecuted it. The university president ordered the professors and students to eit her leave the church or leave the school.

Coincidentally, newspapers in Seoul suddenly began to print alarming st ories about the Unification Church, sex org ies and Rev. Moon being a North Korean agent. Rev. Moon was thrown in jail, to be relea sed weeks later when no charges could be found. Again t he following year he was t hrown in jail on charges of evading the milit ary draft, even though during the time in quest ion he had been in Heungnam prison. After several months confinement - and sensational media coverage - the charges were dropped. His release received scant notice in the press. Thus began the pat tern of collusion between religious leaders, government and the media t hat t o this day suppresses Rev. Moon and his church.

Amid this severe persecution, Rev. Moon nurtured a growing community of fait hf ul disciples, known as the “weeping church” because of the tearful prayers of Rev. Moon and his followers. By 1957, churches were established in 30 Korean cities and towns.

In the lat e 1950s, t he first internat ional missionaries were sent, one to neighboring Japan in 1958 and two t o t he United St ates in 1959.

Cl. Rev. Moon was blessed in holy ma rriage to Hak Ja Ha n on March 16, 1960. Their blessing was followed by a i=? series of group marriage blessing ceremonies for their followers. Hak Ja Han and her mother, a devout e Christian. had also fled sout h during the Korean War. They soon thereafter joined the Unification Church. -”’ u Since t heir marriage, Mrs. Hak Ja Han has dedicated herself entirety to supporting Rev. Moon and his “’ Ill mission.

The International Federation for Victory Over Communism was t he first of many organizat ions and activities founded by Rev. Moon to bring about the peaceful downfall of communism. Rev. Moon taught t hat communism should be defeated ideologically through education about the fallacies of Marxism -Len inism, offering a counterproposal consisting of universal principles called Godism, conferences, global networking, rallies and dem onstrations in Asia, t he United Stat es and Latin America.

God directed Rev. Moon to expand his ministry t o the world level by going to the United States in 1971 . America, which embraces alt peoples, races and religions, represents the world. What happens in America has global repercussions. He expressed grat itude for America’s role in l iberating his homeland. But he also knew that God expected much more from this land that had been so richly blessed. It was clear to Rev. Moon that America had drifted from its original ideals.

The “Day of Hope’ speaking tour began February 3, 1972 in Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center in New York and went on to seven major US cit ies w ith t he purpose of reviving traditional Judea-Christ ian values.

The Unif icat ion Church had centers in ten states, and in 1972 pioneer leaders were sent out to the forty remai ning states to found Unification Church cent ers. In the same year, evangelical teams t raveled from st ate to state in a membership campaign, and thousands of young people accepted his message and dedicat ed themselves to the Unification Church.

After t he successful Madison Square Garden event on September 18, 1973, public

speeches were given and banquets hosted for thousands of society’s leaders in all 50 states.

Rev. Moon met with US President Richard Nixon during the Watergate crisis of 1974. Through rallies and newspaper statements, he urged Americans t o forgive the beleaguered Richard Nixon at the t ime of the Watergate scandal. Any public relat ions strategist would have advised him against 0 such action, which called on America ns to “forgive, love and unite. Virt ually no one at the time was willing to side wit h a president on t he verge of impeachment, but Rev. Moon does not flinch when he receives God’s directions. He also foresaw the serious consequences of undercutting the American presidency in a world still dom inated by the communist threat. His appeal was met with scorn, even though his · forgive, love and unite· message embodied the essence of Christian practice. Cl. t=! B -”’ u As a result t he rapid growth of t he movement in the United States, it went through a period of persecution similar to what other new “’ Ill religious leaders and movements have faced in t he past - the new was see n to be strange and threateni ng. Rev. Moon’s appea l for a true Christian renewal of America was initially welcomed. However, this receptivity proved shallow when, in 1974, he became an easy target for the now-hostile news media unhappy over Rev. Moon’s ’ forgive, love and unite” message concerning the Watergate scandal.

The fair and objective coverage of t he past was replaced by portrayals of Rev. Moon and his church in t he worst possible l ight. All sort s of unfounded allegat ions from Korea were dug up. In this atmosphere of hysteria, t he enthusiasm and idealism of his young followers was reinterpreted as “brainwashing.” Rev. Moon was portrayed as a hypnotist and an agent of a foreign government. Religious and racial bigot ry and persecution, a phenomenon in the United States as old as the country itself, showed its ugly face. Even though t he United States was founded for the sake of establishing religious freedom, regre ttably, religious intolerance remains today. The Unification Church bore the brunt of America’s religious intolerance for three decades.

Wit h churches already established in Korea, Japan, North America, and t he Western European countries, in May 1975, Rev. Moon sent out missionary teams consisting of one Japanese, one American and one German to countries in Asia, Africa, t he Middle East, Latin America and Oceania, bringing the total number of nations w ith Unif ication Church representat ives to 120.

Rev. Moon continued his Day of Hope tour, accompan ied by a Global Team of young followers from America, Europe and Asia, with speeches in Japan and Korea, concluding with a rally at Yoido Island near Seoul which was attended by 1.2 mill ion people. Rev. Moon spoke a message of determination to stand against communism in South Korea and establish a world centered on God, at the height of t he Cold War during a time of great t ension between Nort h and South Korea.

The Unification Theolog ical Seminary, established in 1975 in Barrytown, New York, offers Master’s Degrees in Divinity and Religious Education, with a recently added Doctorate of Ministry degree. It was founded as an ecumenical sem inary, and faculty members have belonged to a broad range of relig ious denom inations. Rather t han concentrating solely on Unification theology, students learn philosophy, psychology, world religions and homiletics, as well as the histories, t heologies, and scrip t ures of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other world religions.

Starting with dialogues at the Unificat ion Theological Sem inary, the New Ecumenical Research Association for Christian Unity and continui ng with other initiatives, such as t he Assembly of the World’s Religions, Rev. Moon promoted interreliglous discussion, understanding and cooperation to solve t he problems of poverty, war, injustice and breakdown of the family. The 1985 Assembly of the World’s Religions was attended by 1,000 distinguished religious leaders and scholars. A key social teaching of Rev. Moon is that the world’s most difficult problems will be best solved by religious leaders working interreligiously rather than by purely polit ical and econom ic init iatives An estimated 300,000 people of all creeds and colors came to hear Revrend Moon speak at t he “God Bless America Festival” on Cl. September 18, 1976 at t he Washington Monument in the nation’s capit al. To date this was the greatest religious rally ever assembled t=! in Washingt on, D.C. At t his historic rally, Rev. Moon called upon America to fulfill its blessing as one nat ion under God, and to create B -”’ “one world under God.” He referred t o himself as a “doctor” or a “fire f ighter” from the outside who has come t o help America meet u “’ Ill its third great “tesr as a nation, that of “God-denying” communism, and to revive its religious heritage. He proclaimed t hat the Unific ation Church with its “absolutely God-cente red ideology” had the “power t o awaken America, and raise up the model of t he ir!P.;:il n;:ition unon thi~ lrrnrl_”

He called members from around the world to England in 1978, w here he gave t hem daily guidance and sent t hem around the country in a grass-roots community service initiative called “home church.” He gave directio n to members around the world to choose an area of 360 homes and serve the people and be examples of God’s love.

Under strong pressure from a few polit icians who saw an easy way to garner favor with voters riled up by the bad press about Rev. Moon and the Unification Church, the United States government launched a plethora of official investigations of Rev. Moon involving nea rly twenty federal agencies. Hearings were conducted on Capitol Hill to warn of the dangers of new religious movements.

Meanwhile, a f ive-year Internal Revenue Service investigation finally produced a politically-cra fted indictment against Rev. Moon. This indictment, ha nded down in 1981, charged him with evading income taxes nearly a decade earlier, as well as conspiracy to avoid those taxes. The t otal amount of taxes supposedly eva ded was less than $8000.00. No one in the Unit ed States has ever been indict ed for tax evasion of such a small amount. The indictment ‘s real purpose, however, was to spur Rev. Moon t o leave America.

However, the US government and some politic ians underestimated Rev. Moon’s religiosity and commitment to his mission in America. When the indictment was handed dow n, Rev. Moon was in Korea. His lawyers recommended that he not come back to America, since there is no extradition treaty between the United States and Korea and by staying away he could avoid conviction and imprisonment. However, he did not follow t heir advice. He was, after all. a man of God, not a crim inal fleeing t he law. He immediately returned to t he United Stat es. He told his counsel: “I will not abandon my mission in America. That I w ill never do.”

Upon arriving in New York for the Federal District Court arra ignment he spoke only one sent ence: “Your Honor, I am not guilty.” The outcome of the trial was a foregone conclusion. He was convict ed and sentenced to spend eighteen months in a federal prison. When, the Supreme Court refused to hear the case, despite forty amicus briefs from mainl ine Christ ian leaders, legal associat ions, civil liberty groups and state governments, he prepared to go to jail.

Still, t he US Justice Department t ried to negotiate with Rev. Moon’s attorneys, determ ined to achieve their goal of him leaving the United States permanently. On the condition that Rev. Moon depart for Korea and never come back to the United States, they said the government would wa ive his prison sentence. He flatly re fused. His comment was, “It must be God’s w ill t hat I go to prison. There must be a providential reason why I must go this way.” Imprisonment was not new to Rev. Moon: He already had endured imprisonment in communist Nort h Korea, South Korea and Japan during World War II.

In the meantime, protests were being made all around the nation over t he injustice Rev. Moon was suffering as a result of religious persecution. Ma ny Christian leaders who never knew or cared about him began to realize that the government had made a serious assault on religious freedom. Christ ians, including t he Nat ional Council of Churches Cl. headed by Rev. Dean Kelley and non-religious groups representing more than 160 million t=! Americans, came to his legal defense. B -”’ u “’ Ill

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We accused a newcomer to our shores of criminal and intentional wrongdoing for conduct commonly engaged in by a large percentage of our own religious leaders, namelr. the holding of church funds in bank accounts in their own names. Catholic priests do it. Baptist ministers do it. and so did Sun Myung Moon… we charged a non-English-speaking alien with criminal tax evasion on the first tax returns he filed in this country. It appears that we didn’t give him a fair chance to understand our laws. We didn’t seek a civil penalty as an initial means of redress. We didn’t give him the benefit of any doubt. Rather, we took a novel theory of tax liability of less than $10.000 and turned it into aguilty verdict and eighteen months in afederal prison.

“I do feel strongly, after my subcommittee has carefully and objectively reviewed this /Rev. Moon’s tax} case from both sides, that injustice rather than justice has been served “1e Moon case sends a strong signal that if one’s views are unpopular enough, this country will find a way not to tolerate, but to convict. I don’t believe that you or I or anyone else, no matter how innocent, could realistically prevail against the combined forces of our Justice Department andjudicial branch in a case such as Rev. Moon’s. ·

Upon arriving in New York for the Federal District Court arraignment he spoke only one sentence: “Your Honor, I am not guilty.R The outcome of the trial was a foregone conclusion. He was convicted and sentenced t o spend eight een months in a federal prison. When, the Supreme Court refused to hear t he case, despite forty amicus briefs from ma inline Christian leaders, legal associat ions, civil liberty groups and state governments, he prepared t o go t o jail.

On August 20, 1985, Rev. Moon was freed after com pleting thirteen months of incarceration. Upon his release, major Christian and c ivil rights leaders, including Rev. Jerry Falwell of the Moral Majority and Rev. Joseph Lowery of t he Southern Christian Leadership Conference, held a press conference decrying t he persecution and imprisonment of Rev. Moon and to welcome him back.

During his trial, Rev. Moon founded The Washington Times on May 17, 1982, and it became the second largest daily newspaper in America’s capital. Its initial purpose was to be inst rument al in the peaceful fall of communism, a goal achieved in conj unction w it h the Reagan Administ ration, and then w it h the end of t he Cold War, to promote family values and support of the role of religion in society.

Rev. Moon organized a major conference of news media leaders and former heads of state in Moscow in April 1990. Th is fulf illed a pledge he had made in 1976 that one day he would organize a “great rally for God in Moscow.” During this conference, Rev. and Mrs. Moon met with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Through several int erviews, televised and in print, he gave a message of hope to the Soviet people, urging them to turn toward God. A strong opponent of communism, Rev. Moon taught that the ideology was mistaken but he came to love t he communist people. Since the fall of the Soviet Empire, he has funded numerous activities to assist former communist countries in their transit ion to democracy and freedom.

Rev. Moon made a crucial step in 1991 towards t he establishment of world peace through Q. ~ the peaceful reunification of North and Sout h Korea. Risking his life, he t raveled to North .s ..,. Korea in December 1991, and met with President Kim II Sung, under whose reg ime he had been tortured and sent to a labor camp. His purpose was to seek ways to bridge the gap u “’ ID between t he t wo countries. The North Korean ruler, who had suppressed religion for forty years, met and graciously welcomed Rev. and Mrs. Moon. In t he same visit Rev. Moon was permitted to return to his hometown and the house of his birth, placing flowers on the graves of his parents and embracing proud and tearful surviving relatives.

Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon, the devoted w ife and mother of 14 children, began her own public activit ies for world peace in 1992 w it h the founding of the Women’s Federation for World. Her mission is both t o lead peacemaking work and promote the central role of women in creating a j ust and peaceful soc iety. Today, after years of int ense international work, Mrs. Moon is recognized as one of the most effective woman leaders in the world. She has spoken in such notable venues as Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., t he United Nations in New York City, the Kremlin, t he Great Hall in Bejing, and congressional buildings in Japan, Korea, and Canada. Perhaps no ot her woman leader has addressed so many large audiences in as many count ries as Mrs. Moon.

Her first world tour in 1993 took her to 44 cit ies in the US, 27 cit ies in Japan. 40 university campuses in Korea, and 41 nat ions around the world. In 2006, accompanied by her adult children and grandchildren, she undertook two world tours for peace at t he incredible pace of a country per day. She and her family spoke to enthusiastic audiences in 120 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and Lat in America. She was received as a dignit ary and met wit h many heads of states, prominent religious leaders and political leaders.

Rev. Moon announced the end of t he era of the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christian ity in 1992. In its place, he founded the Family Federat ion for World Peace and Unification, building a network of families from every race, religion and culture, un ited in t he belief that cent ered on God’s love, happy marriages and successful families are the cornerst ones for solving t he most fun damental problems of society.

Well-known for officiating at mass wedding ceremonies for his followers. Rev. Moon began in 1997 to invite people of all faiths to join in dedicating their marriage to God and wo rld peace. World Peace Blessing ceremonies began w it h invocations by leaders of various religions. Newlyweds and couples renewing their vows make a sacred promise to love each other faithfully, live t ogether in peace, and raise up their children and grandchildren to uphold purity and fidelity. A spec ial contribut ion to world peace is made by couples who bridge the divides of race and religion, pledging that they and their famil ies will promote understanding, respect, and harmony.

Rev. Moon proposed the creation of an internat ional council of religious, civic, and political leaders t o supplement the peacekeeping work of t he Unit ed Nat ions. The lnterreligious and Int ernational Federa t ion for World Peace (known as t he Universal Peace Federation since 2005), has been active throughout the world wit h Ambassadors for Peace who wo rk for peace in their nations and internationally.

A month after t he September 2011 attacks on the Unit ed States, Rev. Moon organized a peace conference t hat brought together Q. ~ religious and political leaders from around t he globe; a second, unprecedented conference for international Muslim leaders in .s ..,. Indonesia in December 2001, was t itled: Islam and t he Future World of Peace, reflecting Rev. Moon’s confidence in Islam’s potential u to be a major partner in the global quest for peace. “’ ID Rev. Moon dedicated himself to address the world’s most unsolvable challenges, among t hem achieving peace in the Middle East and a peaceful reconciliation between North and South Korea. The Midd le East Peace Init iative exem plifies his approach to peace by calling on leaders of all fields, including government, academia, religion and the arts, to join in interreligious peace missions t o the trouble spots of t he world.

The Universal Peace Federation was est ablished in 2005 to creat e a global council of religious and other leaders to supplement and support the peace-making work of the United Nations. It has a Global Peace Council wit h dist inguished leaders from all continents and Ambassadors for Peace committed to t he vision of a globa l human family under God. UPF is a non-governmental organization w ith Special Consultative Stat us w ith the Economic and Social Council of the UN. UPF was ina ugurat ed in September 2005 at a gala event at t he Lincoln Center in New York City. After t hat, the founders embarked on a World Peace Tour, inaugurating chapters on six cont inent s. After a journey of more than 70,000 miles, 280 hours of airt ime, and 60 t ime zones the t our concluded in Toronto, Canada three months later.

While t he Internet links people the world over on an informat ion super-highway, there is no highway w ith bridges and t un nels to connect all the continents. The idea for a Bering Strait c rossing was promoted during the UPF Peace Tours of 2005 and 2006 as a vision for overcoming cultural and religious boundaries as well as geographic and political divisions.

Beginning in 2006, a number of Rev. and Mrs. Moon’s children and adult

grandchildren, accompanied by their spouses, joined Mrs. Moon on a history- making world tour for peace to 120 nations. Audiences worldwide were inspired that Rev. Moon’s important work is being effect ively cont inued through the dedication of the second and t hird generations of his family.

The initial Peace Message of 2005 was developed for diverse audiences and to address complex issues facing the globe. In 2006 and 2007, t he momentum generated from the init ial tours continued locally in more t han 14,000 locations organized by Ambassadors for Peace inspired by the vision of the Peace Tours.

Going up into t he mounta ins for meditat ion and prayer has long been a t radition among t he peace-loving people of Korea. For decades Cheongpyeong Lake northeast of Seoul was a beloved prayer retreat for Rev. Moon. As he prayed in the hills nea rby, his convict ion grew t hat one day t here would be a peace village here and people from all over the world would come t o his homeland to learn peace.

In addition to t he Cheon Jeong Gung Peace Palace, Museum and Meet ing Center there is a t raining center, hospital, seminary, and stadium at the complex. Q,

~ UPF initiat ed a ‘Legacy of Peace’ memorial program at the United Nations headquart ers in New York on March 18, 2010 to honor .s .,. Hedi Annabi, the UN Chief of Mission killed with 100 other UN personnel in the earthquake t hat struck Haiti on January 12, 2010 and u seven other prom inent ind ividuals associated with UPF w ho had recently passed away and whose lives were dedicat ed to peace. “’ ID Rev. and Mrs. Moon were present at t he programs in New York and Las Vegas. Similar events were orga nized by UPF chapters around the world.

A tireless advocat e for peace, Rev. Moon and his w ife t raveled in Asia, Europe, Nort h America, and Africa in 2011 to speak to the public on the t heme of HBuilding a World of Universal Peace.·

Rev. Sun Myung Moon passed away on Septem ber 3, 2012, of complicat ions of pneumonia. He ls survived by his wife, ten of their 14 children, and more than 40 grandchildren.

Global Citizen of Peace

The Life of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon January 1920-September 2012

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■ Who we are “’ Where we are”’ - Resources”’ Peace Forum “’ Events”’ II Search … El You are here: Home I What we do / Initiatives / Regional Peace Initiatives 1 @100-Day Campaign / Middle East Peace Initiative

~v~ Middle East Peace Initiative g~~ The Middle East Peace Initiative has been promoting peace since 2003 through dialogue, people-to-

~ people diplomacy, fact-find ing trips, interfaith pilgrimages and conferences. It brings religious leaders, parliamentarians, academicians, women leaders, youth and civil society representatives together in ‘Harmony Israel, Palestinian Territories and Jordan. Forums explore Track II approaches to the crisis in Syria. &Hope UP F’s Jerusalem Office for Interfaith and Cooperation among Religions and Office for Peace and Security --·-----~·-·--- “ Q Affairs convene forums of academics, political and religious leaders, and peace advocates. UPF-Israel Click for the 100-Day: organizes culture of peace tours and leadership sem inars for international youth. camRaign articles.

UPF Statement on the Escalation Between Israel and Iran 20 V ,,:@e-Newsletter signup New York, United States - UPF expresses deep concern over Name the recent escalation of hostilities between the State of ■I Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Email

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li·HHI Peace in the Middle East: Can NGOs Make an lmRact? 26 November 2024 - UPF North America and UPF EUME held a webinar on the theme “Peace in the Middle East: Can Non- governmental Organizations Make an Impact?”

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DiRlomats Provide Euro-View of Middle East 1@Printed newsletter A European Angle on Peace in the

‘T ,..,,sp…,,., Middle Ea.st Mu.Jo11r~, •• ,_ Geneva, Switzerland-The webinar “A European Angle on ~ ,~l~’,!’.!.~”’’”@’ ·----~ P”f”f’nft, …_ …, >f-~.. tS.. ,.. Peace in the Middle East” featured the perspectives of two UPF EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST diplomats. NEWSLETTER

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~ ; ::~1 ··.~. ··~. ~--·--- AI-Liga’ Conference: Day_.2, Sessions 3 and 4 - - Oi!!l& - Bethlehem, Palestine-The final sessions of the AI-Liqa’ conference focused on the reality of Christians in the Middle View in fligbook East. PDF versions On-line versions

@Latest Events

No events AI-Liga’ Conference on “The Reality of the Church and Christians in the Middle East” Bethlehem, Palestine-The AI-Liqa’ Center’s 29th Annual International Conference on November 25 and 26, 2022, was co-sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation.

AI-Liga’ Conference: Closing Statements and Recommendations Bethlehem, Palestine-The conference ended with a summary and recommendations.

AI-Liga’ Conference: Day_.2, Session 2 Bethlehem, Palestine-In this session, religious leaders discussed the reality of the Church and Christians in the Middle East.

AI-Liga’ Conference: Day_.2, Session 1 Bethlehem, Palestine-Day Two began with a session on the family and on women in the Church.

AI-Liga’ Conference: Day_..1, Sessions 1 and 2 Bethlehem, Palestine-The chairman of UPF-International addressed the AI-Liqa’ 29th Annual International Conference.

Middle East Peace Ambassadors Meet in Albania Tirana, Albania-Ambassadors for Peace from the Middle East and North Africa held a special consultation over three days.

EuroP-e-Middle East ILC July-August 2022: Executive Summary Europe and the Middle East-The International Leadership Conference focused on Korean reunification and a global culture of peace.

EUME ILC Julv.-August 2022: Larnaca Session VI Larnaca, Cyprus-The sixth ILC session was “Outside the Box - Taking a New Look at Peacemaking across the Middle East.”

Pushing Back the Desert ARP-roaches from the Middle East Pushing Back the Desert Approaches from the Middle East.

The Abraham Accords One Year and a Half Later

Middle East Peace Initiative Forum - New Paths for the Old World Middle East Peace Initiat ive Forum - New Paths for the Old World

Innovative Economic ARP-roaches to the Middle East Tt\ l\ TllSA.1 l’E._l r !Tflrt.o\Tll”l!’I; Innovative Economic Approaches to the Middle East l ru l,l\.ltiH• F.(‘c,no mi l Arrroa~ h l’!’,. to the M iJJII.’. f:.Jliit

Abraham Accords - A view from Sudan A V IEW FR0~1 SU DAN: Abraham Accords - A view from Sudan In Their Own Words

Middle East Webinar Probes the Power of Music Europe and the Middle East-Building Middle East peace Melting Our Difference~: 1,- ftl, ‘” I ., , •I ,-. through arts and culture was the focus of a UPF webinar.

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Mutual ProsP-eritY. as a Path to Middle East Peace The Middle East-The “Playing the Business Card” webinar Pl.t.\ i.ng the Bu?tlllC!t”t C.t.r<l: IIMII ~ : N1 1,.,\to.l Jk • focused on the potential of economic cooperation.

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Middle East-A UPF webinar focused on international cooperation in providing health care, particu larly to Palestinians.

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~v~ Middle East Peace Initiative g~~ The Middle East Peace Initiative has been promoting peace since 2003 through dialogue, people-to-

~ people diplomacy, fact-find ing trips, interfaith pilgrimages and conferences. It brings religious leaders, parliamentarians, academicians, women leaders, youth and civil society representatives together in ‘Harmony Israel, Palestinian Territories and Jordan. Forums explore Track II approaches to the crisis in Syria. &Hope UP F’s Jerusalem Office for Interfaith and Cooperation among Religions and Office for Peace and Security --·-----~·-·---” Q Affairs convene forums of academics, political and religious leaders, and peace advocates. UPF-Israel Click for the 100-Day: organizes culture of peace tours and leadership sem inars for international youth. camRaign articles.

Faith Leaders Urged to Light Path to Peace 20 V ,,:@e-Newsletter signup PA [A Europe and the Middle East-The impact of the Abraham Name Accords was the focus of a UPF-IAPD webinar. ■I Email

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li·HHI Morocco Is Focus of Third Abraham Accords Webinar Europe and the Middle East-Experts from Morocco, Israel, the United States and Europe discussed the Morocco Tripartite Agreement.

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IAPP Hosts Second Discussion on Abraham Accords 1@Printed newsletter Washington, D.C., United States-The 2020 agreements ~ ,~l~’,!’.!.~”’’”@’ ·----~ between Israel and several Arab nations were the focus of UPF EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST an international webinar. NEWSLETTER

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~ ; ::~1 ··.~. ··~. ~--·--- World Leaders See HoP-e in Abraham Accords - - Oi!!l& - Jerusalem, Israel-The first of a series of UPF webinars on the Abraham Accords presented a distinguished panel of View in fligbook world leaders. PDF versions On-line versions

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No events Session 48: Middle East Peace Initiatives: Assessing the Role of Religion Peacebuilding necessarily involves cooperation between all sectors of society. While the world looks in anguish at the horrors of multiple conflicts in the home of the Abrahamic faiths, the evidence on the ground suggests that such conflicts are stoked by an array of other factors, not least a dearth of civic values and near-absence of the rule of law. In what way has-and in what way can-religion play a positive role in bringing peace to the peoples of the Middle East?

IAPP Introduced to Parliamentarians in Palestine -,,,,_-;,:_;.-;.~~i~~--- Ramallah, Palestine-More than 20 people, including Palestinian and European parliamentarians, attended an event introducing the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (!APP) to Palestine, held on December 16, 2017 in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

IAPP Launched in Israel Jerusalem, Israel-The national inauguration of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (!APP) was held at Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on June 21, 2017.

Youth in lrag Intervention by Fatimah Almukhtar at the World International Harmony Week, Toward Peace and Reconciliation in Syria and the Middle East - The Role of Religions, United Nations, Vienna, Austria, February 5, 2016.

World Interfaith Harmony Week Observed in Austria Vienna, Austria-UPF marked World Interfaith Harmony Week with a conference that asked how religions can help to bring peace to the Middle East.

Executive ReP-ort of Geneva Track II Consultation: Toward Peace and Reconciliation in Syria ) Executive Report of the UPF Geneva Track 2 Consultation on «Toward Peace and Reconciliation in Syria: The Significance of Religion, Faith-Based Organizations and Civil Society »,Geneva, Switzerland,January 23-24, 2014

Track II Consultation on Syria Held in Geneva Geneva, Switzerland - UPF convened a special program entitled “Geneva: Track II” in Geneva, Switzerland on Jan. 23-25, 2014, concurrent with the “Geneva II” inter-governmental conference that aims to bring about a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Syria.

Clergy March for Peace in Old Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel - The Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) pilgrims spent their last full day in the Holy Land, May 18, 2013, marching arm in arm through the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem chanting, “Peace, Shalom, Salaam Alaikum.

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INITIATIVES PROMOTING MIDDLE EAST PEACE Middle East Peace Programs Friday, May 16, 2014

Written by: UPF - Israel

A listing of programs of the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) from 2003 to 2014. MEPI was launched with an international consultation convened by the lnterreligious and International Federation for World Peace, February 27-March 2, 2003, in Washington, DC, called Beyond Coexistence Toward a New Cu lture of Peace: Focus on the Middle East. Programs have included peace missions and fact-finding tours, service and youth activities, cultural programs, and conferences. PEACE MISSIONS AND FACT-FINDING TRIPS

Peace Mission: ‘’A Mission for Peace and Reconciliation” Rome, Israel, May 12-19, 2003 132 participants from North America FOLLOW-UP: Briefing at the United Nations, June 19, 2003

Peace Mission: “Peace Under One God” Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza, Sept. 16-24, 2003 122 participants from North America FOLLOW-UP: Briefing at the United Nations, September 30, 2003

Peace Mission: “God’s Ideal Family: The Model for World Peace” Israel, West Bank, Gaza, Oct. 18-24, 2003

Peace Mission: “Heart to Heart for Peace in the Middle East and the World” Israel, West Bank, Gaza, December 1-23, 2003 Participants from 84 nations (20,000 attended peace ra lly in Jerusalem) FOLLOW-UP: Briefing at the United Nations, January 19, 2004

Peace Mission: “Peace Under One God: A Mission of Peace and Reconciliation” Jordan, Israel, West Bank, Gaza, March 30-April 6, 2000 120 participants from North America FOLLOW-UP: Briefing at the United Nations, Apri l 21, 2004

Peace Mission: ‘Women of Peace” Israel, West Bank, Gaza, May 21-28, 2004 526 participants from 41 nations

Peace Mission: “Forging a Path to Peace and Reconciliation in the Middle East” Israel, West Bank, Gaza, July 16-29, 2004 307 participants from 33 nations in Latin America and the Caribbean

Peace Mission: “Forging a Path to Peace and Reconciliation in the Middle East” Israel, West Bank, Gaza, August 7-20, 2004 300 participants from 34 nations in Oceania and Africa

Peace Mission: “Forging a Path to Peace and Reconciliation in the Middle East” Israel, West Bank, Gaza, September 2-23, 2004 583 participants from Europe and Eurasia; 51 1 participants from North America

Peace Mission: “Forging a Path to Peace and Reconciliation in the Middle East” Israel, West Bank, October15-28, 2004 409 participants from Asia

Peace Mission: “Forging a Path to Peace and Reconciliation in the Middle East” Israel, West Bank, Gaza, November 5-18, 2004 138 participants from Africa, Oceania, Turkey and the US

Peace Mission: “Forging a Path to Peace and Reconciliation in the Middle East” Jordan, Israel and the West Bank, March 29-April 5, 2005 80 participants from 4 nations FOLLOW-UP: Briefing at the US Capitol, April 29, 2004

Peace Mission: “Innovative Approaches to Lasting Peace in the Middle East” Israel, West Bank, Gaza, May 10-16, 2005 177 participants from 26 nations

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120 participants from North America and Europe

Peace Mission: “God’s Ideal Family: The Model for World Peace” Jordan, Israel, West Bank, March 14-21, 2006 120 participants from North America and Europe

Peace Mission: “Peacebuilding and Human Development in the Middle East” Jordan, Israel, West Bank, May 18-24, 2006 300 participants from North America, Europe, Korea and Japan

Peace Mission Israel, West Bank, August 21-25, 2006

Peace Mission and Fact-Finding Tour Israel, West Bank, October 20-25, 2006

European Fact-Finding Tour Israel and West Bank, November 12-17, 2006

European Fact-Finding Tour Israel and West Bank, December 4-9, 2006

European Fact-Finding Tour Israel and West Bank, January 11-15, 2007

European Fact-Finding Tour Israel and West Bank, February 9-14, 2007

Peace Mission Israel, West Bank, April 10-16, 2007 200 participants from 40 nations

Peace Mission Israel, West Bank, May 13-17, 2007

Peace Mission and Fact-Finding Tour Israel, West Bank, June 22-27, 2007

Peace Mission and Fact-Finding Tour Israel, West Bank, August 27-31, 2007 120 participants from the US and 60 from Europe

Peace Mission and Fact-Finding Tour Israel, October 27-31, 2007 100 local participants

Peace Mission and Fact-Finding Tour Israel, West Bank, December 4-9, 2007 170 participants from 41 nations

Peace Mission and International Youth Leadership Project Israel, West Bank, March 10-16, 2008

Peace Mission Israel, West Bank, May 25-30, 2008 70 participants from the us and Canada

Peace Mission and International Youth Leadership Project Israel, West Bank, June 22-1 July, 2008

Peace Mission and International Youth Leadership Project Israel, West Bank.July 1-16, 2008

European Fact-Finding Tour December 4-9, 2008

Peace Mission and International Youth Leadership Project Israel, West Bank, December 14-20, 2008

Peace Mission Israel, West Bank, December 17-23, 2008

Peace Mission and International Youth Leadership Project Israel, West Bank, June 21-July 4, 2009

Peace Mission and International Youth Leadership Project Israel, West Bank, August 8-22, 2009

Peace Mission Israel, West Bank, April 21-27, 2010

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Israel, West Bank, July 26-August 3, 2010

Peace Mission Israel, West Bank, August 20- 24, 2010

Peace Mission and Fact-Finding Tour December 16-22, 2010 Leaders from Benin and Ghana

International Youth Leadership Project Israel and Palestinian Territories, July 15-31 , 2012 15 international participants and Israeli youth

10th Anniversary of the ‘’Jerusalem Declaration” May 14-18, 2013

10th Anniversary MEPI Pilgrimage for Peace May 12-16, 2014

SERVICE AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Computers Donated for Palestinian and Israeli youth, in Gaza and Beit Shemesh

Service Projects in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Israel, 700 participants from Europe and North America, December 20-22, 2003

Global Peacemakers Project, Jerusalem, Bet Shemesh and Haifa, Israel; Beth lehem, Palestine, July 13-August 11, 2004 21 participants from 8 countries, including Jews and Arabs for Israel

Religious Youth Service Project 21 participants from 10 nations and 3 religions, October 1-12, 2004 Um Al Am mad village, Salt, Jordan Sponsors: Religious Youth Service, Women’s Federation for World Peace Local Organizations: Jordan’s Higher Council for Youth, Greater Salt Municipality

Play Football Make Peace Tournaments Gaza and Israel, December 2004-January 2005 8 teams each in Gaza and Israel Sponsor: WAN GO Play Footba ll Make Peace Local Organizations: Palestinian Football Association, Israel Footba ll Association, OneVoice

“Building Bridges between Austria and Palestine” Austria, July 2006 Sponsors: Universal Peace Federation, HARP LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS: Arabic Chamber of Commerce of Vienna, Burj Al Luz Lug Social Center, East Jerusalem

“Europe Meets Middle East: Connecting Youth to Bring Change” Israel, West Bank, January 4-11, 2007 17 participants from England Sponsors: Universal Peace Federation-Europe, IRFF-Europe, Service For Peace-Middle East Local Organizations: Bet Shemesh, SOS Chi ldren’s Home in Bethlehem, mayoral offices

Sports for Peace Middle school students from 4 communities near Haifa, Israel, December 1-6, 2007 700 students from Muslim, Druze, and Christian middle schools participated in a program that promoted sportsmanship and interreligious understanding through a basketbal l tournament.

Global Peacemakers Project Israel, West Bank, December 7-14, 2007 21 participants from 8 countries took part in dialogues, service activities, briefings, visiting historic and sacred sites

Italian Youth Visit Israel Israel, West Bank, December 27, 2007 to January 3, 2008 20 young Italians took part in dialogues, service activities, briefings, visiting historic and sacred sites

Religious Youth Service and Faith Link Israel, West Bank, February 12-24, 2008 Youth of various religious backgrounds from Austria, England, Africa, India, Turkey, and America took part in dialogues, service activities, briefings, visiting historic and sacred sites

Israelis & Palestinians Visit Italy September 1-10, 2008 23 young Israelis and Palestinians t raveled together to several cities in Italy for dialogues, home stays, and tourism

Religious Youth Service Project December 18-22, 2013

CULTURAL PROGRAMS

“Culture of Peace” Evening National Congress Hall, Jerusalem, September 10, 2004

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Exhibition of Cooperation between Peace and Love International and 1/FWP in Israel Tel Aviv, 70 participants, December 26, 2004; Jerusalem, 120 participants, December 27, 2004 SPONSORS: lnterreligious and International Federation for World Peace and Peace and Love International Movement

Hebrew Version of Shi’ite Passion Play and Premiere Performance, translated by Dr. El dad J. Pardo and Shelly Elkayam Jerusalem, May 29, 2006 A Hebrew version of the Shi’ite Passion play, “The Martyrdom of Imam Hussein,” a centra l component of the Iranian-Shi’ite culture. The production combined a theatrical interpretation of the Imam Hussein’s martyrdom with selections from t he Hebrew scriptures and tradit ional writings.

CD: “Halelu,” Musical Composition by David Eaton, released July 2006 Recorded in Israel by David D’Or, Ra’anana Symphony Orchestra and members of the Philharmonia Chorus of Israel SPONSORS: IIFWP, Artists Association for World Peace

Charitable Concerts St. Peter’s Church, Notting Hill, England, February 26, 2006; St. Stephen’s Church, London, England, October 18, 2006 Sponsor: Universal Peace Federation-United Kingdom, with Jewish and Arab musicians from various nations. Beneficiaries: Palestinian Youth for Non-Violent Democracy; Charities of the Bishop of Jerusalem to aid t raumatized children of Palestine, Haifa and Lebanon; Bereaved Fami lies Forum of Israel and Palestine

Holiday of Holidays in Haifa Musical performances from a variety of cultu ral traditions during the annual festivities in Haifa, December 20, 2008. In addition, pairs of people from enemy nations broke symbolic “arrows of war,” signifying a commitment to peace.

CONFERENCES AND CONSULTATIONS

Middle East Peace Initiative Consultation: “Beyond Co-Existence toward a New Culture of Peace” Washington, DC, 150 participants, February 27-March 2, 2003 Sponsor: lnterreligious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP), proceedings published as a book Follow-u p briefing at the UN, May 8, 2003

Middle East Peace Initiative Consultation: “Innovative Proposals for Peace, Cooperation and Prosperity in the Middle East” Washington, DC, June 27-29, 2003 Sponsor: IIFWP, proceedings published as a book

International Leadership Conference Tiberias, Israel, October 29-31, 2007 1OJewish, 1O Christian and 1O Muslim leaders from Israel; 88 Druze scholars, teachers, sheikhs, and professionals.

International Leadership Conference: “Divine Winds of Freedom: New Opportunities and New Responsibilities for the Middle East” Istanbul, Tu rkey, May 6-8, 2011 Participants from t hroughout the Middle East

Roundtable on “The Arab Spring One Year Later” Washington DC, USA, February 29, 2012 Forum organized by UPF’s Office of Peace and Security Affairs

Conference: “Religion and Peace in the Middle East” Jerusalem, August 26-28, 2012

Conference: “lnterreligious and International Relations in the Middle East: Toward Peace and Stabi/ity’]erusalem, December 22, 2013

Download a .pdf file of a booklet about the Middle East Peace Initiative

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