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Cypress Photos

Thu, 18 May 2006 19:44:43 GMT

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Ancient Monestary in Turkish Cyprus Mavanite Representative for Cyprus

Evrychou near Morphou Vaticans Representative for Cyprus

Beach Ghost-town Head of UN Mission for Cyprus

Ghost-town Turkish Cypress Sheihk Nazim-Mufti of Turkish Cyprus

Armenean Bishop of Cypress

Cyprus Update, Monday, April 24, 2006

Thu, 18 May 2006 17:05:42 GMT

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Cyprus!

We departed Israel early on our 66th day headed for the beautiful and partitioned island of Cyprus. Saint Hagit took us to the Tel Aviv airport at 3:30 AM…a friend until the end!

Upon arrival in Cyprus, we were greeted by our host, Sarah Talcott, former youth coordinator for United Religions Initiative (URI) and now living in Cyprus. Sarah generously put us up in an adjoining apartment in her building in the town of Paralimini, on the Greek Cypriot south eastern end of the island. Although it was a mere 800 meters from the Mediterranean sea, it was right on the edge of the green zone that had been previously mined, seriously hindering any strolls to the beach! But from our balcony, we could clearly see a large abandoned city on the shore-line. This was our first indication that Cyprus was not the paradise it appeared to be.

Cyprus is a beautiful island with lovely weather but has been politically divided for the past 32 years with the Greek Cypriots living in the Southern part of the island and Turk Cypriots in the North. Several very difficult issues have prevented the island from reunifying. Again, there are two sides to every story.

A very simplified background is that the Turkey army invaded in 1974 in response to an attempted coup that it was believed would have resulted in joining the Island with Greece. To prevent this, the Turkish army purportedly invaded to protect the Turkish citizenry. The Turks ended up by occupying about 35% of the island and caused massive displacements of citizens, on both sides of the dividing line. This ended up in tens of thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots relocating, some losing all their property while others received some compensation. Thirty-two years later, shells of buildings still remain in virtual ghost towns.

Issues run deep and a comprehensive, fair resolution has eluded the island.

It is estimated that less than 20% of the population is Turkish, both original Cypriots and an ever increasing number of Turkish settlers. To complicate the problem, confiscated land on both sides is being sold while proper title is still under dispute. What a mess…but the border between them was opened three years ago and people-to-people reconciliation seems to be taking hold. Religious leaders seem to have some political influence on both sides of the line.

In this environment, we felt it could be quite beneficial to try to get the Greek and Turkish religious communities to use the International Day of Peace Vigil as an opportunity for some inter-religious bi-communal events.

We were told over and over again that the people want to live in peace but that the governments prevent this.

Our first meeting was in Nicosia (a 90 km drive from our apartment in

Paralimini) with the Rev. Fr. Momik Habeshian, the Bishop of the Cyprus Armenian Church. After a frank and informative discussion about the role of religion in Cyprus, he assured us that he would participate in any IDP Vigil efforts.

The following day, we drove the 90 km to meet with Andrew Russell, program director for the United Nations Development Programme’s "Action for Cooperation and Trust". He was quite enthusiastic that the IDP Vigil could be beneficial in helping to bring the communities together and pledged his support. After helping us to understand the complicated political situation, he also recommended several other Greek and Turkish Cypriots to see.

Sarah proved to be an exceptional host and had built an excellent schedule of meetings with religious and other leaders. On Thursday, we again journeyed the 90 km to Nicosia to meet with Bishop Nikiforos of Kykkou, head of interfaith relations for the influential Greek Cypriot Church. The Bishop is an important influence in the Cyprus religious and political scene and it is rumored he is in line to become Archbishop of the island. He spoke of his involvement in interfaith affairs and of the political injustices of the present Cypriot situation. He also assured us that he and his diocese would be a part of any IDP Vigil event.

Our next stop was with the Parliamentary Representative of the Maranite community of Cyprus, Mr. Antonis Haji Roussos. The Catholic Maranites still have four communities in the Turkish north, including their primary church.

It was a sad tale to listen to personal stories of displaced persons. It gave us a sense of how badly and sadly war affects the common people.

Next we met with Nicos Anastasiou of Youth Encounter for Peace and an economic professor at the American Academy of Larnaka. His grassroots perspective of the last twelve years was quite enlightening, although not surprisingly, quite discouraging. Many youth, he believes, are losing faith that the island will ever be reunited. He did become enthused that the IDP Vigil could provide an impetus for some good bi-communal cooperation and visualized a candle-lit locking of hands around the old town wall. He agreed to work with other organizers to make a special event happen.

The next day, a long and beautiful drive across the middle section of the Island took us to the small town of Evrychou and a visit with the Bishop of Morphou, Homeros Massouras Neophytos. He is a very young Bishop (43 years) with a commanding presence who has been in that position for seven years.

His diocese is in the Turkish section and he has personally experience the effects of the partition through the loss of his church, family roots and 30% of his diocese. He is dedicated to return to his homeland and has been active in establishing communications and interfaith contacts with the Turkish North. He too believed that a joint IDP Vigil event would be good for the situation.

We returned to Nicosia to meet with the recently assigned United Nations’

Special Representative of the secretary-general and Chief of Mission, Mr.

Michael Møller. George had previously worked for Michael while at the UN and he had always been a big supporter of the Vigil. At this, and a subsequent meeting, Michael helped us understand the complexities of Cyprus and also expressed optimism that the Vigil could help bring the communities closer and pledged his support to make it happen. We were then interviewed by the Mission’s public information officer, Ann Bursey, for an article in the UN Mission’s magazine.

Our last meeting of the day was with Fr. Umberto Barato, Attachè of the Nunciature and the Patriarchal Vicar General of the Latin Catholics in Cyprus. His church and residence is right on the Green line so he is intimately familiar with the hardships of partition. He would present the Vigil idea to his parish.

Saturday we spent touring the towns and beaches of the Turkish North. We were struck by the beautiful topology and beaches of the North. Our overall assessment is that the North is gaining in economic stature and signs of an improving economy are quite evident. The problem of land entitlement still looms over the island. We were also struck by the terrible situations of "ghost towns", villages that were overrun by the Turkish troops in 1974 and have completely deteriorated. This is not only a blight, it presents a land entitlement problem that continues to haunt the prospects of a comprehensive peace settlement.

Sunday held a special treat for us as we again crossed the green Line to travel north to be met and hosted by a very senior and respected Sufi Muslim leader, Sheihk Nazim. After a most gracious and delicious lunch, we were invited to attend the Muslim prayers presided over by Sheihk Nazim. He graciously held the service in English because of our presence. His message was quite simple and completely in line with our mission. It was summed up in two words: "God" and "Love". From this, derives all inner and outer peace. We then met with him for an hour in which he emphasized the need for tolerance, love and understanding among religions and peoples. A truly amazing holy man.

That night we packed our suitcases once again for another early flight, this time destination Rome via an eight hour layover in Athens. Just long enough to do a tour of the Acropolis. What a special treat!

Sarah turned out to be the perfect host. Special thanks to her and to URI for their continuing field support of our mission.

Again, thank you for your continued interest and support.

In peace and friendship,

Jack and George

PS: Visit our travel web-blog at: http://www.xanga.com/idpvigil2006 to view photos, past Updates and articles.

Middle East Photos

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 11:39:07 GMT

Ibrahim and Hagit Jerusalem

The Wailing Wall With Hagit at Wailing Wall

Interfaith Encounter Association With Kamel Barghouti

With Amy at the YMCA Elias and Heyam Jabbour

Hope Flowers School Children at Hope Flowers School

Mr. Issa, Future Wall Location on West Bank; West Bank Check Point

Nir School, Tel Aviv Peres Peace Center

With Bereaved Families The Future, We Hope

Jerusalem Market Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Middle East Update, April 20, 2006

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 11:26:06 GMT

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Jerusalem and an apology for the length of this update. It just seems that Israel has been too complex and rich of an experience to keep any shorter.

Day 59 of our mission and here we are (at 3:30 AM) at the beautiful new Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. We are met by our host, Hagit Ra’anan, country representative for the World Peace Prayer Society and founder of Bridges for Peace. Meeting us at 3:30 AM should tell you something about the dedication and human traits of this wonderful woman. Over and over again, she will prove throughout the week to be a constant beacon of hope and love!

We immediately headed for Jerusalem and our home for the week, the Three Arches YMCA, located across from the famous King David hotel, and two blocks from the Old City. After a quick shower, we headed to the Mount of Olives in the Arab section of Jerusalem to meet with Hagit’s good friend, Ibrahim Abu-El-Hawa (sometimes referred to as the Mount of Olives’ Gandhi). A Palestinian deeply committed to peace.

During our time here, we would constantly reinforce an important fact that we had seen validated again and again, that there are two sides to every story, and that people are beautiful on both sides of the issues.

Much of the conversation with Ibrahim was focused on a recent sale of three apartment buildings on the Mount of Olives that were purchased by Israeli settlers. The story had caused quite a stir because the Palestinians felt that this was yet the beginning of another Jewish settlement in the middle of an Arab section. We drove by the complex to check it out for ourselves, and indeed there was quite a crowd and stones from the Palestinian kids had already started flying. Another flash point in the making, we’re afraid. (Postscript: Hagit informed us that Abrahim’s nephew, who sold the buildings to the settlers, was killed by Palestinians last week…they found his body in Jericho).

That evening, we met with members of the Interfaith Encounter Association and its Executive Director, Yehuda Stolov. The group has observed the Vigils in the past, and was planning to do so again this year. This is a dedicated group open to the idea of interfaith cooperation and peace. We then met with Eliyahu MacLean, an Israeli peacemaker and a leader in the grassroots interfaith movement in Jerusalem. We would go with him and Hagit to meet with Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bukhari, Head of the Uzbek Community in Jerusalem, and well respected interfaith advocate in the Muslim community.

Unfortunately, we could not gain entry into the old city by car as the streets were cut off in anticipation of a demonstration, which was being staged partially to honor the new moon and also to oppose the Israeli election results that would diminish the power of the political right. Regardless of the reason, the event ended in a boisterous rampage through the Muslim quarter of the old town, causing Sheikh a delay in returning to his home.

We eventually entered through the Lions gate, and made our way along the Via Delarosa (Jesus’ way of the cross) to the Sheikh’s home. We were treated to wonderful hospitality by the Sheikh and his lovely family. The Sheikh had spent several years in the United States before returning to take up the mantle of a spiritual leader in the tradition of four hundred years of his family’s presence in the Holy Land. He expressed strong support for the Vigil, and was willing to serve on the planning committee.

The following day, we met with an old friend from Assisi, Amy Kronish, who was interested in involving her programs at the YMCA in IDP activities. Amy provided a better understanding of peace organizations in Israel.

We then set out for the city of Haifa to meet with Guri, principal of the Re’aly senior high school system. This is a very exclusive primary school system that funnels into a single high school. It is open to all children regardless of ethnic or religious background. We believe that Hagit will be able to assist the school in conducting a large IDP event in cooperation with other schools and groups in the Haifa area.

That evening, we drove to the Druze village of Dalyat El Carmel, with an invitation to address a major gathering of Arab Druze, Muslim, Christian and Jewish women. However, once we arrived, we found that men were not able to participate in the event. Our message, however, was carried by Hagit. We later spent the night at Zivi’s home,(Hagit’s sister) in the all-Jewish village of Zichron Ya’akov. We were fortunate to hear a side of the Israeli story that gave differing viewpoints on the problems surrounding the Jewish settlers and the Palestinian right of return issue.

The following morning, we headed for Nazareth to meet with Kamel Barghouti, an Israeli Arab teacher who runs Arab/Israeli youth programs, and brings Jewish youth to Nazareth to do internships for a better understanding of Arab youth. He is an individual dedicated to peace and bi-communal relationships.

We then headed for the Arab town of Shefar’Am to meet with Elias Jabbour, director of The House of Hope, International Peace Center, the first Arab initiated peace center in the Galilee. Elias is a Roman Catholic Arab, who along with his lovely wife, Heyam, runs the Center which is to bring better understanding between Christians, Jews and Muslims. He is a lecturer at an area university, and provided insight to many of the problems in the area, also offering opinions on US policy in the Middle East. Their hospitality was overwhelming…including the superb five-course lunch that would make anyone eager to receive a return invitation.

That night, we dined with George’s old friend from his UN days, Henniette, who was now serving in the political section of the UN’s Special Coordinator. It was good to see a former colleague and to hear her unique perspective on the situation.

Saturday was our moment of truth, as we headed for Bethlehem on the West Bank to meet with Mr. Ibrahim Issa, a Palestinian Arab and co-director of the Hope Flowers School and Center. Although Hagit knew the area quite well, she had not been at the school for six years. Feeling that Americans might be a tantalizing target for Hamas radicals, we were somewhat uneasy that we were not in the proper meeting location. In due time, however, Mr. Issa appeared and we felt much more at ease.

The School is set in a well constructed, well maintained building, and is open to children of all faiths from 1st through 8th grades. There are about 250 students, Arabs and Christian. Attendance has been down drastically, including closure of the high school since the 2nd Intifada began in 2000. The school was founded to provide a bi-communal curriculum, and stresses coexistence, cooperation and friendship among Arab, Jews and Christians. Mr. Issa pointed out that in addition to academic qualifications, all teachers must demonstrate a commitment to peace.

The school is situated about 200 yards from the planned position of the Israeli built Security Wall. The school’s cafeteria is designated to be razed, along with several Palestinian homes and farmland, to allow for an expansion of the Jewish settlement of Efrat. (photos on our web-blog at http://www.xanga.com/idpvigil2006). The destruction had already begun, and we understand there will be no compensation given. We found this very disturbing and contrary to an eventual just solution to the intractable conflict and we wondered how this could not cause resentment.

Mr. Issa, nevertheless, was quite optimistic about the fate of the school. He is also hopeful for the eventual solution of the conflict, and seriously committed to its peaceful settlement.

It is unfortunate that so many people (perhaps mostly in America) see Israeli and Palestinian Arabs as committed to a culture of war or as suicide bombers. From what we have seen, this could not be further from the truth. Both the Arab and Jewish people we have met have been very dedicated, and actively working for peace. We left with a deep feeling of sadness that so many good people are caught in such an untenable situation.

Sunday, a week-day in Israel, took us to the Nir elementary school in Kiryat Ono, a distant suburb of Tel Aviv. The school sits across the street from Hagit’s house, and serves as a living laboratory for her Bridges of Peace children’s programs (see http://www.bridgesofpeace.org) where she also gives weekly “peace classes’. Here, children from 1st through 6th learn about Arab children. Last year, on the International Day of Peace, they had a joint program with Arab schools. That was the first time that most of the children met an Arab child and vise versa…for the most part, their mutual fears turned to a better sense of the others’ sameness. Is it any wonder that, from the messages that children hear from parents and the media, that they are inclined toward fear and hate?

That night, Anat Daylan, drove from the Dead Sea region to meet us at the YMCA. Anat has for the past two years, engaged the Union of Light Network to conduct consciousness raising events and assemblages throughout Israel and will continue her support of the Vigil.

Next we drove to the Peres Center for Peace in Tel Aviv for and a discussion with its Director General, Ron Pundak and his deputy Dr. Aliza Savir. The Center is dedicated to bringing Palestinians and Jews together in bi-communal projects that foster understanding, coexistence and friendship. One project includes the administering of medical assistance to Palestinian children and the training of Palestinian doctors in Israel. The Center does great work but is in need of funding for its many projects and was hoping that we could provide some funds for an IDP Vigil event.

Next we visited the Parents’ Circle-Families Forum, “Bereaved Families Supporting Peace, Reconciliation & Tolerance”. These are people that lost family members in the Middle East conflicts and are seeking contact, understanding and peace. Aaron Barnea, a longtime peace activist recanted the lost of his son in Southern Lebanon. His story was deeply moving and stressed the pain felt on both sides. The group provides a 24-hour hotline between Israeli and Palestinian families to talk and understand each others’ grief. At the heart of their deep personal loss is a profound commitment to peace. We were told over and over again that the people want peace, if only the governments would stay out of it.

We made the long drive back to Jerusalem in time to meet with Eliyahu MacLean and the Jerusalem Peacemaker’s group. Here, a group of thirty peacemakers listened to us explain the IDP Vigil and the potential opportunities it presents in the Middle East situation. Additionally, we listened as Eliyahu, Jewish Rabbis and Muslim Imams discussed and showed slides of the recent meeting of Rabbis and Imams held a couple weeks prior in Seville Spain. There seems to be much good that come from these joint meetings as well as providing many contacts for future IDP Vigil interfaith observations.

Monday morning we met with Rabbi David Rosen, President of the International Jewish Committee for Inter-religious Consultations who was referred to us by the Peres Peace Center. It was quickly evident that Rabbi Rosen is an insightful observer of the entire Middle East scene and keen on promoting any effort that would help solve the long standing problem.

He was optimistic on the value of the IDP Vigil in the region. We asked, “Could the IDP Vigil provide an impetus for a joint Jewish/Palestinian religious observation; and, is it possible to arrange such an opportunity?” He expressed optimism for the possibility of both and we spent the reminder of the time on the particular requirements needed to make such an event happen. Indeed a lot of work, but if successful, perhaps a lot of good could come from the effort. If this course is taken, we will need a lot of support for the undertaking. This gives us a lot to think about!

Our last official meeting was with the United Nations Special Co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Alvaro de Soto. George had known Mr. de Soto from his days at the UN and felt it important to give him a courtesy call and inform him of our efforts in the area. Spokesperson, Chris Gunness, was extremely helpful on detailing the agenda of the UNSCO. The task is overwhelming.

Our last visit over, we spent the remainder of the day touring the most holy of cities, Jerusalem. And what a wonderful and history soaked city to be a tourist! The old city, even without its rich history, is a delight to see. The market streets that wind through the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian quarters offer an endless kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells. The Wailing Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, (the, site of Christ’s crucifixion, anointment with oils and placement in the tome), are the two holiest of places for the Jews and Christians. Here too is the Muslims’ sacred Dome on the Rock. What a shame that such a holy place is steeped in so many centuries of conflict.

Mission complete, we left Jerusalem for the drive back to Hagit’s apartment to catch a few hours of sleep before driving to the Tel Aviv airport for our 7 AM flight to Cyprus.

Israel gave us much to think about as to our future activities in promoting and engaging the IDP Vigil in conflict situations. Our host Hagit could not have been more helpful, accommodating or instructive in our quest to better understand the situation and to promote the IDP Vigil in the Middle East.

Again, thank you for your continued interest and support.

In peace and friendship,

George and Jack

Photos from India

Sat, 08 Apr 2006 20:12:56 GMT

Dinner with Sadhguru Sadhguru Speaks

with Sadhguru

Isha Yoga Center

Lunch at Yoga Center Yoga

Isha Yoga Center Fr. Cheeran and Divyodaya

Press Conference

Amma and George Swami and Imam

with classmates

India Update, April 6, 2006

Sat, 08 Apr 2006 19:59:52 GMT

Dear Friends,

Greetings from India!

On Monday, March 20th we rose at 4 AM to catch our flight to Coimbatore in southern India. Neither of us remembering (or admitting) to who made the ungodly travel arrangements!

But be assured that we are being well looked after by a higher power. Our entry into India was marked by near total confusion of over 200 hot and irritated South Asians chaotically filling out forms. Mysteriously and miraculously we were whisked away from the crowd and expedited through immigration, baggage claim and customs by Indian immigration officers. We still don’t know why; maybe we just looked helpless! But thank you!

We were met by our host from the Isha Foundation, Swami Nisarga, and Krishnan, our friend from New York. Then, yet another harrowing 90 minute drive (we are told that one eventually becomes used to the driving habits of South Asians… don’t be surprised if Jack and George never do!). Nevertheless, we arrived safely at the Isha Yoga Center ashram south of Coimbatore in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu and nestled in the lovely setting of the foothills of the Villiangiri mountain range. See the Isha website at: www.ishafoundation.org/yogacenter

The Isha Foundation is a unique combination of humanitarian work and Yoga self-realization and development. The center is the home of its founder, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, a realized Master Yogi and profound mystic. On the grounds is also housed the Dhyanalinga, the first multi-religious temple to be fully consecrated in over 2000 years. The temple is not only a beautiful architectural wonder, but also emits a powerful energy for meditation. We found it a special place to recharge.

For the past three years, Isha has participated in the IDP Vigil as part of its yearly Ishafest activities which celebrates Sadhguru’s enlightenment and focuses on a specific geographical area of the world…they have typically drawn 40-50,000 people to the events. This year the focus is on Lebanon and they are planning to hold simultaneous events in New Delhi, Beirut, the Yoga Center and Coimbatore.

Wednesday took us into the town of Coimbatore to meet with religious leaders to discuss observation of the Vigil in 2006. This city had experienced widespread violent religious conflict just a few years back, so they were open for opportunities to quiet the discord. We first met with Imam Mohammed Ibrahim, of the Athar Jamath Mosque, a quiet and friendly man who indicated that his worshipers would work with other faiths to observe the Vigil. He also recommended that we hold a press conference and offered to help set it up, which he did.

Our next stop was with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Coimbatore, Rev. Dr. Thomas Aquinas who had agreed to see us on very short notice. He was most supportive and gave us several good suggestions for follow-up actions. Our final stop was with Fr. Thomas Cheeran, director of the Divyodaya Inter-religious Center who was celebrating the Center’s 25th anniversary. Many thanks to Swami Nisarga and Dilip for setting up the meetings.

We returned to the Yoga Center in time to commence a three day program that was offered to us by Sadhguru as a means to strengthen our inner being for our peace activities. The Inner Engineering training is given by Sadhguru and is a residential intensive weekend program for executives and professionals. “…Simple yet powerful processes from yogic science are offered to purify the system and increase health, productivity, balance and inner well-being.” We participated with a unique and exceptional group of people and feel the training offered life-time lessons and benefits.

The Isha foundation states that Sadhguru’s “…work and life is dedicated to bring physical, mental and inner well-being for all people, through the science of yoga”. We found him to be exceptionally bright, knowledgeable in many areas and very well intentioned in his own peace mission. At dinner, we had the pleasure of his intimate conversation that furthered our belief that he is indeed a mystical man and important spiritual leader.

On Friday and Saturday we were immersed in an intensive training that started at 6AM and went through evening. Yoga exercises and concentrated breathing meditation practices were punctuated with walks and instructions in the reserve forest that surrounds the Center. A great learning environment.

Our press conference was held on Friday afternoon and also featured Imam Ibrahim, Fr. Cheeran, Mr. AR Basher (Coimbatore businessman and Moslem leader) and Sadhguru. Several local newspaper and TV reporters attended. After successfully sidestepping several dicey questions dealing with US policy in India/Pakistan and Iraq, we were able to focus on our peace mission and what opportunities the IDP Vigil offered for Coimbatore. Over the next two days, four articles were carried by area papers.

On Saturday we received initiation into a detailed combination of a yoga and meditation “practice” that we expect to greatly enhance our self-realization. It was a moving and emotional experience and one we hope to carry with us for life. The training was followed by singing, dancing and of course a wonderful southern Indian dinner.
The people, the setting and the content of the Isha Yoga experience was exceptional. We greatly appreciate the hospitality and generosity of our hosts. A VERY special thanks to the wonderful Isha volunteers who were always cheerful and helpful in every instance. Isha Foundation is an entirely volunteer run organization and every action and activity of the Foundation and the Isha Yoga Center is done on a volunteer basis. Thank you.

On Sunday morning we bade farewell to Isha and headed to Calcutta and a visit with Amma, India’s hugging saint (see http://www.amma.org). Unlike the beauty of the Isha Center, we found Calcutta to be a very dirty, polluted, and traffic congested city with slums and squalor throughout. One can certainly better appreciate the charitable work of Mother Theresa in this city.

Amma has supported the IDP Vigil through her many centers/ashrams spread throughout the world. It was always our intent to see Amma at her Ashram in southern India, however, when we learned she would be in Calcutta while we were in India, we decided to alter our plans and head north. Her humanitarian activities and tsunami relief efforts are well known in India and very much respected. For the past 30 years Amma has dedicated her life to the uplifting of suffering humanity through the simplest of gestures – an embrace. In this intimate manner Amma had blessed and consoled more than 21 million people throughout the world.

Amma was enthused and encouraging for our IDP Vigil world-tour and vowed to continue with her worldwide support. She gave each of us a hearty hug. We also received an extra treat of apples and candies. A very special gift we are told.

Early the next day we departed for a long cross-country flight to Bombay for our Al El connection to Tel Aviv Israel. We look forward to the excitement and complication of the Israeli/Palestinian situation and are eager to know how the IDP Vigil can provide positive opportunities in the Holy Land.

As always, we greatly appreciate your interest and support of our mission.

In peace and friendship,
Jack and George

Sri Lanka Photos

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 21:38:12 GMT

Jack at Housing Project Leadership Training

Leadership Training Lunch with Hosts

Orphanage

Peace Objectives Press Conference

Ravi, Ganu, Wijaya

Sri Lanka Tsunami-damaged areas

Sri Lanka Vishna Niketan

Vishna Niketan Vishna Niketan

Sri Lanka Update, April 3, 2006

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 03:53:01 GMT

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Sri Lanka.

Day 45 and here we are in Sri Lanka as guests of Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne (affectionately referred to as Dr. Ari) and his amazing Sarvodaya Movement (Sarvodaya is Sanskrit for “Awakening of All”). Headquarters are located 30 miles south of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, in the town of Moratua. Here we were housed for our entire stay in the Sarvodaya compound and provided with three square Sri Lankan meals daily.

The Sarvodaya movement is a grassroots humanitarian and spiritual movement that seems to permeate all facets of Sri Lankan society. Its founder and charismatic leader, Dr A.T. Ariyaratne, whose visionary contributions have been recognized in multiple countries, continues to provide visionary leadership to the organization. His interest in the IDP Vigil resulted in over 300,000 meditators in Colombo in 2004.

Our excellent host for much of our stay, Dr. Wijaya Kannangura, honorary president of Sarvodaya, gave us an informative tour of the operations center and an excellent understanding of the its wide-reaching humanitarian and social work programs. We also visited their orphanage that cared for hundred of children including many infants who were placed on the Sarvodaya steps in hopes of a better future. What lovely children and caring staff!

Next we visited a Sarvodaya leadership training class with over 40 young adult participants at the Development Education Institute and had the opportunity to discuss the goals of the IDP Vigil with them. See http://www.sarvodaya.org/ to learn more about its philosophy and good works.

Later that first day, we met with Dr. Ari who requested we accompany him on an inspection tour of Lagoswatta village that Sarvodaya constructed for fifty-five Tsunami-affected families from three villages in Kalutara state. The Sri Lankan president was to ceremoniously dedicate the project the following week.

The next day we visited the headquarters of Sarvodaya’s Shanti Sena Peace Center and met its Director, Ravindra Krandage, who briefed us on the wide range of Sarvodaya’s peace projects. Ravi quickly became a good friend and another designated host. We also toured and had a chance to meditate in the Vishna Niketan International Peace center where the Ghandi saying: “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way,” is prominently displayed.

The Sarvodaya library is also housed here and has several international awards for the good works of Sarvodaya and it founder, Dr. Ari. One award Dr. Ari received, the 1996 Gandhi Peace Prize, gives an excellent summary of Savodaya’s work, “is an award to honour outstanding human creativity in the Ghandi ethos…social, economic and transformation of individuals through social action relying on non-violence.”

That afternoon we addressed a gathering of newspaper and TV reporters about our mission and goals. This was followed by an interfaith meeting with a number of senior religious leaders. Here, as in the previous three countries we visited, there was serious concern about the “unethical conversions” by Christian missionaries. They use the term “unethical” for conversions that give financial gain to the convert. In any event, the change in religion affiliation often has a major detrimental effect on the individual’s family, cultural and relationships. We’ve heard this several times from Buddhists, Hindus, Moslems and both Catholic and Anglican bishops.

Our next two days were spent in travel and visiting of Sarvodaya projects in the Tamil Tiger area in and around Trincomalee, Northeast Sri Lanka. This was also the area devastated by the Tsunami. In fact, our hotel was almost completely destroyed but had been rebuilt, like most of the structures in the area. This was a much wilder side of Sri Lanka, where elephants still crossed the road unattended and other wildlife meandered unfettered.

This particular area has seen heavy conflict in the Sri Lankan 20 year civil war and even through there is now an uneasy truce in effect, signs of conflict still abound. Army bunkers with 2 - 4 armed national and local militia troops line the road at quarter mile intervals. While there is a truce for now, an uneasy calm hangs over the area. Thanks to civil and peace-focused groups like Sarvodaya, open warfare has been kept at bay.

The trip also had us dedicating first-aid clinics in four villages donated by Sarvodaya. In each case numerous women and children came out in their best clothing to greet us, placing garlanded flowers around our necks. Quite an honor and very nice of Sarvodaya to include us in the ceremonies! The people in this area are very poor, so the clinics, along with the monthly doctors’ visits were very much appreciated.

We capped the visit with an address and discussion of the opportunities presented by the IDP Vigil to the Trincomalee interfaith group led by the highly respected and effective regional peace organization, the Peoples Forum. The meeting was very positive and a number of thorny local issues were discussed. In the end, the local Moslem cleric assured us that he and the entire community would respond and cooperate with all groups focused on Peace that day.

On the harrowing road-trip back to Colombo, we agreed that Vietnam driving was really quite mild compared to the driving habits of many Sri Lankans. Deity guarantees for reformed lifestyles were echoed by each of us in exchange for of a safe return to our compound.

The weekend was spent catching up on our trip chronicles and continuing to set up appointments for our future stops, a never ending process. Sunday was a church and meditation day with a Sinhalese mass at the church of “Our Lady of the Angels.” The overflowing attendance was quite impressive. Meditation was extremely peaceful at the Sarvodaya Meditation and Peace Garden.

That afternoon we went with Wijaya to meet his good friend, Bishop Kenneth Fernando, the former Anglican Bishop of Sri Lanka. This exceptional man served a significant role over the years in face-to-face negotiations in the Sri Lanka conflict. Although just a brief encounter, this man was a high spot in our Sri Lankan experience. We were also able to find time to swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and observe Sunday family time on the beach. A definite delight only to be topped by a fantastic home-made meal at Ravi’s house with his lovely wife and beautiful son and daughter.

Sri Lanka was a wonderful stop. It certainly bore fruit as an opportunity to bring about heightened awareness of the IDP Vigil but also opened definite possibilities to bring interfaith and spiritual peace-building to a troubled land. We were also personally blessed to be in the company of such visionary human beings and good hearted people. We are indeed stronger in our belief that there are wonderful people the world over!

Wishing you all the very best and thanking you for your continued support for our peace mission. Off to India.

In peace and friendship,
George and Jack

Vietnam Photos

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 23:25:30 GMT

Danang School

Let Them Walk Again

Vietnam Update

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 23:15:03 GMT

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Viet Nam!

On Friday, 3 March, the 33rd day of our journey, we arrived at Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Vietnam to join in with the bi-Annual trip of the Pittsburgh based humanitarian group, Friends of Danang (FOD). Our stay in Vietnam would be spent primarily as members of the FOD entourage and only secondarily as promoters of the IDP Vigil.

War leaves many scars. The FOD offers an opportunity to help them heal, both individually and socially. While this stop may not on its surface greatly forward the cause of the International Day of Peace Vigil, it certainly has strengthened our belief in the need for a more peaceful world.

The Friends of Danang is a humanitarian organization based on conciliating the wounds from the American-Vietnamese war. The group is made up of American Vietnam vets and interested citizens from around the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area and has been raising money for programs benefiting children around the Danang area of Vietnam since 1998. It also provides an excellent opportunity for Vietnam Vets to return to Vietnam in the company of other vets to face problems that might have arisen from their wartime service. Visit the FOD website at www.friendsofdanang.org to view its past and current work.

In its 8 years, the FOD, spearheaded by George and Jack’s long time friend Tony Accamando, has raised money to build several schools, a medical clinic and is currently engaged in a fundraising project called “Let Them Walk Again Danang”. In its present program, over 1250 children will receive medical assistance in the form of operations, prosthetic devices, physical and family therapy.

This visit would be special for the FOD as the local Pittsburgh public television station, WQED, sent a crew to do a human interest documentary on the return to Vietnam of one of its very popular talk-show hosts, Chris Moore, and his two army buddies. The film would also highlight the work done by the FOD group for the children of Vietnam.

Prior to the arrival of the FOD group, we had an opportunity to visit a Buddhist Temple and orphanage on the outskirts of Saigon. After a harrowing (downright scary) 30 minute ride on the back of two of Saigon’s 2 MILLION motorbikes, we arrived safely at the Dieu Giac Pagota. Here we met with the orphanage director Buddhist nun, Sister, Su Co and some of her helpers who care for over 130 children, mostly under 12 years old. This was a “leave them at the doorstep” situation that really tugged at your heart. The need throughout Vietnam for the children is so great.

Our FOD group arrived early Sunday and after a short rest and a quick tour of Saigon on a 3 wheeled peddled cycle settled the next day in its filming tasks. As Chris and the WQED filmed its segment on vets returning to Vietnam, the rest of the group toured the islands and river ways of the Mekong Delta area, Vietnams’ rice basket.

On Tuesday, the group headed to Danang, a seaside city halfway up the Vietnam coast. During the war, Danang was an area that hosted many American troops and has become the focus of the FOD humanitarian efforts. Here FOD would receive the gracious hospitality of Mr. Trang and the office of Foreign Affairs. We would spend the next two days visiting its projects and traveling with World Vision to meet some of the children helped in the “Let Them Walk Again” program…the most gratifying part of the FOD program.

At the Hoa An school, the children greeted us with song and dance and the principal gave ample reason for us to know that the school was serving the needs of the children in an excellent manner. We were again fortunate to visit the hamlets and see the results of the Let Them Walk Again efforts. A special thanks to World Vision and the amazing job they do in administering the program. Also to Dr. Ed Kelly who solicited, collected and delivered operating supplies gathered from Pittsburgh area hospitals.

The members of FOD are also truly blessed to have the friendship and expertise of Thanh Armagost, a Vietnamese American who has been a member of FOD since it’s founding. She and her lovely family greatly expedite our efforts in Vietnam, arrange for all the travel and hotel arrangements and generally help make the trip a pure joy. A most beautiful woman.

Vietnam offered a chance to renew and strengthen old friendships and make new ones and to see the beautiful country of Vietnam, from the Mekong Delta to the magnificent Ha Long Bay. It always provides the opportunity to know better those who we once called “enemy”, and to reflect more personally on the reasons, results and responsibility of war.

It has also been a great mid-way point and to recharge our batteries for the mission ahead. After bidding farewell to our Friends of Danang family, we boarded the plane for Sri Lanka, the exotic island off India’s southern shore that has been torn by conflict for the past 20 years.

In Peace and Friendship,
Jack and George