Holy Land Trust

January 9, 2014 CMEP Comment

Organization Highlight: Holy Land Trust

Mission statement

“Holy Land”
The conflict gives rise to a wide range of perspectives and opinions. Whether individuals represent a particular political identity, nation or ideology; be they Muslim, Christian, or Jew, one thing many people agree on is that this is the “Holy Land.”

“Trust”
The verb “to trust” is the foundation of any relationship that seeks to move things forward, especially during challenging times; without trust there is no future. The word trust is also taken from “trustee,” meaning to hold on to something, guard it and care for it.

Combining these two concepts, the name “Holy Land Trust” projects the belief that the Holy Land belongs to no particular group of people, but to the Creator of all. It is sacred to all humanity, and as trustees of this land, we are its caretakers. We carry a responsibility to maintain it, nurture it, and see it prosper. Read more

Prayers for Peace: The Parent’s Circle Families Forum

November 26, 2013 CMEP Comment

by Craig Swandby, World Vision

The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF) is a joint Palestinian Israeli organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost a close family member as a result of the prolonged conflict. Through face-to-face reconciliation programs, the Parent’s circle has shown that the reconciliation between individuals and nations is possible, and it is this insight that they are trying to pass on to both sides of the conflict.

The PCFF was established in 1995 by Mr. Yitzhak Frankental and several bereaved Israeli families. In 1998 the first meetings were held with a group of Palestinians families from Gaza who identified with the call to prevent further bereavement through dialogue, tolerance, peace, and reconciliation. The connection with the group in Gaza was cut off as a result of the second Intifada. Read more