Our projects in the field of
PEACE
Supporting inter-religious action that promotes peace through projects that can change the course of history.
Humankind Has the Moral Responsibility to Act in the Face of Evil
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, famous German anti-Nazi theologian, so rightly said: "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."
Read more: Humankind Has the Moral Responsibility to Act in the Face of Evil
Muslims are Commanded by Muhammad to Protect Christians and Jews Until the End of Days
During our research with the Greek Orthodox Church, we located numerous documents hand signed by the Prophet Muhammad, Blessings and Peace be upon him, granting permanent protection to Christians and to their churches. These documents have been in existence since the original order given by Muhammad in 628 ACE. We have located several recent documents which confirm the original charter of rights.
These mandates are not widly known to the Muslim world.
Any Muslim who violates these mandates is insulting Islam and insulting the Prophet Muhammad, Blessings and Peace be upon him.
Read more: Muslims are Commanded by Muhammad to Protect Christians and Jews Until the End of Days
The Media's Role in International Conflicts
International conflicts and acts of terror committed in the name of religion must be viewed as a problem. One might visualize conflict as an "onion" that must be peeled away layer by layer. We must define each layer and create an effective solution to each conflict, then go to the next layer. PTWF believes that the media's role is integral to examining and exposing the causes, which predicate international conflict and disagreement.
Maintaining Positive Personal Relations with the Religious Leaders in the Holy Land
As a non-sectarian organization, Pave the Way Foundation has worked hard, through gestures of good will, to develop trusted personal relationships with the religious and political leaders in the Holy Land. When problems develop, we attempt to take an unbiased position, in order to suggest solutions. Many times this methodology succeeds, and avoids the “turf wars” that usually inhibit interreligious cooperation in the region. Back door communication and diplomacy usually succeeds when public confrontation confounds solutions.
Read more: Maintaining Positive Personal Relations with the Religious Leaders in the Holy Land
Promoting Christian Tourism to the Holy Land and to Israel
Continuous violence and conflict has had an enormous adverse financial impact on the regional tourism industry in the Holy Land. Both sides of the conflict suffer profound loss, not just in terms of life and human dignity, but in terms of economic and financial losses as well. During the Intifada, unemployment in Israeli hit 11% and the rate in the territories has been as high as 30-60%. Everyone is suffering. Pave the Way is trying to change the course of this negative pattern, by encouraging special visits to the Holy Land, by Christian leaders. Some of these prelates have been charged with the pastoral care and diocesan responsibility of millions of faithful Christians.
Read more: Promoting Christian Tourism to the Holy Land and to Israel
Palestinian - Israeli Peace
Throughout the history of the modern State of Israel, peace has eluded all of the people of the region. PTWF is working with prominent Palestinians who wish to give the Palestinian people another choice. Contrary to media coverage of this region, both the Palestinians and the Israelis desperately want peace. The media seems to only report on the exceptional few extremists. The truth is, people from both sides have the same message. For three generations we have been at war and we don't want our children to have to continue this. It is the special interest of an elite few, which has driven this region to constant conflict.
Affirmation of His Beatitude Theophilos III Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
The Greek Orthodox Church has duly elected a new Patriarch of Jerusalem. This process was legally conducted and the newly elected Patriarch, His Beatitude Theophilos III, immediately enjoyed full endorsements by all other Christian Churches, by the Jordanian Government and by the Palestinian Authority. These are the required approvals. The Israeli government must also affirm the legal status of the Patriarch. The Israeli's process is taking additional time and consequently the new Patriarch cannot discharge his duties or take possession of the residence or business affairs of his Church.
Read more: Affirmation of His Beatitude Theophilos III Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
Pave the Way Foundations Aids Syrian Refugees
In cooperation with the Israeli government, Pave the Way Foundation supplies much needed baby formula and diabetes medication to Syrian refugees.
PTWF Participates in Projects of Interreligious Action for Restoring Peace in France
Meetings in Lyon with Islamic, Christian, and Jewish leaders have resulted in remarkable advances. This impressive, cooperative group of religious leaders, has performed important peacekeeping functions during recent uprisings in France.
Read more: PTWF Participates in Projects of Interreligious Action for Restoring Peace in France
Improving Vatican Israeli Relations
When diplomatic relations began with Israel on Dec 30, 1993, a few important issues were never settled and remain outstanding today. Improved relations with the Holy See, will have enormous benefits to Israel, both economically and politically. Better communication will also assure that this relationship will continue into the next Papacy. Through recurrent, ongoing meetings with Father David Jaeger, spokesperson for the Franciscan Custody and legal representative of the Holy See in Israel, and Archbishop Antonio Franco, Apostolic Nuncio and Papal Delegate for the Holy See in Israel and the Holy Land, we have been able to focus on specific, problematic issues between Israel and the Vatican.
Improving Relations Within the Orthodox Church
PTWF is exploring the notion of removing historic obstacles between those within the same faith. We are exploring historic projects that will "pave the way" to improve relations between good people of all religions.
Meeting with the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem
Our meeting with Grand Mufti of Jerusalem was extremely productive. We discussed the WASATIA Initiative for peace in the Holy Land. This organization is taking a real position on creating a genuine peace between Palestine and the State of Israel by acknowledging the Israeli right to exist in peace. WASATIA concentrates its' efforts on building a transparent infrastructure and respecting the three faiths of Abraham. Muslims must base their faith on the true message of Islam devoid of corruption and extremist activity.
Problem Solving
Eliminating problems and misunderstandings between the religions and governmental entities is enormously important. Too many times, erroneous and inflammatory press reports have created artificial obstacles. When there are genuine disagreements, problems created by those with differing goals and agendas makes matters worse.
The First Alexandria Declaration of The Religious Leaders of the Holy Land
January 21, 2002. In the Name of God who is Almighty, Merciful and Compassionate, we, who have gathered as religious leaders from the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities, pray for true peace in Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and declare our commitment to ending the violence and bloodshed that denies the right to life and dignity.
Read more: The First Alexandria Declaration of The Religious Leaders of the Holy Land
Armenian Church in the Holy Land and the Armenian Genocide
PTWF is proud of its warm relations with the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem.
Meetings with the late Patriarch His Beatitude Torkom Manoogian, and recently His Beatitude Nourhan Manougian, resulted in an international acknowledgement of the Genocide committed against innocent Armenians in the Holy Land at the beginning of the 20th century.
Read more: Armenian Church in the Holy Land and the Armenian Genocide
