Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI)

MEPI organizers are planning similar trips to the Holy Lands on a regular basis (four times per year.) The next one is being planned for September 2006, and all Ambassadors for Peace in North America are urged to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. To provide an overview of MEPI and what Ambassadors for Peace experience through it, we have prepared this special report.

An Open Invitation to North American Ambassadors for Peace

The first great pillar of the common ground that we stand upon as Ambassadors for Peace representing all faiths is that God relates to humankind with the heart of a Parent, thus making us all brothers and sisters. We can be sure that God Himself longs for world peace. Our desire for peace is a reflection of our Heavenly Parent.

Ambassadors for Peace visit the Holy Land

In support of this overwhelming desire, the Universal Peace Federation’s Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) is sponsoring peace pilgrimages, rallies and marches for peace in the Holy Land. These journeys for peace are led by Dr. Chang Shik Yang, Dr. Michael Jenkins, and leading Ambassadors for Peace in the region. These fact-finding tours are recognized by leading figures in government, religion, civil society, and faith-based NGOs, of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faith in Israel and Palestine. The fact that we are all brothers and sisters is nowhere more true than in the Middle East where the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam all have their spiritual roots and share holysites, along with the Druze, Ba’hai and other religions of the region. If God is our Parent then the most holy site of all will be the place where we can embrace and accept the truth, beauty and goodness of each faith and people.

A comprehensive peace requires real solutions to real problems. But such problems are not only political. Peace is never simply a matter of signing a treaty or settling borders. Real peace, lasting peace is not merely the absence of war. Peace, like freedom and brotherhood, must be built on a foundation of trust and heart. MEPI’s motto from the beginning has been “heart to heart for peace in the Middle East.” Our spiritual traditions teach us to forgive, love and unite. These are not a naïve ideals, but the only tools to overcome the enmity of the past.

Native American Ambassadors at the West Bank

Dr. Sun Myung Moon has always taught that the one who represents God must go “with the heart of a parent, in the shoes of a servant.” Ambassadors for Peace are now working to apply this spiritual principle to real issues. The way to bring peace is by becoming peacemakers ourselves, one person at a time, and one peaceful act at a time. When the seeds of love overwhelm those of hatred and violence, the peace kingdom can be established.

The next pilgrimage take place May 18-25, 2006.. This program will bring together Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Jewish believers and others for the purpose of promoting understanding and reconciliation. Won’t you please consider lending your support to this interfaith initiative and be a tangible part of this important force for peace in the world?

We need you as a person of faith to help the peace process in the Middle East. As Ambassadors for Peace, we go to contribute to the process of peace and to encourage, support, and embrace our colleagues in the Middle East who are also Ambassadors for Peace.

During this May tour in the Middle East, we will conduct a series of Symposia for Peace: one in Jordan, one in Jerusalem, and possibly one in Ramallah (pending security concerns). We will consider the theme, “Peace-building and Human Development in the Middle East.” The Symposia will allow for dialogue with key religious leaders from the “family of Abraham” and will provide the opportunity to directly support their efforts for understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation. With the pain being expressed in the Muslim world over the disrespect shown by some for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and with the huge change in the political landscape of both Israel and Palestine after the recent election this “peace force” of “Ambassadors for Peace” is going at a critical and opportune time. We can make an enormous difference.

Signing a declaration for peace                      Panelist Dialogue on Peace in the Middle East

Our journey will also take us to historic and holy sites such as Mt. Nebo, where Moses stood looking over the Jordan, then on to Jerusalem, Gethsemane, the Sea of Galilee and the Mt. of Olives. In addition, we will meet and work with the Ambassadors for Peace in the Middle East—our colleagues and brothers and sisters—and will hear their testimonies of tears and triumph in the work for peace.

The world leans on America, and its leaders to safeguard freedom in every part of the world. But only in an environment of peace can there be true freedom. Fortunately the UPF has grasped the vision that only through interfaith cooperation and understanding can we ever have hope of ending the bloodshed. Many Ambassadors for Peace are exemplary in their life of service. Let’s make service a lifestyle in America. Let’s go to another level of service in our efforts to bring peace for our children and our children’s children. In the words of our founder, Dr Moon;

“Then, what is a life of true love? True love is the spirit of public service. It brings the peace that is at the root of happiness. … its essence is to give, to live for the sake of others and for the sake of the whole. True love gives, forgets that it has given, and continues to give without ceasing. True love gives joyfully. We find it in the joyful and loving heart of a mother who cradles her baby in her arms and nurses it at her breast. True love is sacrificial love, as with a filial son who gains his greatest satisfaction in helping his parents. God created the universe out of just such love: absolute, unique, unchanging and eternal, investing everything without any expectation or condition of receiving something in return.”

We look forward to seeing you in the Middle East. We transform ourselves as we work to transform the world. Won’t you please visit the Holy Land this year?

All participants make their own travel arrangements landing in Tel Aviv, a package is offered that includes hotel, meals, tours, and ground transportation. For applications and more information please email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call UPF-North America (202) 636-8832

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