We often think about the immediate issues of the conflict – justice, security, walls, barriers, rockets, military threats, checkpoints, land, dignity, etc. – as the drivers that provide but the challenges and the opportunities for what needs to be addressed in order to end the conflict and build a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. [...]
A few friends wrote to me alarmed and saddened by the poem I wrote, Haunted. They mentioned I am always ‘so positive’ and encouraged me not to lose hope. Some encouraged me to share positive thoughts as they tend to see me do, rather than to succumb to the plentiful doom. So I thought I’d [...]
{I requested and got permission to share excerpts of this letter on my blog} Dear Daniel, It is my great pleasure to write to you and reach out to you on a cause that we both stand for and work for: Peace in the Middle East and in the World. A cause that is worthy [...]
‘’I was a military man for 27 years. I waged war as long as there was no chance for peace…I believe there is now a chance for peace, a great chance, and we must take advantage of it for those standing here, and for those who are not here – and they are many. [...]
It is interesting to see how society reminisces about its leaders. The contrast is often striking between how we relate to leaders during their lives and after they’ve passed on, particularly if their passing was not natural. Yitzhak Rabin was not murdered amidst an environment of unwavering support towards him, as we’d like to think. [...]
This speech is worth reading. It was the precursor to the Annapolis language that validated OneVoice’s mission. And it provides a very good framework for where we are coming and where we need to go in order to ensure peace and security for Israel and Palestine. Saban Forum 2007 Keynote Address by Prime Minister of [...]
More and more The darkness haunts me The memory of before I was The stone sinking deeper into the sea The inevitability of evil Will it never change? More and more The sleepless nights The failure to bring light The stone sinks deeper, a rope attached around: A noose around humanity More and more The [...]
This poem is an apt warning to the dangers of political apathy and inaction when someone other than yourself is being persecuted… First they came for the Communists, – but I was not a communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, – but I was [...]
"Be KIND whenever possible. It is always possible." – The Dalai Lama [just learned about this great quote, which fits perfectly for the PeaceWorks Foundation AND for KIND Fruit and Nut bars!]
The most recent act of leadership by Canada’s legislature came from Dr. Bernard Patry, Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, who shared these words at the House of Commons on October 25th: Mr. Bernard Patry (Pierrefonds—Dollard, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of informing this House that on October [...]