The Peace Flag for the Middle East (© 2011 NAMIDIA AG, Glarus/Switzerland) was designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser as a symbol of reconciliation between the Jewish and Arabian peoples in 1978. It depicts the islamic green crescent moon and the blue Star of David. The white background symbolizes the peace between the two peoples.
Vision
Jerusalem, city called „the Holy One“ by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, lies in the centre of the political conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis. Jerusalem is like a melting pot for the unresolved conflicts of humankind.
It is not surprising that throughout the centuries, many myths have evolved around Jerusalem. The core of these myths are the prophetic visions of the three Abrahamic faiths which adress Jerusalem as a City of Peace. The myth “Jerusalem, Holy City of Peace” could be useful for finding a sustainable peaceful solution.
Lassalle-Institut supports the establishment of an open space of nonviolence, of peace research and of peace education in Jerusalem, according to the prophetic visions of the three Abrahamic faiths. The team is aware of the continuing Euopean co-accountability for the Middle East conflict and uses the following questions as guidelines:
- What if… peace promoters from all over the world found schools, universities, and centres for research in the Old City of Jerusalem and surroundings, where ways of healing and reconciliation could be developed and practiced?
- What if… together, the Israelis and Palestinians were the hosts to people of all cultural backgrounds and religions for dialogue and the pursuit of peace in Jerusalem and in the world?
- What if… Jerusalem, as an Open City, became a place where the spiritual power of the religions as well as new kinds of business, health centres, art and education could contribute to creating world peace?
- What if… the international community supported the population of Jerusalem on a spiritual and material level in turning Jerusalem into an open world city of peace?
- What if…
Answers
This would open up completely new and unexpected perspectives which would (finally) provide both parties of the conflict with a win-win situation
- on the level of identity-shaping: unique role as hosts for both parties
- on the level of economic progress: visitors, investments
- on the level of international standing: honour and acknowledgement within the world community
- on the global level: humankind becomes aware of Jerusalem’s importance
- on the level of...