Middle East Peace Effort

Combatants for Peace [www.combatantsforpeace.org/] is a group of Israeli and Palestinian individuals actively involved in the cycle of violence found in Palestine. The Israelis served as combat soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. The Palestinians were involved in acts of violence in the name of Palestinian liberation.

Each used weapons against the other. Each saw the other only through weapon sights. TODAY they cooperate together and have committed themselves to the following:
1. We no longer believe this conflict can be resolved through violence.
2. We believe the blood bath will not end unless we act together to terminate the occupation and stop all forms of violence.
3. We call for the establishment of a Palestinian State, alongside the State of Israel. The two states can exist in peace and security one by the other.
4. We will use only non violent means to achieve our goals and call for both societies to end violence.

WHO ARE WE?
"Combatants for Peace" became a joint movement, started by Palestinians and Israelis, who have taken an active role in the cycle of violence; Israelis as soldiers in the Israeli army (IDF) and Palestinians as part of the violent struggle for Palestinian freedom. After brandishing weapons for so many years, and having seen one another only through weapon sights, we have decided to put down our guns, and to fight for peace.

WE BELIEVE
That only by joining forces, will we be able to end the cycle of violence, the bloodshed and the occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people. We no longer believe it possible to resolve the conflict between the two peoples through violent means; therefore we declare that we refuse to take part any more in the mutual bloodletting (emphasis added).

We will act only by non-violent means so that each side will come to understand the national aspirations of the other side. We see dialogue and reconciliation as the only way to act in order to terminate the Israeli occupation, to halt the settlement project and to establish a Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem, alongside the State of Israel.

WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?
To raise the consciousness in both publics regarding the hopes and suffering of the other side, and to create partners in dialogue.
To educate towards reconciliation and non-violent struggle in both the Israeli and Palestinian societies.
To create political pressure on both Governments to stop the cycle of violence, end the occupation and resume a constructive dialog.

I view this as an effort in which Christians can join non-Christians, and Westerners can join Easterners, in actualizing peace in the Middle East. Peace is a goal that is always worthy of our best efforts. This is a significant key to peace in all parts of our world. It merits not only our prayers but it deserves our participation. As a key to world peace, this is a place for some of us to help others to make a difference for all of us.

Let all of us become PEACEMAKERS BY INTENTION,not by accident.
This is Wayne in Warner’s World…