MEPEACE.ORG and others

connecting friends - even "enemies" - around Earth

Wednesday, 12 March 2008

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it." Alan Kay

"What sustains you?" people often ask of activists in the Middle East public peace process.
     One foundation for authentic hope is the new nervous system of human connection and communication being invented around Earth largely by young adults.
     They refuse to be "enemies" and insist on engaging.
And staying together.

FACEBOOK - http://facebook.com/ - with over 67 million active users is adding 250,000 new communicators daily.
It's ever-growing population is equal to the 19th biggest nation on Earth, ahead of France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Canada.

SOLIYA - http://soliya.net - is another developing global network of empowered young adults who bridge the divide between the "West" and the "Arab & Muslim World." 
     Using the latest in social media technologies and cutting-edge methodologies, this new intercultural generation of youthful citizens is acquiring the knowledge, skills, and relationships they need to discover the "other" human being and together create a world that benefits all.
WATCH the inspiring CNN TV video report:   

Broadcast by CNN - December 3, 2007

Arab-American relations

CNN's Hala Gorani explores a project called 'Soliya',

which is getting people in America and the Arab countries talking

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2007/12/03/ime.dec.a.soliya.cnn

MEPEACE - http://mepeace.org - has been called "the Facebook of peace."
     Israeli-raised creator Eyal Raviv, 32, went to California at age nine.
     In 2002, Eyal wrote from New York: "I have for a long time wanted to do something to make a difference in relations between Arabs and Jews.
     "The turning point came when I participated last winter in 'the Peace Cafe' at Mimi's Bistro in Washington, DC. 
     "There I saw about 150 people, Palestinians and Jews, discussing the personal relationship to the conflict. 
     "The atmosphere in the room was excited, warm, refreshing. . .It was positively charged.
     "I want to bring this know how and passion to help Jews and Arabs. . .I believe it is possible and hope to work. . .to this end."

     In 2008, back in Israel, Eyal ( EyalPeace@gmail.com ) has brought his dream to life and to humankind.
     He exemplifies the power of one person with an idea to invent a future that benefits everyone.
     Since the means is the end in the making, there is reason for great hope.
Visit http://mepeace.org .
     Meet the people.
Invent your future.

                - L&L



Published in Ha'aretz --  Tuesday,11 March 2008
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/963203.html

U.S. immigrant builds bridges with the 'Facebook of peace'
By Oded Yaron

     At some point, every member of the networking website Facebook is invited to join noble campaigns such as "Save Darfur!," promote causes such as gay rights, support Barack Obama's presidential bid, or join a "save water, drink beer" group. Virtual activism is on the rise thanks to Facebook and other social networks, but in many cases it is not more than another bland item on the profile page.
     The founder of Mepeace.org, a Web site that connects Israelis, Palestinians and people from other parts of the planet, believes that independent social networks are still relevant. A former yeshiva student, Eyal Raviv says he has gone through a long process of secularization and devoting himself to promote peace.
Raviv, who immigrated from the Untied States three years ago, initially conceived his Web site as a forum for Israeli peace activists only. But when he took part in a meeting between Israelis and Palestinians, he says, "a Palestinian told me I was the first Israeli he had met, and that made me realize the site could build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians."
     Despite the green background and the abundance of images of olive trees, Facebook users could feel at home while visiting http://mepeace.org . Featuring updates on the activities of other users and a notice board of peace events, it is a social network in its own right.
     But the striking resemblance to the most popular social network is not coincidental. "I call it 'the Facebook of peace'," Raviv says.

Why not just create another Facebook group?

     "I already have a Facebook group, and we use it to promote Mepeace; to this end we fully integrate Facebook's photo album, video and music applications. But I do deliberate over this question every day. I could have created much more popular Facebook groups, but here we have peace makers, not momentary visitors - people who are dedicated to reaching out."