Working towards a lasting peace (From Stroud News and Journal)

Working towards a lasting peace

TWO members of the Peacemaker Community - Middle East are to attend a public meeting in Stroud's Old Town Hall this Sunday, March 16.

Eliyahu McLean, an Israeli citizen, and Ibrahim Abu El Hawa, a Palestinian from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem are visiting Stroud to meet peace campaigners at the meeting.

They have travelled widely with the message that peace is achieveable between Israelis and Palestinians.

"These two are so positive and certain that peace can come," said Annabel Caddle of the Stroud Peace Movement. "All the people they work with apparently want peace; it appears it's the leaders who are the problem."

"They're going on the Monday to the House of Lords, so we're lucky to be getting them to speak here. They offer such optimism and hold out a wonderful flame of hope for the world when everyone else seems to be getting depressed with the state we're in," she added.

"People say that this is a 2000 year old conflict but it really dates from the last 70 years," said Eliyahu McLean. "Since it is not so ancient, maybe peace is not as impossible as it appears.

If we would approach the negotiations in a spirit of integrity and respect, I believe all the issues and feelings of humiliation could be worked out."

The public meeting takes place at the Old Town Hall in The Shambles on Sunday, March 16 at 7.15pm. Entry is free, but donations would be much appreciated.