Belgian group from Religions for Peace visit

On Sunday, February 23, a group from the European coalition of Religions for Peace arrived for a two-day visit to Wahat al-Salam - Neve Shalom.

A Belgian priest, Fr. Jan Van Eycken, arranged the visit for this Belgian group of Christians and Muslims. The latter hail originally from North Africa (mostly). Religions for Peace advocates a multi-religious approach to peace on a global, regional, national and local level.

The group was welcomed by WASNS Visitors Center director Rita Boulos, who introduced them to the village, explaining the values on which it is based, its objectives, the day to day life of the community and educational peace work. They visited the Art Gallery meeting with the curator, Dyana Shaloufi Rizek. Afterwards, they met Prof. Yair Oron, who showed them the Garden of Rescuers and talked about its meaning.

Some of the group members were visiting Israel for the first time. They were very impressed and touched by the village’s ideas, values, and experience.

The Imam of the group, a Belgian citizen of Turkish origin, was very moved by the visit. He wrote a special thanks for the welcome they received in the village, and sent best wishes for the village’s peace efforts.