Jerusalem, Israel - The Americans and Europeans who came to Jerusalem for a Middle East Peace Initiative trip commemorating the tenth anniversary of the "Jerusalem Declaration" for interfaith cooperation began their day on May 16 with prayer and testimonies at 6:00 a.m. Imam Regillio Frank Haselhoef of the Netherlands told the group of his thoughts on the previous day: “As we sailed on the Sea of Galilee, I understood our true reality. All humanity is on the same boat; therefore, we have a common responsibility.”

Jerusalem, Israel - Faith leaders from diverse traditions descended on the Holy City of Jerusalem on May 14, 2013 as part of the Middle East Peace Initiative and to honor the tenth anniversary of the “Jerusalem Declaration” for peace. Baptists, Pentecostals, Muslims, and Buddhists – both clergy and some laypersons – flew in from Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Austria, as well as Brazil, Suriname, and from a dozen cities in the United States – all eager to experience first-hand the spiritual treasures of this land, to learn, and to offer their prayers and voices for peace.

Young Europeans traveled to the Holy Land in April to learn from the experiences of Israelis and Palestinians.

Clergy and peace activists from Europe, North America, and Asia will assemble in Jerusalem May 14-19 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the "Jerusalem Declaration" for Interfaith Cooperation, launched by the Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon as a Track II effort to bring religious perspectives into the center of the search for peace.

Daliat El-Carmel, Israel - The fifth interreligious forum organized by UPF-Israel  brought together 21 academic and religious leaders, as well as social activists on March 21. Host Sheik Ali Birani invited the forum members to enjoy the warm hospitality at his home, situated at the largest Druze town in Israel, Daliat El Carmel near Haifa. The theme chosen for deliberation was: "The principle of living for the sake of others."

Commentary on Peace, Security, and Human Development in the Middle East

Jerusalem, Israel - The third meeting of the Jerusalem Peace and Security Forum took place at the Hebrew University on February 14. The participants were able to enjoy the beautiful view of the old city of Jerusalem seen from Mount Scopus, where the university's main campus is located.

Acre, Israel - A group of 25 academic and religious leaders as well as social activists gathered in the second largest mosque in Israel (after Al-Aqsa), the Aljazar Mosque in Acre, for an interfaith dialogue on January 28. The ancient port city was built on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the northern part of Israel. Thirty percent of Acre's inhabitants are Muslims, living peacefully side by side with the Jewish population. This successful model is largely attributed to the warm personal relationships between the two prominent religious leaders of both communities, the chief imam and the chief rabbi of the city.

Haifa, Israel - The Jerusalem Peace and Security Forum meeting on December 25 explored “The Input that the International Powers have on the Development and Sustainability of Israel’s National Resilience.” References were made to the power shift in the Middle East from dictatorial regimes to newly emerging democracies.

Jerusalem, Israel - The second convening of the Jerusalem Forum for Interfaith and Cooperation among Religions took place in a magnificent location overlooking the old city of Jerusalem. A group of 13 scholars and religious leaders representing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam gathered on December 20 for studying sacred texts and conducting a candid discussion.

Jerusalem, Israel - A group of ten academic and religious leaders convened at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem on October 31 to discuss issues related to interfaith dialogue and cooperation among religions.

Tel Aviv, Israel - Following UPF-Israel's round table discussion in August, which dealt with defining the term national resilience, a group of experts in various related fields convened in Tel Aviv on October 26 to further develop the theme.

Holon, Israel - A delegation of volunteers from Russia visited Holon, Israel, from September 22 to 30. Young Ambassadors for Peace from different cities of Russia (Moscow, Nizhniy Novgorod, Izhevsk, Nizhnevartovsk, and Kazan) were warmly welcomed by a group of kind community activists from Holon.

Jerusalem, Israel - During of the Jewish Sukkot Festival, UPF-Israel opened a special stand on a pedestrian street in the center of Jerusalem dedicated to celebrating the UN International Day of Peace 2012.