The Gaza Flotilla is about Erdogan vis-a-vis Ahmadinejad! It is not about the blockade of Gaza.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has shaken the global agenda. Unfortunately, it looks like both the Palestinians and the Israelis are keeping the "peace process" for the sake of the process instead of having real and tangible peace negotiations. Let us pray that wisdom and the spirit of peace may ultimately guide the Israeli and Palestinian leadership.

Jerusalem, Israel - In response to requests from UPF chapters around the world, we are establishing a tour and conference company to host Middle East Peace Initiative trips. We invite UPF leaders to consult with us to customize programs for your group.

Jerusalem, Israel - A new Holistic and Healing Center to serve local women opened on March 9 in conjunction with an International Women's Day celebration.

Jerusalem, Israel - Representatives of Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Muslim faiths shared stories of peacemaking and hope from Israel and Palestine during the Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne, Australia December 3-9, 2009.

A recording of the Peace Cantata, Halelu—Songs of David, written by Israeli vocalist David D'Or and American conductor David Eaton, is available for purchase. The collaboration grew out of a 2004 Middle East Peace Initiative concert in Jerusalem the featured music from various cultures and religions.

Haifa, Israel - Women of three faiths gathered at a celebration in the City Hall.

Jerusalem, Israel - Songs and prayers for peace were offered at a gathering in the Jerusalem Forest.

Jerusalem, Israel - Twenty-six youth from Austria, England, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, America, and Israel gathered in Jerusalem on June 21 for a taste of Israeli and Palestinian cultures and to learn through experience about transcending barriers of religion, ethnicity, and nationality for the sake of peace. In their two weeks together they took part in service projects and dialogues with Israeli and Palestinian youth as well as visiting historic sites.

Jerusalem, Israel - On May 15 the UN International Day of Families was celebrated at the picturesque Rose Gardens in front of the Knesset parliament buildings in downtown Jerusalem, with the theme: "Creating a World of Peace, One Family at a Time."

The Universal Peace Federation is deeply saddened by the loss of life in the current crisis in the Gaza strip. Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faith leaders of the Middle East Peace Initiative of the Universal Peace Federation are committed to peacebuilding and an end to the cycle of violence in Israel and the Gaza strip.

Prior to the main celebration in Haifa on December 20, the Global Peace Festival included service projects on Mount Carmel and in Haifa as well as dialogues and conferences.