Jerusalem Hug

Jerusalem Hug
-press release-

On Monday, June 21st 2010, many hundreds of people will embrace the Old City
of Jerusalem. Israelis and Palestinians as well as peace activists from all
over the world will walk hand in hand around the city walls. They will stand
shoulder to shoulder, sharing their wish for peace and their love for
Jerusalem. The Old City as a whole is a sanctuary. It ought to be a freely
accessible area within an undivided Jerusalem, a city for Palestinians and
Israelis and a center for the entire world.

The aim of the "Jerusalem Hug" is to promote a peaceful experience, a life
of freedom and joy to all people. The "Jerusalem Hug" will focus on love,
respect and unity between all people. With this attitude the participants
will spread out around the walls of the Old City holding hands, singing and
praying for peace and respect for all humankind.

The "Jerusalem Hug" is a symbol for another way to achieve peace. Everywhere
the belief in a political solution of the Middle East conflict has been gone
down to point zero. There ought to be found another way and that is the way
of the heart. We believe that when we find peace in ourselves and when we
are able to forgive, world peace will come closer. Change begins at the
basis.

The "Jerusalem Hug" gives expression to this wish for change as a concrete
statement. Jerusalem stands as a symbol for peace and forgiveness in the
world. Let Jerusalem be a city of connection, the heart of the world where
unity and peace will be a fact. Each year, "Jerusalem Hug" will grow in
size to become a larger and larger event, with every year more participants.

The "Jerusalem Hug" took already place in 2007, 2008 and in 2009. The events
were joined by more than 4000 participants; residents of Jerusalem,
Palestinians and Israeli, as well as peace activists from all over the
world.


Agenda Jerusalem Hug, Monday June 21, 2010


15:30-18:30
Gather at two meeting points around the Old City:
* Palm Tree's Garden (Suk Al-Falhin)- west of Damascus Gate:
Interfaith dialogues and children's activities, led by the Jerusalem
Peacemakers. The participants spread out around the walls of the Old City,
supported by musicians and drummers.
* Jaffa Gate:
Dvora Perlman will lead the participants southwards for a circle walk around
the Old City, accompanied by drumming and songs.

18:30-20.00
The walkers arrive at Damascus Gate and unite with Hug participants. Holding
hands with music and drums, walking in line in the direction of Tzahal
Square.

20:00-21:30
Grand Finale in Tzahal Square with drums, sacred singing and dance.

More information?
Rob Schrama: 00972-524631067 and Dvora Perlman: 00972-526523355
www.jerusalemhug.org and www.loversofjerusalem.org