~ A road to discover peace in the Middle East ~
The Earth Caravan is a global interfaith pilgrimage whose mission is to share peace, happiness, and healing in the world through words, art, music, and inter-religious prayers.
Join us to discover present-day Palestine and make a positive contribution toward peace while meeting and learning from local people, Palestinian, and Israeli peace workers.
The Earth Caravan interfaith pilgrimage will be a heartwarming experience. The warm hearts and smiles of the Palestinian people are one of the truths about Palestine.
ENTER the Earth Caravan Charity Draw for a chance to join us on the Middle East Caravan 2018!
Program Outline
During the day, we’ll visit communities and organizations dedicated to helping those most vulnerable in Palestinian society: handicapped children living in refugee camps, displaced families, and a coexistence ecovillage tirelessly working for peace and reconciliation.
During the Bethlehem Live Festival, we’ll meet, talk, and interact with local people through cross-cultural activities and events. One of the highlights of the festival is the Earth Caravan Corner, where Caravan participants familiar with Japanese culture (calligraphy, Kimono dressing, sushi, tea ceremony, and Shiatsu treatment) will share their knowledge and skills with local people.
Join us on the Earth Caravan 2018 Mideast Pilgrimage to experience the reality of Palestine and to enjoy a once in a lifetime inspiring and exhilarating experience that most tourists to the region have never had.
Dates:
July 31st to August 11th, 2018 (12 days and 11 nights) includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, transportation, and guided tour.
**It is possible to make your schedule shorter or longer. *Please ask if you need assistance to reserve your airline ticket.
Program Fee
US$850 (Airline ticket is not included)
To register or for more information please email: lawrence@taosangha-na.com
Program Schedule:
Tuesday, July 31st – Arrive in Tel Aviv – sightseeing in Jerusalem
Wednesday, August 1st – Tour to discover the truth of the Middle East / Lecture from Professor Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh at Bethlehem University
Thursday, August 2nd – Visit with children at a refugee camp (day) / Bethlehem Live Festival (at night)
Friday, August 3rd – Construction work at a Palestine village (day) / Bethlehem Live Festival (at night)
Saturday, August 4th – Protect shepherd in Bedouin (day) / Bethlehem Festival (at night)
Sunday, August 5th – Tour in Bethlehem(day) / Bethlehem Festival (at night)
Monday, August 6th – Jerusalem interfaith peace walk
Tuesday, August 7th – Wall painting in Aqaba village
Wednesday, August 8th – Well-water purifier work in the Jordan Valley
Thursday, August 9th – Nagasaki Day, kite flying with children and peace candle lighting in Nablus
Friday, August 10th – Visit Nabi Saleh village / Back to Jerusalem
Saturday, August 11th – Leaving the Middle East
*Program subject to change
**One of the features of Earth Caravan Middle East 2018 is to join peace activities in the village of 17-year female peace activist, Ahed Tamimi, who became popular worldwide for the Palestine independence movement.
ENTER the Earth Caravan Charity Draw to join us on the Middle East Caravan 2018!
History of the Earth Caravan
From August 6th-13th, 2015, the Earth Caravan traveled through Israel and the West Bank of the Palestinian Territories. The Caravan’s visit to the Middle East coincided with the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Caravan obtained permission from the city council of Hiroshima to travel with the Peace Flame during its voyage. The Flame was taken from the original fires that burned after the atomic bombs fell on Hiroshima in 1945; it has burned until this day in the Peace Tower in Hoshino village.
Before arriving with the Peace Flame in Palestine, the Earth Caravan brought the flame by bicycle through Japan, from Hiroshima to Tokyo. It then traveled to Europe, bringing its mission of hope and peace to traumatic sites of the Second World War including Dachau and Auschwitz concentration camps.
Peace concerts and charity markets were held throughout Japan, Europe, Canada and the United States. All proceeds were used to support projects benefitting children in need.
To register for the Middle East Earth Caravan or for more information please email: lawrence@taosangha-na.com
The Projects We Support
- Water purifier project in Palestine:
Access to clean water is a problem in Palestine and the chronic shortage of water has been a serious issue. In 2016, the Earth Caravan water purifier project began to secure local drinking water. - Educational support for children of the Rakhine Buddhist minority population in Bangladesh:
Giving children a chance to create their own bright future while cooperating with the local community.
Earth Caravan representatives:
Japan Director: Ryokyu Endo
North America Coordinator: Alex Pereklita
European Coordinator: Alfred Mueller
Middle East Coordinator: Magali Brosh
