~ A road to discover truth and 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, shiatsu therapy and inter-religious prayers.
Join us to discover the reality of present-day Palestine and how the Palestinian people really feel about peace? Would you like to experience how Palestinians are living and hear their voices? Would you like to 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 2017!
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, families who have had their homes demolished and have been displaced, and a coexistence ecovillage who is faced with the daily threat of losing its land.
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 2017 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 30th to August 7th, 2017 (9 days and 8 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$780 (Airline ticket is not included)
To register or for more information please email: lawrence@taosangha-na.com
Program Schedule:
Sunday, July 30th – Arrive in Tel Aviv (planning to stay in Jerusalem)
Monday, July 31st – Middle East historical overview and peace activity tour
Tuesday, August 1st – Day tour of Jerusalem and Nablus in the West Bank
Wednesday, August 2nd – Visit a home rebuilding project in the Jordan Valley
Thursday, August 3rd – AM Visit disabled children at a refugee camp near Bethlehem
PM Arrive in Bethlehem for the Bethlehem Live Festival
Friday, August 4th – AM Visit Tent of Nations eco-village for peace
PM Bethlehem Festival and Earth Caravan Corner
Saturday, August 5th – AM Lecture by Palestinian environmentalist, professor, and peace activist at Bethlehem University.
PM Bethlehem Festival and Earth Caravan Corner
Sunday, August 6th – AM Meet and interact with Palestinian mothers
PM Bethlehem Festival and Earth Caravan Corner
Monday, August 7th – Jerusalem interfaith peace walk
*Program subject to change
ENTER the Earth Caravan Charity Draw to join us on the Middle East Caravan 2017!
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.
Earth Caravan Global Event Schedule 2017
May 3rd and 4th – Kyoto, Japan
July 8th and 9th – Hiroshima, Japan
July 30th – Israel
August 3rd~7th – Bethlehem and Jerusalem
August 13th~21st – Québec, Canada
September 9th and 10th – Tokyo, Japan
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
