A Call for A Lasting Peace in the Holy Land

We, the undersigned, hereby request the Leadership of Israel, the Palestinians, and the United States in creating the most vitally important peace of our time.

We acknowledge the following as true from the past:
- War and strife in the Holy Land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River has existed for over 50 years - caused by religious, cultural, and geographic intolerance from both sides at various times, places, and between various peoples.
- Thousands of human beings have lost their lives or been permanently disabled from the effects of pervasive violence.

The impact of these events is staggeringly huge:
- Untold loss of life and suffering for the injured and deceased's family/loved ones.
- Large numbers of Palestinians and Israeli citizens alike live in fear or concern for their physical safety. The outlook for people of the region is bleak.
- International terrorism is continuing and exacerbated.
- A generation of children is growing up learning hate towards other human beings.

Acknowledging the above, we stand committed to a new Possibility for the Holy Land - the possibility of Love, Peace and Acceptance throughout the region. We reassert our stand for the principles of common humanity, the integrity of ones word and abundance of the land to provide for all people.

Living from this possibility and these principles, we see the outcome emerge of Palestinians having their own nation, living peacefully side by side with Israelis. The outcome of both nations and their peoples respecting and accepting each other - in all their similarities and their differences - with friendship and understanding. Both peoples are providing a positive example of coexistence for the entire world to follow. Children from both nations are growing up learning love, acceptance, and communication.

To fulfill on this outcome, we assert the following as essential elements must occur to bring about a lasting peace:
1. Both Palestinian and Israeli leaders and citizens denounce terrorism in all forms and take active steps to counter and prevent its occurrence.
2. Israel acknowledges the right of Palestinians to their own state.
3. Palestinians acknowledge the right of Israel to exist as a nation.
4. Israel and Palestinian leaders fully and openly hear and listen to each other's positions and concerns, and fully acknowledge them, despite any disagreement.
5. Both sides are willing to give up old attitudes from the past in their commitment to fulfill on the outcome above for the sake of their children and future generations growing up in peace.
6. A fledgling Palestinian state welcomes the international community of nations to support them in developing a stable, democratic government, effective power and water supplies, health care, education, and free press.

With a united voice, we fully support this petition and request all leaders of free nations to similarly unite and actively commit to fulfill on the possibility of Love, Peace and Acceptance throughout the Holy Land.