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The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil,    but because of the people who don't do anything about it

Occupation magazine - Activism Home page  back Print  Send To friend Studying for Peace in Beit Jala : Special Meeting with Pat Magee and Jo Berry Friday,8.3.13, 14:00 From: Combatants for Peace office@combatantsforpeace.org Studying for Peace in Beit Jala : Special Meeting with Pat Magee and Jo Berry Friday,8.3.13, 14:00 In the meeting, Pat Magee and Jo Berry will share their story, following questions and reflections from the audience. The second part of the meeting will be held in small groups, which will allow a more intimate discussion of the junctions in which different conflicts and stories meet. Pat and Jo have inspired many people around the globe, presenting their story with rare openness and vulnerability. Jo Berry’s father, Sir Anthony Berry MP, was killed in the Irish Republican Army’s bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton in 1984. Rather than harbour hatred and anger, she is determined to draw meaning from this tragedy. In 2000 she met the man convicted for the bombing, Patrick Magee, after he had been released from prison. With time, they have formed a friendship and have ever since been working together for peace and reconciliation, not just in Northern Ireland but in many conflict areas around the globe. `I have known the pain that causes to seek revenge but have chosen not to act on this impulse, and instead work on transforming my feelings and end the cycle of violence and revenge in me. I believe we all have humanity in us and the way forward for a peaceful world is to begin to empathize with the ‘enemy’. At times when I have listened to Pat`s story I have come to a realization that if I had lived Pat’s life, I may have made the same choices.” Patrick Magee was born in Belfast but moved with his family to Norwich when he was two years old. He returned to Belfast at the age of 19 in 1969, and joined the IRA soon afterwards. Pat was imprisoned in 1985 for his part in the bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton and released as part of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. ` I have learnt from the last 12 years that I had demonised the `other`. Now I know that I killed a wonderful human being with lots of wonderful characteristics. I believe that during conflict it is hard to see the enemy as a human being, that is the cost of using violence. I do find it challenging to work with Jo, yet despite our differences we continue to work together. If we can motivate people to use dialogue then it has got to be good.` The meeting will be held in the “Everest” Hotel in Beit Jalla, starting 2 pm. We will leave (In private vehicles) at 1:30 (gathering 1:20) from the Eastern gates at “Teddy” stadium, Jerusalem. The meeting will end at 5 pm. Please confirm your participation at the following link - by filling up the online form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1N9XNKeOgY0d2rq2B3eT_kP5GYlBtZQ8MCBvgjZ26zsQ/viewform For further details: office@cfpeace.org The 8th Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Event needs you support! Combatants for Peace is holding the alternative Israeli-Palestinian commemoration ceremony for the 8th time this year. The event has become increasingly important for victims from both sides of the conflict as well as for the wider public who wish to acknowledge each other’s grievances and promote a dialog of peace. The ceremony boldly touches on the exposed nerves of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict and brings together bereaved family members from both sides who call together for the ending of the conflict using nonviolent means. This year, the ceremony will take place at the Trade Fair Center to accommodate an anticipated larger number of attendees. As the service grows in size, so do the costs while it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise funds from the Israeli public for such causes. We are relying on the generosity of individuals like yourself and we kindly ask you to help us make this important event happen again this year. Donation can be easily and safely made through this link For more details follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend Donate online to CFP`s activities: https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1003363&code=Combatants%2520for%2520Peace&x=129&y=1 Thank you! Links to the latest articles in this section The burial of ashes - an emotionally loaded day Friday webinar with the Human Rights activists designated as "terrorists" Friday webinar with the Human Rights activists designated as "terrorists"