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January 18 th and 25th 2006
Can Arabs and Jews Live Together in Peace?
The Shape of the Future
January 18 th and 25th 2006
Potlucks for Peace launched its inaugural public event as a series of two evenings showing two parts of the documentary "The Shape of the Future" a film that presents possible resolutions to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The event was an overwhelming success bringing together over 700 Canadians of all faiths and origins who care about a resolution of this on-going tragic conflict; a conflict with consequences for peace around the globe.
Along with the event itself, media coverage was very extensive ensuring people in Ottawa were aware of the local presence of Arabs and Jews who not only talk to each other but are working together towards a mutual better understanding.
On January 18, a night of freezing rain, Ottawans braved the slippery roads to join in the search for common grounds in the Middle East. An almost sellout crowd packed the 380 seat auditorium to watch a documentary about the future of Jerusalem as seen by moderate Palestinians and Israelis .
The screening of this film in Ottawa was most befitting since, as the producer John Marks explained,
On January 25, the weather was more typical of Canadian winters resulting in an overflow crowd. The topic was equally critical to the resolution of the conflict; the Right of Return of Palestinians. The documentary was followed by a panel of two Jewish and two Palestinian/Arab Canadians who, with their diverse opinions on the topic, demonstrated the principle behind Potlucks for Peace: that out of the willingness to engage in respectful dialogue, peaceful solutions will arise. The panel was moderated by Mr. Ed Broadbent who demonstrated once again why he is held in such high regard by Canadians of all political affiliations.
This event also received broad coverage from the media including CBC Radio and Radio Canada, The Citizen, CJOH TV, the A-Channel, community newspapers, Jewish, Muslim and Arab Radio programs, print media and email distribution lists, and much more. The event was supported by numerous businesses that donated services and products including; The Business Inn, Nate's Restaurant, Newport Restaurant and Birddog Design. The feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, applauding the initiative and asking for more opportunities to bring people together to communicate with each other on the basis of respect for each other's humanity.
Martin Luther King said " Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter". We at P4P spoke up in support of our friends; Palestinians and Israelis seeking a just and peaceful solution. Let us hope more people will continue to speak out and ensure that the voice of peace will be heard.
Shalom. Salam
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