Dear Supporters of Peace in the Holy Land,
The Children of Abraham People's Peace awards honoring an Israeli and a
Palestinian peace pioneers were held in Las Vegas on March 19, 08, and by
all accounts, was a major success.
The Award ceremony which included leaders of the Christian, Jewish and
Moslem communities in Las Vegas was chaired by US Congresswoman Shelley
Berkley (D-NV) who presented the People's Peace Awards to Dr. Gershon
Baskin, an Israeli from Jerusalem and Mr. Hanna Siniora - A Palestinian,
from Jerusalem.
US Senate Majority Leader, Sen.Harry Reid (D-NV) sent a representative who
read a letter from Senator Reid praising the efforts for peace in the Middle
East and commending Dr. S.E.Elia - Founder and President of the Children of
Abraham Coalition for organizing the People's Peace Awards and
congratulating the winners. ( Copy of Sen. H. Reid's Letter attached)
Both award winners who are Co-CEO's of IPCRI ( Israeli Palestinian Center
for Research & Information) have devoted the last 2 decades of their lives
to peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. This is despite
living in Jerusalem, which has witnessed untold violence in the past half a
century. Their belief is that peace is not an option, it is the only
solution. This was echoed by Dr. Elia in his opening remarks by stressing
that there are no winners in war and that there are no losers in peace.
The success of the peace Awards was due in large measure to the
participation & support by all the major religious and ethnic communities in
Las Vegas which included the Arab American Community, The Jewish American
Community, The Asian American Community and the Latino Community. Speakers
at the Peace Awards event included Ms. Karen Boyett - Executive Director of
the Interfaith Council in Southern Nevada, Dr. Aslam Abdullah, Executive
Director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, Rabbi Y. Mintz of the Valley
Outreach Synagogue, Dr.Martha Poling-Goldenne, Pastor of the New Song
Lutheran Church, Anthem, and Rabbi S. Akselrad of the Ner Tamid Congregation
in Henderson, NV. In addition to the religious leaders, a presentation was
made by Mr. Matt Taha on behalf of the Palestinian community.
The words of the religious leaders who spoke of their hope and prayers for
peace in the Holy Land was most moving. The remarks presented by US
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV), who chaired this unique event,
expressed eloquently her strong commitment & support for peace in the Holy
Land. As an expression of appreciation of the efforts by Dr. S. E. Elia,
the Founder & President of the Children of Abraham Coalition, for a peaceful
resolution in the Holy Land, US Congresswoman Shelley Berkley(D-NV)
presented Dr. Elia with a certificate of US Congressional Recognition.
(Attached)
Due to the success of the first ever peace awards, at the people's level,
between Israelis and Palestinians, the Children of Abraham coalition hopes
to expand these peace awards to include community peace activists &
political leaders next year.
For the Children of Abraham Coalition
K. Castanon
Communications Director
