Group Seeks Peace In Time Of War
Nazareth, Israel (November 24, 2000) – Even amidst the turmoil in Israel, construction has started on the grounds of what will be the largest monument to peace on earth. The STAR OF PEACE, an international peace project located in Nazareth, Israel is designed to commemorate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. To celebrate this occasion a universal monument to peace is being created. People from around the world will have the opportunity to have their name and message engraved in the memorial for the next millennium.
“The birth of Christ is a historic event worldwide,” said Charles Sutherland, Chairman, Star of Peace. “Through this memorial we hope to promote universal peace on earth during this significant time period and beyond.”
The Star of Peace rests on the historic land where Jesus and his disciples lived and worked. It also rests on a portion of the Gospel Trail. “The Star of Peace gives people the opportunity to have a permanent presence on the most historic land in the world, while showing their support for peace during this time of unrest,” said Sutherland.
Although the surrounding area has been the site of recent conflict, there is optimism from Star of Peace supporters. “With the help of people everywhere who engrave their name, we will transform these stones that have seen so much war into a monument of peace,” said retired Israeli General Hagai Regev, Star of Peace Project Director.
Says monument architect Ibrahim B. Dweiry, “We are creating an eternal monument so that participants from around the world can become architects of peace.”
Construction of the center of The Star of Peace is planned for completion on December 25, 2000, when the Millennium Flame will be lit at a celebration in the Holy Land. The Star is anticipated to be a large tourist attraction during the Millennium and beyond as people with engraved names and their relatives visit the site. The Hotel Association of Jerusalem and the Israeli Ministry of Tourism support the Star of Peace project.
About The Star of Peace (www.starofpeace.org)
The Star of Peace is an international peace project located in Nazareth, Israel designed to commemorate the two-thousandth anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate this occasion by creating a universal monument to peace and to generate donations for leading children’s charities around the world.
The 32-acre Star of Peace Garden, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, will surround a 7-pointed Star of Peace, with a center comprised of a fountain and water channels from which waters will flow to symbolize the spread of the Gospels to the seven continents. The seven points of the star will extend into natural boulder formations with pathways meandering through indigenous gardens and reflecting pools. Participants’ names will be permanently engraved to the boulder formations, walls or pathways to be part of the Holy Land forever.
Area where the Star of Peace will be located.