Peace Walk in Jerusalem

I joined my first silent peace walk this weekend. It was a very powerful experience; 200 people, Muslims, Christians and Jews, Israelis and Palestinians all committed to non-violence, tolerance and listening. We walked silently through the streets of Jerusalem, then along the walls of the old city, ending at the Mount of Olives where Jack Kornfield (the famous Buddhist teacher) spoke to us. Below is some information from the middleway.org website about the 'Walk':

What is the Walk?

The Walk is a special and new peace initiative. It is a non-political, heartful effort to create movement for change in hearts and minds.
It is a non-violent action that empowers those that take part, as well as demonstrating to others that peace between Jews and Arabs is possible.

The character of The Walks includes the following:

1. The Walking itself is in silence and in a long line.

2. We wear as a symbol a white sash.

3. Leaflets are usually given out, but we walk with no posters or signs.

4. All are welcome, Jew or Arab, right wing or left.

5. No political or other group can make representations. Members of such groups are however welcome as individuals as all other Walkers.

6. We are careful and considerate to all communities we encounter, and we do not intend to provoke argument or conflict.

7. During the stops and camps of a Walk, programs are set up to practice dialogue, healing and co-existence.

8. The Walk can go anywhere, provided there are no undue risks and the form is kept.

9. The Walk is not a forum for political speeches, even of important visitors. Effort is made to encourage visitors to talk about reconciliation, suffering and healing of suffering.