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A forum for peace

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Sending a strong political signal

Press release

Kofi Annan appointed Chair of The Elders

The Elders in Gaza

Middle East peace

After decades of peace process, there is still no peace.

Find out more about The Elders' work to support civil society working for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East

Press release

The Elders call on Europe to play a stronger role in the Middle East

To the Elders thank you. It has been long since we have awaited you. Soon your presence will insight a movement towards an official moral governing body to defend our right to peaceful coexistence.
Ian Paul McKenzie
UISA
In the midst of so much confusion and pain, we must learn to love each other and only then will our pain cease to be of any importance. We've so much work to do; the time is now! Thank you Elders!
Garth
Fl., USA
PEACE in the world starts in my heart. I promise to have happier thoughts and to love myself more each day. Thus, I change the outside by changing inside.
luis
mexico
True Peace evolves from within. . Change is inevitable. Let go of that which does not serve in the name of Peace. Children are our future and they prefer Love, Peace and Joy.
Susan
Canada
May the divine powers of mercy,forgiveness,love and compassion bring peace to the Middle East
Aaron Quinn
England
Thank you so much for the work you are doing. I almost didn't send a message but if ordinary people show their support rather than just think it your work might be strengthened.
Gill Hardie
United Kingdom
We are all members of one large diverse family called Humanity, and by putting your brother's needs before your own you will assure justice and peace in the middle east.
Angela Gelston
UK
The entire country' ,from the sea to the river,should be open to both Israelis and Palestinians, enjoying equal rights and rejecting any discrimination. This political entity should be a Condominium,
Ervin Y. Kedar (prof. Ph.D.)
Israel/Palestine
The land has been bequeathed to all of Abraham's children - both from Isaac and Ishmael. It is my prayer that the family reunite as did the brothers when they buried their father.
Julianne Michaels
Cross Village, Michigan USA
Peace is the absence of conflicts, chaos, violence, and destruction. Peace is the presence of caring, love, kindness, mindfulness, goodwill, harmony, collaboration, unity, and compassion.
Vu Nguyen
USA
Reaching across human-made borders to our brothers & sisters in Peace. We are One.
Peace Monger
UK
Peace a path, violence, a direction, peace is illusional, it's preferred over violence, which is delusional; peacing pays only much less than warring- no profit, pleasure in destruction or murder :)
reality james m nordlund
fargo, united suck of assassins
Until we learn to love and forgive our selves, respect each others opinion, then there will be change for peace. The words of the elders are like the words of the gods and should be put into practice.
Justin Kingland
Malaysia
I did not know Elders exist. Now I feel there is hope for so many people like Hanar Shaat who think one better world is possible. Thks Elders. All together WE CAN.
MARTA FONT
Barcelona
Dear Elders.... I am writing from Jerusalem, en route to Gaza. Our project Gaza 24/24 speaks directly to your concerns. It is my hope to collaborate. Sincerely, Maurice Jacobsen
Maurice Jacobsen
Jerusalem/Gaza
Welcome! messengers of peace. Your love & concern are empowering our hope and vision for a peaceful future in our region. We all know that it is possible and its the only way! Yours, Miriam Ohevetel
Miriam Ohevetel Iron
Jerusalem
Thank you for working so hard for real peace in our global village. I hope for a time when more of us recognise our common humanity rather than the things that divide us. Love and light to all.
Chris
Adelaide Australia
I remember as a teenager (living in Derry, N.Ireland at the height of the troubles) an adult saying "I doubt I'll see peace here in my lifetime". They did! Have faith in the desire for peace.
Sinead
Ireland
I met with a number of Israeli and Palestinian peace groups back in 2005 and since then I have shared their work with thousands of Americans who are largely unaware of peace organizations there.
Joe Parko
Tennessee, USA
Praying, working, donating and always always hoping for peace in a region I love and respect. Please don't give up. I'm pulling for you all.
Laura Diviney
North Carolina, USA
Tolerance and respect are human virtues and peace is a human right. Thanks to the Elders and to my elders for their support and their values. Let us pass it to the younger generations.
Susana Castro
Lisboa, Portugal
Let us hope that you can inspire the people of Palestine and the people of Israel to rise up and demand peace despite all the obstacles and rhetoric that the politicians rely on to get elected
Robert Kent
California
it´s time to aim for a universal language compulsary for everyone at school to learn beside the native
sture mattsson
åland islands finland
Young children should grow in with dreams and hopes, not hate and fear. Your efforts can only create a sense of urgency for this next generation. Bring the mothers together to create a healthy dialog
Fran Ricardo
USA
Real peace comes from living harmoniously with one another. The 'reality on the ground' won't go away so isn't it time to work towards a single state solution?
Mike Lake
Derby, England
Peaceful relationships recognize we are all one. When we harm others, we harm ourselves. There is no higher truth. Thank you all for your service to humanity.
Barbara
Saint Augustine Florida
Blessings and Aloha, thank you Elders for making a journey for World Peace. My prayer is for the children and the Earth to be cared for - everywhere. When we put our hearts in charge it will happen.
Leslie Larsen
Kaua'i, Hawai'i
Thank you Hanar Shaat for the wonderful article you published here on October 18, 2010. You have the vision.
DW Duke
USA
The time for terror is long past... we now need to support each other by building trust and understanding between all nations so that our children and grandchildren may grow in harmony for a peace
Susie Briscoe
UK
Perhaps you would consider highlighting the work of the voluntary Transition Town movement, born here in Kinsale 2005, and now active in communities all over the world ?
Alan Clayton
Ireland
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We must have the courage to defend our values

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From The Elders' Facebook page
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Sheikh Jarrah: solidarity in a shared city

The Elders

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

Founder and Honorary Elder

Former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Laureate; a leader who has dedicated his life to the anti-apartheid struggle, democracy and equality; founder of The Elders.

Martti Ahtisaari

Martti Ahtisaari

Former President of Finland; Nobel Peace Laureate and expert in international peace mediation, diplomacy and post-conflict state building.

Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan

Chair of The Elders

Former UN Secretary-General, Nobel Peace Laureate and Chair of The Elders; put development, human rights, the rule of law, good governance and peace at the top of the United Nations agenda.

Ela Bhatt

Ela Bhatt

The ‘gentle revolutionary’; a pioneer in women’s empowerment and grassroots development, founder of the more than 1 million-strong Self-Employed Women’s Association in India.

Lakhdar Brahimi

Lakhdar Brahimi

Former Algerian freedom fighter, Foreign Minister, conflict mediator and UN diplomat; an expert in peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction.

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Deputy Chair of The Elders

First woman Prime Minister of Norway and Deputy Chair of The Elders; a medical doctor who champions health as a human right; put sustainable development on the international agenda.

Fernando Henrique Cardoso

Fernando H Cardoso

Former President of Brazil; implemented major land reform programme, reduced poverty and significantly improved health and education; an acclaimed sociologist and global advocate for drug policy reform.

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter

Former President of the United States, Nobel Peace Laureate and veteran peace negotiator; dedicated to advancing peace, democracy and health worldwide.

Graça Machel

Graça Machel

International advocate for women’s and children's rights; former freedom fighter and first Education Minister of Mozambique.

Mary Robinson

Mary Robinson

First woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; a passionate, forceful advocate for gender equality, women’s participation in peace-building and human dignity.

Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu

Honorary Elder

Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Nobel Peace Laureate and Honorary Elder; a veteran anti-apartheid activist and peace campaigner widely regarded as ‘South Africa’s moral conscience’.