Passion for peace

Witness history in the making when two men, traditionally seen as enemies on the world stage, come together to promote peace and coexistence at a public lecture at Southern Cross University's Lismore campus at 4pm, Monday, July 31.

Captain Ali Al-Wahabi, Saddam Hussein's former personal pilot, and Rabbi Nir Gurevitch, an ultra orthodox Rabbi from Israel via New York, will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder in unity and friendship at the inaugural "Passion for Peace" event.

Passion for Peace co-ordinator Ms Lynn Santer said the men met at the beginning of this year and discovered much common ground.

"They had the most wonderful meeting and found out there were so many similarities between them. As things progressed they became very good friends," Ms Santer said.

"If these two men can find common ground, and indeed friendship, perhaps there is hope in the world. This is the message that Captain Al-Wahabi and Rabbi Gurevitch will be conveying together with Robyn Wigmore (a former spokesperson for World Vision)."

Ms Santer said despite recent events in the Middle East the team was more committed than ever to push forward and convey their message of peace.

"If just one heart is changed from hatred to love and understanding, and that person goes on to lead others on the path of peace, the event will have been a success. This will be the first of many such meetings with bookings already in place to hear this team speak every month up until Christmas."

The inaugural event for the team is being held at Southern Cross University at the invitation of Professor Bee Chen Goh, the new Head of School of Law and Justice.

Professor Goh, who has a background in International Law of Peace, said: "Peace-work is now more timely and urgent than ever before, and individuals will play an increasingly significant role in bringing about global peace."

To commemorate the event, the three participants – Rabbi Gurevitch, Captain Al-Wahabi and Robyn Wigmore – will plant a flame tree in Widjabul Park, at the Lismore campus, at 3.45pm.

The Passion for Peace lecture will start at 4pm in U2.31.

Media contact: Brigid Veale SCU communications manager, 02 66593006 or 0439 680 748 or Lynn Santer lynnsanter@compuserve.com.