May 13, 2021
	UPF Statement: The Crisis in the Holy Land: A Call for Dialogue, Prayer and an End to the Violence
	As we observe the recent eruption of conflict and violence in the Holy Land, our hearts are deeply saddened. The Universal Peace Federation, through its Middle East Peace Initiative, inaugurated in 2003, has worked continuously to promote dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders in the Holy Land, especially among religious leaders of the Abrahamic faiths. Violence and the loss of life will yield no lasting solution. We therefore appeal to people throughout the world to join together and call for an end to the bloodshed. Moreover, we strongly advocate for the immediate convening of principals from all sectors to engage in dialogue aimed at a ceasefire and, ultimately, reconciliation. We address this call to multilateral institutions and governments, as well as to representatives of civil society, the private sector, and faith-based organizations. UPF, through its various Associations such as the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), will offer its services in support of such efforts. Every life is precious. Violence will not heal the human heart. Let us find another way. Finally, we encourage people of faith to come together in prayer, within their families and within their own communities. We also encourage interreligious prayer and dialogue for peace and reconciliation. We trust that by coming together in sincere dialogue and a search for solutions, we can take immediate and necessary steps toward a better tomorrow.