An event that shows that coexistence is possible
On September 23, 2012, the city of São Paulo will host, for the 4th consecutive year, the main event created by the Brazilian Chapter of the Abraham’s Path Initiative: the Caminho da Paz (the Path of Peace), a run/walk over 7 km on the streets of Sao Paulo, that will highlight the importance of harmonious coexistence between cultures and faiths in the world today.
There is an old saying that some conflicts are so difficult that only a story can heal them. The story of Abraham, is a 4,000 year old story shared by more than 3 billion people – Jews, Christians, and Muslims around the world today – has that power. In a place often seen as one of the most divided regions in the world, there is a path pointing to a greater unity – Abraham’s Path, a cultural walking route following the footsteps and memory of Abraham across the Middle East.
Abraham’s Path transforms the ancient story of Abraham’s journey into a contemporary catalyst for community – based and sustainable eco-toursim; a platform for cross-cultural Exchange and mutual understanding; and a beacon of global citizenship.
Such is the importance of Abraham’s Path, that the UNAOC has given formal support to this Initiative, which thus becomes one of the five integration projects the Alliance supports. Also, the walk is already considered a strategic event in the calendar of São Paulo.
The route of the race and walk on September 23rd will cross the heart of São Paulo in the spirit of Abraham, on a journey that begins at Clube Monte Líbano (representing the Arab people), passes through (the multicultural) Clube Pinheiros and ends in the vicinity of A Hebraica (representing the Jewish people). Throughout the course there will be over 20 displays hung over the streets depicting places along Abraham’s Path. In addition, the values that emanate from Abraham will also adorn the journey, celebrating the Brazilian culture of peace and brotherhood.
It will be a clear demonstration that peaceful coexistence among all peoples, races and creeds is possible. And that the Brazilian culture of peaceful coexistence is an example that we should be proud of.
As Alexandre Chade, president of the Brazilian Chapter of the Abraham’s Path Initiative says, “It is a great walk for peace. We just want to show the Brazilian example of integration. It is possible, it is good, and creates good. ”
It is this peace that lies in the city of São Paulo that serves as a reference for the ambitious proposal of the Abraham’s Path Initiative. In response to the growing divide in the Middle East, William Ury, international mediator, negotiation expert and author, ventured to create a unique project which would engage people in the unifying potential of three more powerful ingredients: Story, Walking, and Hospitality. In 2004, William and a circle of co-founders formed Abraham’s Path Initiative, a project rooted at Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation.
Of all the projects created by Professor Ury, the most unique is Abraham’s Path, which already has representation in the United States, Spain, England and Brazil, with the Brazilian chapter considered the most active.
More information and registration for the event can be found at: www.corpore.com.br. Caminho Da Paz is an initiative of Abraham’s Path: www.abrahamspath.org