Roots of Peace Begins Historic Landmine Removal in Bethlehem
Israelis and Palestinians join mine action to reclaim the Holy Land.
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Roots of Peace Begins Historic Landmine Removal in Bethlehem
Israelis and Palestinians join mine action to reclaim the Holy Land.
April 8, 2013—Bethlehem—Historic demining begins this month in the Fields of Bethlehem, Husan Village, located 4 miles from the Nativity Manger Square where the Blessed Mother Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. Founder/CEO/Mother, Heidi Kuhn ROOTS OF PEACE, states, “No child should be born anywhere in the world with the risk of losing life or limb to a landmine. This is generational wisdom.”
During the past 3 years, Kuhn has worked with interfaith organizations and political leaders in Israel and Palestine to assure that deminers representing both countries will be included in the historic ROOTS OF PEACE landmine removal program. Kuhn helped to champion unanimous legislation at The Knesset to allow her "peace action" to begin in the first days of spring 2013. In the past three years, Heidi Kuhn has met with both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbas gaining their further support for her landmine initiatives.
Following the successful removal of landmines, the planting of grapevines and olive trees will occur. This Mines To Vines® humanitarian effort, from the heart of a mother, will inspire others to plant the roots of peace so that they may protect the footsteps of innocent children. Interfaith support includes the Muslim religion, as the Sheikh of Bethlehem states, “We are pleased to put our hand in yours to demine The Holy Land and start from Husan Village in The Fields of Bethlehem where Jesus was born and his feet stepped once upon a time so as our children will step in the same place with peace and love.”
In a personal letter of support from Dr. Andy David, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, he states, “the work of Roots of Peace is in alignment with the Hebrew phrase ‘Tikkum Olam’ which translates into ‘Repairing the World,’ humanity’s responsibility to make good amongst our nation and others, and bring justice to all mankind.”
There are an estimated 1.5 million landmines and UXO in The Holy Land. Following the completion of her work in Bethlehem, Kuhn aims to broaden the Roots of Peace demining efforts in Qasr al Yahud, the Baptismal Site of Jesus—respected by Muslims, Christians and Jewish alike.
In a personal letter of support from Dr. Andy David, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, he states, “The work of Roots of Peace is in alignment with the Hebrew phrase ‘Tikkum Olam’ which translates into ‘Repairing the World,’ humanity’s responsibility to make good amongst our nation and others, and bring justice to all mankind.”
Mission Statement
Roots of Peace an international humanitarian, non-political organization works to unearth dangerous landmines in war-torn countries and empowers the local communities scarred by these inhumane weapons. For more information visit rootsofpeace.org.