Lichtpiramide van Jeruzalem

Jerusalem Hug

Presentation by Rob Schrama

Thursday, August 4th

AMSTERDAM

Rob Schrama will give a presentation about the last “Jerusalem Hug”, July 3, 2011 in Jerusalem, and about the progress he's making for 2012 with his 'Pyramids of Light' in Jerusalem and in other cities in the world, the most recent being Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, from where he has just returned.

Place: UPF-NL Dialoogcentrum, Argonautenstraat 1hs, 1076 KJ Amsterdam Zuid

Time: 20:00

Next Jerusalem Hug event has been hold on

Sunday, July 3rd 2011

in Jerusalem

On Sunday, July 3rd 2011, many hundreds of people embraced the Old City of Jerusalem. Israelis and Palestinians as well as peace activists from all over the world walked hand in hand around the city walls. They stood shoulder to shoulder, sharing their wish for peace and their love for Jerusalem.

The aim of the “Jerusalem Hug” is to promote a peaceful experience, a life of freedom and joy to all people. The “Jerusalem Hug” will focus on love, respect and unity between all people. With this attitude the participants will spread out around the walls of the Old City holding hands, singing and praying for peace and respect for all humankind.

The “Jerusalem Hug” is a symbol for another way to achieve peace. Everywhere the belief in a political solution of the Middle East conflict has been gone down to point zero. There ought to be found another way and that is the way of the heart. We believe that when we find peace in ourselves and when we are able to forgive, world peace will come closer. Change begins at the basis.

The “Jerusalem Hug” gives expression to this wish for change as a concrete statement. Jerusalem stands as a symbol for peace and forgiveness in the world. Let Jerusalem be a city of connection, the heart of the world where unity and peace will be a fact.

The “Jerusalem Hug” took place in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and in 2011.

The events were joined by more than 6000 participants; residents of Jerusalem,

Palestinians and Israeli, as well as peace activists from all over the world.

www.jerusalemhug.org

JOIN THE WORLDWIDE HUG

Sunday, March 20^th the Worldwide Hug will take place all over the world. We invite every person to join this initiative. Do you want to participate in the Worldwide Hug in your home town? Just invite your friends and focus on peace and unity in yourself, by singing, drumming, dancing and hugging together.

We all are part of the collective consciousness, in which everything is connected with the universal energy. We are able to heal our planet and unite everybody in peace and tolerance. So let us demonstrate our unity, showing our fellow-men that we all are One, no matter what kind of religion, race or culture we represent. We are able to love and respect each other.

The idea is as simple as it is effective: just hug! When we hug each other we open our heart and we can feel the loving energy pounding between us. When we open our heart we unite our energy.

Be part of this event!

Be a witness of this event!

All the events will be broadcast through the internet, to watch, to be watched, to hug and to be hugged.

Go to:

www.worldwidehug.org

and forward this message to all your friends.

May Peace prevail on Earth

Rob Schrama

You are welcome to join us!

www.jerusalemhug.org

Jerichon

in preparation!!

The Jerichon is a long distance run from Jericho to Jerusalem. The distance is about the same as the traditional marathon and is modeled on the latter. However, the big difference is that the run is not meant purely for marathon runners but also for those not so well trained runners who can cover the distance at their own rate.

The Jerichon is an initiative of the Dutch conceptual artist Rob Schrama. In contrast with the marathon which is usually run along a level route, the 35 kilometers of the Jerichon is a steady climb: from 400 meters under sea level in Jericho to 1200 meters above sea level

at the finish in the old city of Jerusalem.

The Jerichon takes the participants through one of the

world’s most beautiful nature reserves, Wadi Qelt, a colorful gorge and canyon, surrounded by rocks reminiscent of desert with the remains of an aqueduct from Herodes’ times. This in the holy books frequently described route runs past the famous abbey of Saint George under the grotto where Jesus meditated and fasted for forty days.

The Jerichon will surely be a challenge for long distance runners. The course is heavy; it will be a journey of suffering and hardship, for everybody who is making this exceptional trip. That is why the Jerichon is suited for all those who wish to take the suffering of his nation upon their shoulders, thus embodying in a symbolical way the idea of lightening these burdens in Jerusalem. A journey to redemption.

Representatives of all the peoples on earth who groan under their burdens caused by poverty, repression and war, can view the Jerichon as a challenge. Long distance runners from all over the world and representatives from areas of conflict are invited to partake of the Jerichon.

By participating of the Jerichon they will focus attention on the problems of their people. Participants for example from India and Pakistan, Sudan and Darfur, but above all from Palestine and Israel can run the Jerichon. They will be supported by a colorful procession of artists who perform during the journey and before departure in Jericho to lightens the load of the runner and make the journey into a special experience. Needless to say doctors and relief workers stand by along the route to give first aid and assist stranded participants. Sufficient water supplies will be available.

The Jerichon will be a journey of reconciliation and forgiveness; of the letting go of suffering and taking hold of understanding. The finish lies in the Old City of Jerusalem. It would be great if the finish could be situated on top of the Temple Mount, the most perfect location for salvation.

The Jerichon is an event which fits into a series of activities which artist Rob Schrama organizes and prepares in Jerusalem. All the events emphasize Jerusalem as a city of reconciliation and unity; a city for everyone, for Muslims, Jews and Christians, for Palestinians and Israelis. The yearly Jerusalem Hug – this year June 21st – forms an example, as well as the Pyramid of Light about which the artist is negotiating with the city council of Jerusalem.

All these events can be linked together. After walking the Jerichon the Pyramid of Light will appear after dark above the old city of Jerusalem, under which on the Rooftop Promenade the people will come together for moments of silence and prayer. The following day the Jerusalem Hug will be covered along the walls of the old city: hand in hand the participants will stress the oneness of the city to everyone, accompanied by artists and spiritual leaders from all over the world.

On 10-10-2010 Jericho started to celebrate the ten thousand years of its existence.The intention is to plan the Jerichon on an as yet to stipulate date, also because such a large international sports event need a considerable period of preparation.

The Jerichon could acquire the same legendary status as the Marathon. And that is why we want to turn the Jerichon into a yearly event, which, it may be hoped, will be still held when Jericho celebrates its 20.000th anniversary.

The Mayor of Jericho, Mr. Hassan Saleh Hussein, has shown his enthusiasm about the Jerichon, as well as Palestinian peace organization and the Palestinian sports federation.The first Jerichon will be planned for April 2012.

www.jerichon.org

(under construction)

www.worldwidehug.org