The Elders, a group of independent and eminent global leaders originally brought together by Nelson Mandela, have announced their plans to visit Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza at the end of August. The delegation will be led by former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and will include Ela Bhatt (India), Gro Brundtland (Norway), Jimmy Carter (former US President), Mary Robinson (Ireland), and Desmond Tutu (South Africa).
The delegation will also be joined by two eco minded businessmen who have already been environmentally active – Richard Branson and Jeff Skoll.
Skoll in particular has already been active in promoting a greener Middle East. This year the Skoll Foundation awarded a $750,000 grant to EcoPeace/Friends of the Earth Middle East (FoEME) in order to expand its cross border community based activities and deepen its organizational capacity to advance water and peace issues in the Middle East.
The objective of the Elders’ visit is to meet a wide cross-section of members of Israeli and Palestinian society, including grassroots organizations, young people, members of civil society, independent experts, business leaders, and others. The Elders “want to offer their support to those who are working hard for peaceful coexistence while also listening to the concerns and aspirations of a broad range of individuals on both sides.
The other Elders who will not be coming to the Middle East later this month include Kofi Annan, Lakhdar Brahimi, Graca Machel, and Muhammad Yunus.
Read more about the endeavors of Richard Branson and Jeff Skoll::
Our Friends from “Friends of the Earth Middle East” Get $750,000 for Water Work
FoEME Helps Israel, Jordan Cut Down Flies
The Great Airways Debate: Bio-Fuels and Expansion
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
Branson is reportedly about to invest in El Al. I wonder if he’ll be killing 2 birds with one stone when in Israel and if there are any plans to make Israel’s skies greener?
Karin Kloosterman wonders why Jewish sages are not represented in The Elders, conveniently forgetting that followers of that faith are a very, very tiny minority, or a drop in an ocean, compared to other faiths. Besides, the Middle East is in crisis as a direct result of the creation of a Jewish state! So, why should a party to the dispute be represented?
Out of all the wise old Jewish sages out there, wonder why there is no representation in The Elders group.