I received a message from Stephanie:

Hmm..

Why not? 85 messages in iPeace and same amount of emails can wait.


First, I am tired, very tired. I have been working 16 hours days since the beginning of the Gaza war trying to keep the iPeace space, free as it is, under some sort of control.
I feel and understand the pain, anger, shock and horror that bring many of us to express themselves. Yet at the same time we need to set guidelines to keep iPeace a place of peace.

I am very sad and frustrated because of this futile war. I say futile because it will not bring peace. It will bring more hate, lifelong pain and despair. It will bring more distrust and fear. And if we let it, it will kill hope.

I am also angry because I see iPeace being exploited by hate mongers, racists and propaganda peddlers. I spend hours on end reading blogs, discussions and mass messaging. Among words of encouragement, unity and warmth, I also find a lot of manipulation, half truths, hate and outright lies. The war on public awareness is been battled in iPeace. The victims of this war are all of us, especially those who don't know the elusive facts of this 100 year old conflict.

This war is futile too, because hating Israel or the Hamas more will not bring peace or justice, nor will it bring back the dead. There is only one way, the peace way, iPeace way. I have no doubt that our way will prevail.

I feel hope when I read the correspondence between Majed, who is trapped in bombarded Gaza to Myron, an Israeli who lives in a settlement in the west bank. I know that they are also talking on the phone. Any member who takes part of this thread can feel the power of the friendship being formed. It's a friendship stronger than any dividing wall. This makes me feel accomplished. We made it possible.

My heart sings when I read your poetry, look at your visual art, listen to your music, see you forming new friendships and celebrating diversity. We are almost 15,000 today, we come from over 180 countries, we own the culture of the world and we believe in our power to effect change.


What comments you write on my page fills me with energy every day. Here's a little sample:

Bruce
David -- I've been thinking about you -- often. I was just now noting that iPeace is up past 14,000 members now. You have touched a nerve, and are convening a lot of hope. We all owe you a lot of thanks -- I hope you can feel that, because I know that thousands of people appreciate what you have done, and the way you have done it.

Caithleen
David, Thankyou for your tireless efforts. Inspirational. At times the path seems tough and fruitless, but not hard compared to those brothers and sisters suffering. We must continue to work hard for Peace...we must be supportive and united in our efforts. So much good will and intentions...how can we truly harness this energy to make a difference....now? It is urgent.

Ruach
David, the warmest of heart wishes to you pre - iPeace day.

So many people have told me how deeply iPeace has changed their lives, how much respect they feel present here. How empowering it is. How unique it is. Read the comment on my page from Douglas. These are difficult times. Like the roots of a tree... stay firm in your vision.



With all the pain we feel today and will probably feel in the coming days, we must keep iPeace peaceful and resent anyone who tries to spoil it.

This is your iPeace. This is what you wrote about it:

Paul
iPeace is a new borderless movement of peaceful and nonviolent people united by and advocating the common humanity of all mankind.

Sheila
iPeace is an open channel for communication. iPeace is the opposite of isolation, fear and ignorance.
iPeace is inspiration. Coming from a region, where mistrust prevails, there are often moments of no hope, no faith, no optimism. iPeace is like a torch I want to make burn as brightly as possible - a torch that reflects love, respect, hope, acceptance, giving ... and peace on earth. The more we work together the brighter the light will be to hand over to future generations.

Tony
It reaches to the depth of my soul , in poetry, i can convey my inner spirit , my tears , iPeace set me free , gave me love and friends united in one , a bond of love and mutual understanding.


Bruce
iPeace is a vibrantly alive creative hub of caring passionate people from everywhere, with computer skills, education, and vision. The world urgently needs creative approaches to its ancient problems, and the international energy of this place is exciting, potent, and capable.

Rúach
iPeace what does it mean to me: to me it means there is love, giving, receiving, peace, happiness in the world. We should to thrive for all iPeace stands for if we are go on living in harmony. I love you all.

I find myself dropping into iPeace for a bit of tranquility. I love the connection and communication between friends and the respect that is woven into the very fabric that holds iPeace together.

Stephanie
iPeace means that all of a sudden, it is actually possible that one can feel connected as human beings, different races, religions, all drawn towards one peaceful word: PEACE. The opportunity to speak our voice, united, peacefully, towards one goal, that in getting along, in a world that was, most likely, meant to be lived in just this way.

Anna
iPeace is my harbor in good and bad times

Robby
iPeace is the new building blocks for a better place
'BUILD and they will COME' ...

Paula
iPeace is a meeting place for people of goodwill.

Chenae
iPeace to me is Sanctuary. There are many threads in this Tapestry of Vision. The Vision is one of Interconnection and Peace. Sanctuary is sacred space; we are building that place of refugee and renewal in this strange new medium.

Jenn
iPeace for me started from one self to the other with tolerances and affections.
Being compassionate and total understandings in each cause so as the effects.
iPeace is a new modern and intelligent way to connect the world without boundaries to share and observe opinions towards whats happening to the world today. It is an active electronic blood stem working towards a common vision for world PEACE for all living beings.

Dirk
iPeace stands for me as my and everybody's loving "I.nmost P.ersonal E.ndeavor for A.uthenticity, C.ontenance and E.mpathy" in the world....
Pure intellectual knowledge without the global wisdom of our HEARTS and our SOULS is a "dead end".

Elyah
iPeace is a refuge from the storm,
from the madness in this world,
It's a place to call home.
a place for hearts to reach each other,
reconnect,inspire,share love
and work together.
One dream,one heart,one world!!!

Dann
iPeace, for me, is an avenue in which we all can stroll down and speak to our fellow man the message we all so desperately need to hear. It is the valley that streams our beacons of Light from we who are 'LightHouse's'. Spreading overstanding of what must be and be heard. "YOU" are the 'i' in iPeace.

Nadim
Unlike those social networks which expose the baser side of human nature, iPeace is a shining light for human nobility. iPeace reflects the universal desire for peace and brotherhood.

Robby
iPeace brought a rush of fears
until I saw they were mine
I dug and soared the iPeace fields
And found this place Divine

There's not a word or vision of
that doesn't show concern
for all the corners of the earth
The journeys we have learned

I know I'm safe I feel it so
no harshness this I know
This peace I embrace in cyber space
A place I can call home..


David
The Secret of Peace

Only when this inner still
descends upon my soul
can I hear the world weep
for all its children’s pain.

Paula
Peace is a quiet place in our minds where there is no war or greed or poverty or cruelty...the important thing is to make that quiet place reality, and not only a utopian idea. I believe it will be possible one day.


Now, is it not our responsibility to keep iPeace peaceful?

Join iPeace, Invite others

http://ipeace.me