YMCA Korea and APAY participated in the 1st Korea Peace Day, organized by Border Peace School in Cheorwon, near the DMZ

Last Updated (Tuesday, 02 July 2024 15:44)

YMCA Korea and APAY participated in the 1st Korea Peace Day, organized by Border Peace School in Cheorwon, near the DMZ

On June 6th 2024, the 1st Korea Peace Day was held in Cheorwon near the Demilitarized Zone (or DMZ), where more than 800 participants from various ecumenical organizations and civil society organizations were present, yearning for reconciliation and peaceful co-existence between the two Koreas. Among them were the delegates from YMCA Korea, Korean YWCA, NCC-Korea along with many pastors of the Presbyterian Churches of the Republic of Korea (PCRK). APAY has also joined the event in support of the peace initiatives made by the Border Peace School (Principal Dr. Jung Ji-Seok).

During the event, Mr. Nidal Abu Zuluf, a peace activist from Palestine and coordinator of the Olive Tree Campaign, conducted a special session. Several local YMCAs, including Goyang YMCA led by GS Lee Yun-Hee from Korea, have been participating in this campaign. Mr. Zuluf expressed solidarity and support for the collective efforts of like-minded ecumenical communities in Korea on peace and reconciliation in the Korean peninsula. He also shared the current challenging situations faced by the Palestinian Christians and the general population due to the ongoing war in Gaza and other areas.

Towards the end of the peace event, all participants unanimously adopted a “People’s Declaration for Great Peace” and were resolved to commit themselves towards peacebuilding, reconciliation and re-unification in the long run of the Korean Peninsula.

Dr. Jung Ji-Seok, Principal of Border Peace School, is leading a solidarity performance with participants and Nidal Abu Zuluf.	Nidal Abu Zuluf is making his solidarity remarks at the opening ceremony.
Four representatives among participants are reading the People_s Declaration on Great Peace.	Participants performing a solidarity action with Nidal Abu Zuluf on peacebuilding in the Korean Peninsula.

By Yura Rhee

Secretary for Youth Empowerment and Admin

“People’s Declaration for Great Peace”