- Peace Riders on Steeds: 2025 Journey to Jerusalem
The Peace Bell Equine Expedition seems geared up for its eight-month excursion to Jerusalem the following year. The Peace Bell collective will embark from Berlin towards the Holy City, carrying a bell crafted from surplus military materials. Following a successful trial run - a journey from Dresden to Prague, then to Chemnitz - organizers stated that "what started as a symbolic peace campaign transformed into an uplifting experience of camaraderie, reconciliation, and mutual assistance, significantly impacting not only the participants but also numerous individuals along the route." The trek covered a distance of 480 kilometers and scaled an altitude of 17,000 meters, necessitating the consumption of 23,000 liters of water for the horses, roughly one cubic meter daily. The pilgrimage provided invaluable insights for the upcoming stages to Jerusalem.
"We aim to leave a potent message that peace will one day prevail," declared association chairperson Helmut Kautz at the beginning of the current excursion in Dresden in early August. In times of unrest and perplexity, it's crucial to adhere to the commitment of peace. "We aim to encounter people and celebrate reconciliation with them." Post-World War II, it was unimaginable for the world to reconcile with the Germans as they do today. "Hence, we are convinced that peace and reconciliation are attainable. We intend to gift the bell to a Jerusalem school where Hebrew and Arabic are taught."
The Peace Bell collective regards itself as a non-political and faith-neutral initiative that "assembles individuals from diverse backgrounds to carry the message of peace globally with straightforward language." Established in 2019, the association has overseen equestrian journeys and has already passed a peace bell from the Arnhem Bridge to Waterloo - notable landmarks in European war history.
"Before setting off towards Jerusalem, the Peace Bell collective had a successful trial run from Dresden to Prague and then to Chemnitz."
"After experiencing the transformative impact of their journey, the Peace Bell collective plans to gift the bell to a school in Jerusalem, where students learn both Hebrew and Arabic."
