The Pave the Way Foundation (PTWF), a non-sectarian New-York-based foundation dedicated to enhancing relations between religions, announced that the Islamic Center of Long Island, Westbury NY has provided a financial gift which was used to provide baby formula, diapers and toys to needy Jewish and Christian mothers in Jerusalem. The Christian mothers in need were identified with the assistance of Fr. Peter Vasko OFM, President of the Franciscan foundation for the Holy Land.
Path the Way Foundation initiated this charitable program to address a vital need and provide a way that individuals, churches, synagogues and mosques could contribute to improving relationships between religious groups. Social services in Israel are lacking in certain areas and sometimes leave the poorest mothers without the basic needs of infants. Funds collected from mosques are donated to help Christian and Jewish mothers. Likewise, funds collected from churches are used to help Muslim and Jewish mothers and funds collected from synagogues help Christian and Muslim mothers.
Such gestures of good will are the cornerstone of Pave the Way Foundation’s mission. PTWF’s founder, Gary L. Krupp, stated, “A gesture is worth a million words and promises. We commend and thank the Islamic Center of Long Island for their contribution. We hope this wonderful gesture of friendship is duplicated by other religious groups.”
The gift baskets were distributed on May 22nd and May 24th by PTWF founders, Gary and Meredith Krupp, along with renowned artist, Sam Philipe, and Under Secretary for the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, Fr. Angelo Ison OFM. Both are Special Advisors to PTWF in Jerusalem.
While the international news media focuses on horrendous acts of terrorism rooted in religious extremism, PTWF works to give a voice to the silent majority of peace-loving religious people. Religion must not be used as a tool for violence but rather as a tool of reconciliation and peace.
Pave the Way Foundation is founded on the idea that concrete gestures of good will between the faiths can do much more then just simple dialog. PTWF held the largest Jewish Papal Audience in history to simply thank Pope John Paul II for all he had done in religious reconciliation. PTWF initiated the first ever loan of a rare manuscript of Maimonides from the Vatican Library to the State of Israel. These and other projects enhance the common message that the world must come together to oppose religious extremism in every religion and to recognize this abuse as the greatest danger to humanity.
About Pave the Way Foundation
PTWF is dedicated to achieving peace by bridging "the intellectual gap" in tolerance and understanding, by enhancing relations between religions through cultural, technological and intellectual gestures. The Foundation has a simple yet monumental vision: To enable all the world's religions to mutually realize that extremism, politics and personal agendas must not be allowed to poison the true benevolent message common to all faiths. Bigotry and hatred must be abolished by the faithful embracing their similarities and savoring their differences.
Contact Linda Simpson
212 629 0046
office@ptwf.org
www.ptwf.org
