World Peace Day 2024

Be in Peace Program Director Fatima A. delivered this speech to the Arsal Community of Be in Peace Graduates and their families on behalf of Be In Peace leadership team: 

"I want to welcome everyone here today, the graduates of the Be in Peace programs, and all our guests. We are here to celebrate World Peace Day, or the International Day of Peace, which was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly and is designated as the Day of non-violence and cease-fire, “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”

Our Mission

"The mission of our organization, Be in Peace, is to provide those who have experienced war with tools to bring themselves back into a state of inner peace, and to provide peacebuilding skills within and across communities. Our mission is very much in alignment with this World Peace Day celebration. Those of you who have been through our program understand what it means to “be in peace.”

Tribute to Majd Kamalmaz

"As most of you know, Be in Peace was founded to honor and continue the work of my friend and mentor, Majd Kamalmaz. Our organization was named for his catch phrase and moniker, Be in Peace. I am sure there are many here today who remember him and his compassionate heart of self-less service to others. He is sorely missed but we feel he would be very happy to see his peace work continuing through the healed hearts of all of you here in Arsal."

The Power of Community Heart Coherence

"Scientific research has shown that when large groups of people come together with an intention for peace in their hearts, they can create change in the world. In 1984, an experiment was conducted in Beirut, when a large group of meditators sent intentions for peace to Lebanon. The study showed that there was a 76% reduction in war deaths in Lebanon on the day of the experiment."

The Arsal Lebanon Peace Experiment

"I would like to propose that today, we conduct our own experiment and come together using the HeartMath “Heartlight” technique we have learned, to radiate our heart intentions for peace into the world. Those here today are some of the most important people on this planet who can bring peace into the world. Most of you have already experienced the suffering of war and a very great many of you have healed or are in the process of healing your hearts through inner peace. There is a saying that those who have suffered and have healed can help others heal. Let’s set that intention for bringing this peace to others in our experiment today."

Join us now as we start by focusing our attention on our heart. You can place your hand over your heart or close your eyes if you like.

Imagine your breath moving in and out of your heart.

Let's try to breathe a little bit slower and deeper than usual.

Let the rhythm of your breath be easy and comfortable for you.

Next, let's shift our feelings by imagining our body feels nice from sitting in warm sunshine.

Let’s breathe into our hearts that feeling of warm sunshine.

Now, each time you breathe out, shine your sunshine or radiate feelings of peace out into the world.

Follow along with this peace prayer for all those who seek peace, joining with them as we say from our heart

Be In Peace Metta Meditation

May we be in peace

May our hearts remain open

May we live with hearts and minds that are always in balance

May we accept with understanding and wisdom the events in our lives and world

May we forgive others, and ourselves, for the inevitable harms we cause each other

May we awaken to the light of our own true nature

May we be healed and whole

May we be instruments of healing and wholeness for all being

When you feel ready, you can bring your attention back to the room.

I again want to thank everyone for being here today and contributing your hearts to bringing peace to yourselves, your families, your communities, and to the entire world. Be in Peace, my friends!