Dear Friends,
We are Brian and Lisa Berman, Peace-Builders. We are excited to share a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. If you are inspired by our peace-building work, promoting peace and unity, both locally and internationally, you can support us (see below).
This September, we have been invited by Unity Earth to join a week-long global peace gathering in Japan, beginning in Tokyo, then to Mt. Fuji, and culminating in Hiroshima on the 40th anniversary o International Peace Day, September 21, 2024. We titled our mission "From Auschwitz to Hiroshima – A Peace Pilgrimage." Why this title? Please find out beneath.
Our Journey of Peace Building
Globally and locally, we continuously host online and in-person Comm-Unity Listening Circles to help cultivate and sustain inner peace. In a trusting circle, participants experience the heart-opening and healing power of compassionate listening. When we are heard with compassion, emptying what weighs on our hearts and minds, we experience a huge relief that can transform into healing, peace, and love.
Our Volunteer Work and Return to the US from Poland
In 2020, we were invited to volunteer with the One Humanity Institute in Oswiecim/Auschwitz, Poland. Over 1 1/2 years, we devoted ourselves to supporting OHI’s House of Hope, which provided guest shelter for mothers and their children and contributed to international peace programs in the Peace Lab.
Being confronted by the horrors of Auschwitz, deeply rooted in both personal and collective trauma, we were able to foster hope, compassion, and transformation. This profound experience enhanced our peace-building leadership, inspiring both youth and adults to embrace the principles of peace-building and reconciliation.
In June 2023, an inspirational peace program brought together representatives from 10 different nations, including two granddaughters of the May Peace Prevail on Earth International organization. Our joint journey to Auschwitz and Birkenau and our commitment to healing collective wounds, inspire us to join the Peace Pilgrimage to Japan.
Next Chapter: The Peace Pilgrimage to Japan
As we are now embarking our next chapter in peace-building, we feel honored to participate in the global peace gathering in Japan, convened by Unity Earth. This once-in-a-lifetime sacred event will bring a delegation together of luminaries from diverse cultures and fields, all dedicated to co-creating a culture of peace, compassion, and unity. The convergence begins in Tokyo, continues to Mt. Fuji, and culminates with a televised global peace event "Unite4Peace" in Hiroshima on the International Day of Peace.
The theme for the 2024 United Nations Peace Day, "Cultivating a Culture of Peace," is a cause rooted in our hearts. This pilgrimage represents a continuation of our lifelong mission to awaken peace within ourselves and extend it to our families, communities, and all people as a Global Family.
How We Met
Our shared passion for peace-building began in 2002 when we met while participating in a Jewish-German Reconciliation Project in Germany. This profound experience inspired us to dedicate our lives to fostering peace and healing cultural wounds through reconciliation. We married in 2003 and have facilitated numerous peace and reconciliation programs in Germany and the United States.
Recognizing the power of deep, transformative, listening skills, we were trained and certified as Compassionate Listening facilitators in 2003, by the Compassionate Listening Project. Our compassionate listening offerings include skill training and small group circles that help individuals process their suffering, transforming it into self-healing, inner peace, and compassion for others.
In 2014, we co-founded Ojai International City of Peace and in 2015 the Ojai City Council issued a City of Peace proclamation. Brian mentored additional cities to become International Cities of Peace. The International Cities of Peace initiative aims to create a network of 1000 cities committed to promoting a culture of peace, both locally and globally.
In 2018, we formed Awakening Peace Inc in Ojai, California. Our organization supported various peace programs, with a special emphasis on celebrating International Peace Day each year on September 21st, with community peace festivals. We honor global peace leaders yearly with our Awakening Peace Award presented on International Peace Day. In 2023 we awarded Dr. Nina Meyerhof, founder of Children of the Earth, and the One Humanity Institute. This year we will award our 7th recipient when we are in Japan. Here are some testimonials of our peace-building work.
If you are inspired by our peace-building
Please support our “Peace Pilgrimage – From Auschwitz to Hiroshima”. Every donation, big or small, will help us cover travel and accommodation costs. Your generosity will enable us to continue our work promoting peace and unity, both locally and internationally.
Thank you for supporting our volunteering work as Peace Builders. With love and deep appreciation,
Brian & Lisa Berman
Together let's cultivate a culture of peace and compassion on Earth.