First
we walk, then we talk. That is the unofficial motto of Abraham’s Path
Initiative, a walking route that follows in the footsteps of Abraham across 10
Middle Eastern countries. In a region where few people agree on anything,
how to move often-failed conversations forward is the question. One
answer is to start where everyone agrees (a common heritage) and do what
everyone honors (pilgrimage).
On
March 8, at 7 p.m., Dr. Josh Weiss, Managing Director of this non-profit
initiative, will give a presentation about the Abraham’s Path at the Mariposa
Museum in Peterborough. Dr. Weiss is Co-Founder of Harvard University’s Global
Negotiation Initiative and teaches, writes, and consults internationally on
negotiation strategies.
The
story of Abraham’s journey has been kept alive for some four thousand years in
the region’s landscape and in the memory of the people. It records the origin
of spiritual traditions shared by more than 3 billion Jews, Muslims, and
Christians around the world. Abraham’s Path’s simple but practical mission is
to encourage Jews, Christians, and Muslims to retrace the life’s path of their
common ancestor, Abraham (Ibrahim). The path links many of the most fabled
historic sites and revered sacred places on earth. Tourism along the path also
provides economic benefits to local communities, and a place where people of
all faiths and cultures can meet and connect.
“The
Path impacts at several levels,” Weiss said. “It is a regional endeavor that
links countries in practical ways, such as tourism. It is a bridge across
widening gulfs between East and West. It offers a new way to see and experience
the Middle East. And it is a platform for many types of activities, including
cultural and physical diplomacy, empowerment of women and youth, job creation,
and the preservation of historic/cultural sites.”
Dr.
Weiss’ presentation is part of the Mariposa’s year-long exhibition on Sacred
Geography, the first part of which (March 8 – June 10) focuses on the Middle
East.
Peterborough resident David Baum, who
recently returned from walking Abraham's Path in Turkey said, "The poet Rumi said, ‘Begin a foolish project. Noah
did!’ The Path is one such extraordinary idea—creative, radical, and doable.
I've seen the difference it makes when people walk together in common purpose
and shared history. Remarkable!"
Admission
to the event is: Adult $5, Members Free
The
Mariposa is wheelchair accessible.
