First-Ever Global Voices of Nonviolence Opens With Live D.C. Event and Online Premiere

Online, September 27, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Hosted by EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) and the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C, the September 21st the kick-off event included a live screening of EGM's award-winning Little Town of Bethlehem and a live panel discussion that were both streamed online, allowing viewers across the globe to participate in this timely discussion.

Bill Oechsler, president of EthnoGraphic Media, said, "This event accomplished what we had hoped for. It has created the space for a global conversation around a vital issue impacting all of us. We are incredibly encouraged that there are so many people around the world open to sharing their voice with others."

"Global Voices of Nonviolence came at the same time the Palestinian leadership went to the UN requesting Palestine be recognized as a full member state," stated panelist Sami Awad, president of Holy Land Trust. "While it is important for the world to recognize and acknowledge the rights of Palestinians to establish a state, it is just as important for the global community to continue supporting the efforts made by both Palestinians and Israelis to seek that which is beyond a political solution-the establishment of real peace. A peace based on equality, justice, respect, healing, and understanding for all the peoples of the Holy Land. This, for me, is the core value of Global Voices of Nonviolence."

Following the screening of Little Town of Bethlehem, a panel discussion was moderated by Paul Raushenbush, senior religion editor of the Huffington Post. "It is so moving to be part of this project as we acknowledge our differences and realize that we all have a story to share," he said. "Little Town of Bethlehem offers us an opportunity to spark discussions about the need for nonviolence. It humanizes everyone from each side of the issue so we can understand each other's pain."

Little Town of Bethlehem captures the story of three men born into violence who now risk everything to find a path to peace through nonviolent resistance. Sami is a Palestinian Christian, Ahmad a Palestinian Muslim and Yonatan an Israeli Jew. Inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, each learned that peace is possible when adversaries discover the humanity in one another. This film offers a model for conflict resolution that reaches far beyond the Holy Land.

During the panel discussion, Awad commented on how the film breaks stereotypes. "Yes, there are Palestinians who are committed to peace and nonviolence to build a real future. We have to work through the hard issues. Violence is never the answer. Nonviolence is the ONLY option. We need to hear voices beyond our own communities-this is where the real work begins. We must treat each other as human and equal."

Others on the diverse panel also shared their insights and personal experiences with the CUA audience of about 300.

Panelist Anas Malik, associate professor of political science at Xavier University, said, "Each of the religions represented here, Muslim, Jewish and Christian, share fundamental beliefs-to love God above all else and to love others as ourselves. As Muslims, we believe in divine accountability."

Panelist Atalia Omer, assistant professor of religion, conflict and peace studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at The University of Notre Dame, commented on the principle of return and risk trade off. "I grew up in Jerusalem and I know that the courage and the pain are hard but worth it," she said.

The subject arose of losing friends and loved ones to conflict and how to deal with the deep pain of loss. Panelist Maryann Cusimano Love, associate professor of international relations at The Catholic University of America, said, "As a Catholic, I believe that recognizing the suffering is the first step in healing." Malik responded by stating that "shared connections help to transform us from pain to healing."

In response to the question, "What about the role of women and nonviolence?", Love said, "Women have a natural pull and effectiveness towards nonviolence and yet their activities are not often heard about. In the past those at the metaphorical table have been combative men."

The important discussion that began on Wednesday, the United Nations International Day of Peace will continue for twelve days as additional screenings of Little Town of Bethlehem take place around the world. The event runs through October 2, the United Nations International Day of Nonviolence and the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi. A first-of-its-kind initiative, Global Voices of Nonviolence provides a global platform for nonviolence as a path to peace and greater humanity. Online streaming available through October 2 at www.Beliefnet.com

For more information, please visit www.LittleTownofBethlehem.org.

EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) is an educational non-profit (501c3) organization that explores critical issues of our time. As a community of artists and filmmakers, EGM uses media to tell true stories of hope and compassion in the midst of suffering and strife. EGM believes that gaining a deeper understanding of the human condition inspires positive action. Award-winning films from EGM include Little Town of Bethlehem, The Grandfathers, Miss HIV, Beyond the Gates of Splendor and End of the Spear.