Who are we?

We are volunteers—American, Palestinian and Israeli—who are working towards a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Branch offices are located in Los Angeles, Tel Aviv (Israel) and the Palestinian West Bank. We are a chapter of a registered non-profit organization: The Way to Happiness Foundation International.

How can we build peace in the Middle East?

Tolerance, mutual understanding and respect are the foundations of peace. No child is born who hates another because he or she is different. Intolerance is taught, one person at a time, and so is tolerance. We distribute a booklet that encourages tolerance, understanding and respect. This booklet, by American educator and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard, is called The Way to Happiness®.

What is The Way to Happiness® booklet?

The Way to Happiness booklet is a guide to social betterment that anyone of any religion or ethnicity can agree with. As an Israeli describes it: "I was fascinated by the booklet. Simply think about someone summarizing for you all your beliefs and all your behavior, and then putting it into an organized booklet. Suddenly I found good people nearby who think as I do." A senior official in the Palestinian Ministry of Education describes it this way: "There are also many advices for all Muslims to follow, not only for their own benefit, but also for the benefit of all human beings as well. All those who read the booklet meet me with big smiles and glittering eyes. The book is now flying like a butterfly from one flower to another." The Way to Happiness booklet is endorsed by leaders of the major religions, including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Christianity. Go to www.twth.org and www.able.org for over 300 endorsements by religious leaders, government officials, professionals and others. It has received over 100 proclamations from all levels of government applauding its results in social betterment.

How many booklets have been distributed?

Over 112,000,000 copies, (112 Million) in 42 different languages, have been distributed all over the world. We have distributed over 1,500,000 to Palestinians and Israelis. Our goal is 3,000,000—one for every Palestinian and Israeli family.

How does The Way to Happiness booklet work?

The precepts in the booklet can be agreed to by people of any religion or ethnicity. The booklet forms a foundation of common values, which allows dialog to begin. The booklet also gives hope and comfort to those involved in the conflict. The overall effect is to bring calm when distributed in regions in turmoil, as has been done in Kosovo, Latin America and South Africa. To take the South African example - in 1993 international observers feared violence during the transition from apartheid to a government in which non-whites could vote. When small outbreaks of inter-tribal violence erupted, The Way to Happiness Foundation International began distribution of some 800,000 copies of The Way to Happiness booklets. Shortly after the distribution was complete, the election was held and no violence marred the turnover of power to President Nelson Mandela. While no one claims that booklets were the sole reason for the peaceful transition, the many testimonials to its calming influence indicate its importance during this period.

The Association for Peace and Understanding in the Middle East is working to build mutual tolerance and understanding in the Middle East, as it has successfully been built elsewhere. And signs of peace in the Middle East are emerging. For more information, see the SIGNS OF PEACE page.