PTWF is keenly aware of the concept of "the
Gesture." Mindful of this concept we have used this in almost all of
our projects to give something concrete, that one can see and feel,
as a means to "pave the way" to positive relations and to open a
path to better understanding between the faiths. This is particularly important to children in
combating the intentional distortion of religious and prophetic text
which has been
used as a tool to teach bigotry and hatred. Food is the most basic
of human needs, and helping to provide for a newborn baby is a
universal gesture of caring.
Personally managed through our wonderful advisors
in Israel, famed sculptor Sam Philipe and Fr. Angelo Ison OFM, PTWF is
beginning a project of giving basic baby supplies to welfare moms in
Israel. The difference is that our gifts, are not restricted to one
group. One third goes to Muslim moms, one third to Christian moms
and one third to Jewish moms. We hope to expand this throughout the
region. We are told by the welfare department that no one is helping
in this critical area of need.
PTWF is currently seeking to advance this project
by soliciting religious institutions to support the families of
other religions. Churches will adopt a Jewish and Muslim family,
Synagogues will adopt a Christian and Muslim family and Mosques will
adopt a Christian and Jewish family. Each family will receive six-
month supply of baby formula and diapers for their child and the
supporting institutions will be able to meet the family and engage
them if anyone travels to the region. The giving institution will
receive a beautiful silver sculpture created by Sam Philipe as a
thank you for their participation along with press coverage on our
website and with the international media.
If you, or someone you know wishes to sponsor a
needy family, please email us at
office@ptwf.org and let us know you wish to help. The cost of
six months supply of baby formula, diapers and some toys is
approximately $525.00 per family.
OUR DONORS for Project Baby-
100% of the money collected goes to this most important gesture
Christian and Muslim moms are given these wonderful gifts of love
through the help of Fr. Peter Vasko OFM, President of the Franciscan
Foundation of the Holy Land and Fr. Angelo Ison, OFM special advisor
to PTWF Jerusalem. This funding came from the Islamic Center of Long
Island as a wonderful gesture of good will and peace.
Nick Drexel, Meredith Krupp and Sam Philipe, of Pave the Way Foundation,
present some of the gift baskets to Mr. Alian Hamed the director of
east Jerusalem welfare center. These are being given to needy Arab
moms. One comment was that the moms couldn't believe the
thoughtfulness of such a gesture of concern and friendship. Right-
Sam is greeted by Jewish recipients.
Merry Krupp distributes gifts to Jewish moms. The money for these
packages came from the Islamic Center of Long Island, New York
