On Sunday, September 21, the world came together to honor International Peace Day, a moment to reflect on how we can create a more just and connected world.

In Jerusalem, our nonprofit partner Interact International, in collaboration with over a dozen local organizations, hosted a moving event featuring MEJDI co-founder Aziz Abu Sarah and peacebuilder Maoz Inon. More than 150 attendees gathered for a powerful march through the city, walking side-by-side as a living symbol of unity. (Perhaps you know a few of the faces in the crowd!)

Their message was clear: peace begins when we choose to walk together.

Marko Drobnjakovic is a talented photojournalist and one of the main guides for our Balkans tours. He is currently documenting ongoing protests in Serbia, where growing frustration with government corruption has sparked widespread demonstrations and retaliatory counter-protests. His work shines a light on these tensions and provides a firsthand perspective of a region navigating its future while grappling with its past.

Check out his work: https://apnews.com/video/tensions-soar-in-serbia-as-angry-protesters-clash-with-police-in-belgrade-b5b58b0c30224c5788aafc8e04e0bf07

P.S. He’ll be joining one of our upcoming information sessions later this year to share updates and insights on the latest developments in the region.

The recent PBS NewsHour story by Judy Woodruff on political violence in Northern Ireland underscores an important truth: peace is never a final destination—it is an ongoing process, built and sustained through generations of difficult work.

The piece features Rev. Gary Mason, a pivotal voice in Northern Ireland’s peace process and a longtime MEJDI Tours partner and guest speaker/guide on our tours. Gary brings travelers into the heart of Belfast and beyond, sharing deeply personal insights into reconciliation, resilience, and the challenges of healing in a society still grappling with its past while striving toward a more hopeful future.

Watch the Episode: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-americans-can-learn-from-northern-irelands-history-of-political-violence

Beatriz Vejarano, a past MEJDI traveler and Colombian local working with human rights organizations and international bodies in conflict transformation, recently shared an article that touches on a topic covered on all of our tours. Colombia recently reached a pivotal moment in its peace process as the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) issued a historic ruling on FARC kidnappings. Former FARC commander Rodrigo Londoño (Timochenko) accepted responsibility, acknowledging that “neither 8 nor 50 years” of punishment can repair the harm caused. The ruling focuses on restorative justice over prison time, sparking controversy among victims and human rights groups. While Londoño calls for truth, reconciliation, and rebuilding trust, critics warn the case could reach the International Criminal Court if enforcement falls short.

Read the Article: https://www.elespectador.com/colombia-20/jep-y-desaparecidos/secuestros-de-farc-rodrigo-londono-timochenko-el-ultimo-comandante-de-esa-guerrilla-habla-sobre-las-sanciones-de-la-jep/