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Breaking the Ice summits!
12:50 p.m. EST Jan 16, 2004
Despite some poor weather and low visibility the joint Israeli/Palestinian team summited an Antarctic peak they have named, “The Mountain of Israeli-Palestinian Friendship.”
Though the 1000m mountain wasn’t all that big, the message of peace and understanding that this team sent through was.
At the top the team made a declaration. This is the same statement that had caused such intense debate earlier over its content. The team did come to a resolution, and here’s what they had to say:
"We, the members of Breaking the Ice, the Israeli-Palestinian expedition to Antarctica, having reached the conclusion of a long journey by land and sea from our homes in the Middle East to the southernmost reaches of the earth, now stand atop this unnamed mountain.
By reaching its summit we have proven that Palestinians and Israelis can cooperate with one another with mutual respect and trust. Despite the deep differences that exist between us, we have shown that we can carry on a sincere and meaningful dialogue.
We join together in rejecting the use of violence in the solution of our problems and hereby declare that our peoples can and deserve to live together in peace and friendship. In expression of these beliefs and desires we hereby name this mountain 'The Mountain of Israeli-Palestinian Friendship'. "
The Breaking the Ice group is part of the ‘Extreme Peace Missions’ organization. The idea behind the ‘Extreme Peace Missions’ group is that, “memorable extreme experiences can bring people together for life.” For this organization’s maiden project they chose the Israelis and the Palestinians.
4 of each have sailed to Antarctica via sailboat and made a first ascent of an Antarctic peak.
Summit image courtesy of Breaking-the-Ice.de.
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