With Israel for Peace, known as MIFF (Med Israel for fred), is a Norwegian organization that stands up for a cause close to their hearts: peace, humanitarian rights, and the practice of loving-kindness. In this blog post, we will explore how MIFF’s actions and initiatives have made a positive impact on the world, drawing inspiration from Buddhist insights along the way.
1. A Growing Family
Since its inception in 1978, MIFF has seen remarkable growth, with its membership swelling from 1,200 members in 2005 to over 11,000 members by 2017. This journey reflects the power of unity and collective effort, like unity and coming together for a common purpose in Buddhism.
2. Challenging Prejudices
One of MIFF’s central missions is to address what they perceive as an unfair bias against Israel in the mainstream Norwegian media. Their dedication to promoting fairness and balanced reporting mirrors the Buddhist principle of recognizing our biases and striving for impartiality.
3. Fostering Dialogue
In times of conflict, such as the 2014 Israel—Gaza conflict, MIFF took steps to debunk myths and false narratives, encouraging open dialogue and truth-seeking. This approach aligns with Buddhism’s emphasis on the importance of clear and thoughtful communication.
4. Building Global Bonds
MIFF’s decision to become a co-founding member of the European Alliance for Israel in 2015 demonstrates their commitment to international collaboration and understanding. It reflects the Buddhist idea of interconnectedness among all beings and nations.
5. Rallying for Peace
In October 2023, MIFF organized a peace rally in Oslo, attended by around 500 people, including political leaders. This event showcased MIFF’s unwavering dedication to peace and reconciliation, echoing the Buddhist message of forgiveness and the potential for transformation.
In a world often marked by differences and division, MIFF’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how individuals and organizations can work towards a more compassionate and understanding society. Through growth, challenging biases, fostering dialogue, building global bonds, and rallying for peace, MIFF embodies the values of loving-kindness and humanitarian rights, bringing positive change to our world.