Reichraming, Austria—A number of Ambassadors for Peace from the state of Upper Austria met at a Peace Bridge that they constructed eight years earlier.
In 2009 a group of young people from Israel, Palestine and Austria built the Peace Bridge in front of the Forestry Museum overlooking the village of Reichraming.
In spite of the difficult relationships in the Middle East, the group managed to complete the project together and to build friendships with one another.
Over the following years, numerous heartfelt meetings, readings and peace celebrations took place at this bridge.
On July 1, 2017, a meeting again was held at this site. Of the 24 people who gathered at the Forestry Museum, nine were Ambassadors for Peace who had contributed to making the project a success.
A video was shown, documenting the building of the Peace Bridge and the intense week experienced by the young Israelis, Palastinians and Austrians. The film deeply moved all who were present. As individuals spoke of their deep experiences from that time, a strong sense was awakened that this place once again should find a renewed purpose.
In the midst of the beautiful nature the participants conversed while enjoying freshly made Holzfäller Nockerln, Austrian dumplings that are made with cheese and onions.
A number of ideas were suggested for how the Peace Bridge and Forestry Museum could be used as a place of peace and sustainability education, and the next steps were agreed upon.