Israeli and Palestinian victims' families pray for peace with Japanese Buddhists

Four family members of victims of terror and armed attack in Israel and Palestine on June 18 had a peace gathering with 50 Japanese Buddhists and citizens at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto City and called for peaceful coexistence.

The four are members of the "Parents' Circle - Families Forum" founded in 1995 as an NPO with 500 Palestinian and Israeli bereaved families supporting reconciliation and peace.

Yitzhak Frankenthal who lost a son by the action of the Islamic radical group Hamas said he would like to express support for the "road map" peace plan through peace and anti-war activities in Israel and Palestine.

Essawi Rihab whose four family members, including her fianc? were killed by Israeli forces expressed her belief that if Palestinians and Israelis can abandon hatred and hold hands with each other, political leaders can do the same. (end)