The Peace Wall
Belfast is a city of exceptional people who have not only experienced severe violent conflict, but who have also gone within themselves to find the capacity to heal and forgive those who have harmed others. On the evening of the first night we had the honor to witness the true humanity of forgiveness and healing by meeting a group of gentlemen from both sides of the wall who found the courage within them to finally embrace the other side which they have so long feared and loathed. Witnessing their ability to to put aside their personal experiences touched a deep part inside everyone on our trip. An experience in which none of us will forget.
The images on walls portray the struggle and those who have died fighting for their cause.
Throughout Belfast there are over 27 miles of tall 'peace' walls which separate the neighborhoods. Many people we have talked to hope that one day these walls will come down but these walls still represent the reality of exclusion, and the fact that tensions are still very high throughout the entire city. One project that many local groups have taken upon themselves is to create murals on the walls that don't represent violence or hate, but that represent a changing and peaceful Belfast.
As you walk through the streets of Belfast, through the eyes it seems so peaceful, but if you just take a moment to breathe the air & hear the silence, the feeling is different.
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