After many months of careful preparations by our incredible Israel Tour co-ordinator, Carmit Agi, the sacred relics were publicly displayed in Israel for the very first time. The Relics visited three cities: Bitan Aharon, Neve Eshkol and Jerusalem from the end of December until January.
“Many people who came out of curiosity or with a skeptical mind were so excited and impressed by the presence of the relics.
It seems like the relics had a power in gathering people, and things just came together with the help from even unexpected sources (including from people without prior knowledge of Buddhism, from non Dharma groups etc). So I was very surprised at people’s excitement and willingness to help. It was beautiful to see and has been a very special opportunity for me to become involved in.
Since the relics proved their influence over the people and won their hearts, I would like on their behalf to invite you again in 2013.”
- Carmit Agi, Israel Tour Co-ordinator, January 2012
The Jerusalem event was set in a very old hotel dating back to 1890 situated at the main entrance gate to the old city – the Jaffa Gate. Many people came from the street to see the event. Some just stood and looked around the room not really understanding why they were there, but they could not leave. Many people came through torrential rains to see the exhibition, some travelling all the way from Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel.
One of the volunteers was Melissa. She said she had no idea what to expect from the event. She was fearful of the other religious organizations making a protest of disagreeing with the exhibit. On her way from the Jerusalem event she visited a store and felt this over-whelming feeling of love and connectedness, like she wanted to share her open-hearted loving experience with everyone, even the guy in the store!
Between events, the team stopped at a road-side restaurant where they specialised in goat’s cheese dishes. They ate there then proceeded to bless each goat as they were in line to be milked.
Many people commented on the Israel Tour on Facebook:-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maitreya-Project-Heart-Shrine-Relic-Tour/192641827914?ref=ts