A New Day for the Planet

“One day we will all be free and proud to be under the same Sun signing songs of freedom…” Matisyahu The world finds itself at a crucial crossroads, grappling with an imminent climate and ecological emergency that affects every corner of the globe. As we approach COP28, it becomes increasingly evident that our global society is marred by deep-rooted flaws, where greenwashing and sluggish actions have become the prevailing norm. These superficial gestures fail to address the magnitude of the largest crisis humanity has ever encountered. The need for immediate, unprecedented actions in both scope and urgency has never been more pressing. Simultaneously, the political situation between Israel and Palestine, a region characterized by ongoing conflicts, faces the erosion of democratic values. With Israel teetering on the precipice of internal and external strife, the call for a new day resonates strongly—an opportunity for unity in the face of destructive forces that sow chaos and division, masquerading under false ideals. It is within this context that the concept of the 'One Day' foundation emerges, a Global Wave of Climate Action—to unite and confront the challenges that threaten our planet and strain relations among people. Together, we can take meaningful steps toward combating global crises and fostering peace for a brighter future.

After years of environmental and peace activism in Israel, I finished my job as action and volunteer coordinator at Greenpeace Israel burned mentally ‘to the bone’. After a few months of getting a paycheck from social security on a temporary mental and physical disability, I found an intriguing Master’s program that I have long been looking for, in environment, development, and peace, specializing in climate change, at the UN Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. I chose this program for many reasons. One was to get some time out of the ’full power 24-hour’ activism regime I had held and get some new energy and

qualifications in an international environment. The other was Costa Rica itself. As Costa Rica has one of the world's most protected environments and has no army (!) Perfect for my future endeavors working in those fields when I come back to the blood field and dangerously warming the Middle East.

The year has exceeded my expectations on many levels, as I have found true friends and colleagues, deepened my knowledge in various relevant fields, and got to see the wild and lush coasts and jungles of the country, with their abundant life and biodiversity.

Much like Israel, Costa Rica declared its independence in 1948. After a civil war that took the lives of some 4,000 people, Representing the GBM at UPMUNC-UNEA the winning liberal side led by Figures, the soon-to-be president of the country. Once Figures and the liberal democratic movement took hold of the country, Figures made an almost unheard-of move - he abolished the army, taking no international alliances or treaties to safeguard this move.

This unprecedented act of non-violence - that has lasted until today, is truly a miracle in every sense of the word and holds great inspiration to anyone who comes to Costa Rica or works for peace around the globe.

In contrast, Israel, although the need to hold a strong army against ferocious enemies, is losing its legitimacy, as the bits of democracy that have been held for the past 75 years, are shattering in front of a late government in power. The political situation in the country is deteriorating with every day that passes, as new totalitarian, anti-human rights, and Jewish supremacy policies, laws, and actions are putting Israel on the brink of civil and regional war.

At my graduation ceremony, I took part in singing the‘One Day’ song by Matisyahu with our school choir. And as the year ended, I got involved in a few climate and peacebuilding initiatives that were brewing for some time. One is the Global Wave of Climate Action, which will be held from November 1st through COP28, with a global hunger strike in its core, academic and school strikes, synchronized planting days and meditations, end-of-the-world festivals, direct actions, and many other initiatives, deliver to catalyze the crucial change we need internationally and locally. As coordinator of the new, yet promising campaign, I found a few projects that I was working on relevant to the campaign.

Lately, I came across the story of Piplantri, a village in India where 111 trees are planted for every new girl born. This initiative was started by the chief of the village and his wife after their 17-year-old daughter died, and since the initiative started, some 20 years ago, they have planted over 350 thousand trees and inspired many across the world.

The GreenLine Initiative that I have been promoting in the past 7 years, was especially relevant to this situation. The vision of the initiative is to build one of the largest peace parks in the world, on the Israeli Palestinian Green Line. Promoting ecological restoration, climate mitigation, peace and environment education, community and grassroots movement of people from both sides - based on the principles of the Confederate Land for All’ peace initiative and the vision for open land.

In relevance to the deteriorating political situation, our team is promoting a large Planting Day on November 1st, as part of the international synchronized planting day of the Global Wave of Climate Action, and as part of the ‘One Day’ Foundation that we are establishing. This, for a lasting impact in years to come - where the unity of people, against the wreaking havoc and destruction forces that we meet today on all levels, are faced with hope, vision, and collaboration on all levels, as one united world.

One Day, on the 1st of November (1.11), when millions of people will hold the corporate criminals, climate denialists, totalitarian regimes, and anti-human and environment rights movements around the world accountable, is a plan to work with, holding a vision of a just world where we can thrive. A day of unity to catalyze a wave of action globally. A day for celebration, a day for protest and collaboration, hope, direct actions, arts, meditation, and tree planting for our daughters, peace, and the future we know we deserve.