Background

The war against Iraq commenced. People around the globe mourn and pray, as they witness countless soldiers and civilians injured or killed. Hoping to help ease the pain brought about by the war, millions of Tzu Chi volunteers all over the world have come together to promote actions of peace and compassion.

Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi Foundation, has requested the organization to deliver two 40-feet containers of relief materials and US$100,000 to its branch office in Jordan, the neighboring country west of Iraq. Two Tzu Chi volunteers have donated over 15,000 thermal blankets, and offered to provide more if needed. Tzu Chi volunteers in Jordan have set up 300 tents at one refuge camp along the Iraqi-Jordanian border. Each tent can house five individuals, accommodating up to 1,500 refugees. Volunteers have started distributing relief materials to the first group of refugees, who fled to Jordan within 43 hours following the commencement of the war. Please refer to our related reports for more details.

In the meantime, Master Cheng Yen has urged all Tzu Chi volunteers to practice the following:

1. Sincerely and continuously pray for the victims of war.
2. Remain tranquil and calm to help ease everyone's tension.
3. Practice the Three Acts of Kindness: Kindness in speech, action and thoughts

With diligent practice and promotion of the Three Acts of Kindness, we can help bring harmony to our communities, society, nation, and eventually, the whole world.

Please join us in our sincere prayers and efforts to promote the Three Acts of Kindness. Let us pray for all those affected by the war, and hope that this battle will cease swiftly.