On Saturday, 2nd May, families from the Ismaili and FFWPU communities gathered in Birmingham for a joyful peace festival organised through a collaborative effort between the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification UK (FFWPU-UK).
The event welcomed around 30 families to the Ismaili Mosque for an afternoon focused on peacebuilding, family values, and interfaith friendship. The festival grew out of relationships formed through Women of Hope activities and ongoing peace initiatives led by David and Patricia Earle, together with the FFWPU children’s ministry.
While adults gathered in the prayer hall for a presentation by David Earle on the importance of marriage and family, children took part in a lively programme of games, origami, arts and crafts, bracelet-making and music led by Ala Zubovskis, Viola, and Rodrigo. Through the activities, children from different backgrounds naturally built friendships and experienced values such as kindness, cooperation, and respect.
A special highlight for many children was receiving Ala Zubovskis’ book Nature is My Friend: A Gift from Heavenly Parent, with several excitedly asking for signed copies.
The programme concluded with everyone gathering in the Main Hall, where the children performed a song they had prepared for their parents, before families shared pizza and refreshments.
A touching closing prayer was offered by Amin Mitha from the Ismaili community, expressing gratitude to Patricia Earle and Ala Zubovskis, on behalf of the community. The atmosphere throughout the afternoon reflected a genuine spirit of unity, warmth, and mutual respect.
The Peace Festival demonstrated how interfaith cooperation centred on children and families can create meaningful connections and lay foundations for lasting peace and friendship between communities.
