The World Friendship Center (WFC) (Nishi-ku, Hiroshima) is lending support to the Hiroshima World Peace Mission (sponsored by the Hiroshima International Cultural Foundation), which plans to send citizens from this city who experienced the atomic bomb to the nuclear powers and areas of conflict to appeal for peace. The American co-directors, Mr. and Mrs. Eikenberry said with great expectation, "We hope the delegations expand the message of reconciliation that has been cultivated in Hiroshima."

Joel (57) and Beverly (56) arrived in Japan in July 2003 as co-directors of WFC. WFC was established as "the window to convey Hiroshima to the world" in 1965 when Barbara Reynolds, an American and an honorary citizen of Hiroshima, led the "World Peace Study Mission" with 40 A-bomb survivors and translators traveling to eight countries. Mr. and Mrs. Eikenberry donated their own money, $4,000 (about 430,000 yen) to the Foundation, expecting that this project would succeed in the same spirit as the peace pilgrimages conducted by Barbara. WFC members are also making donations individually.

The directors are also publicizing the Mission through the American Committee, which is a support organization in the U.S. sending new directors to WFC and introduces the WFC activities throughout America. Joel strongly says, "Hiroshima people abandoned hatred and they made shift to create peace instead of retaliation. I think Barbara's action influenced them.." "Their unique efforts of seeking reconciliation instead of violence is very valuable in areas of conflict."

Before coming to Japan, Joel was a doctor of emergency medicine in Indiana. Beverly was working as a mediator to resolve conflicts between individuals and within organizations. They are very dedicated Christians belonging to the peace-oriented Brethren that have sent many directors to the WFC successively. After their five children became independent, they applied for this job holding it their works.

Talking about the U.S. pre-emptive attack against Iraq, Beverly says, "I was very disappointed with America's selfish policy of ignoring the United Nations." Joel also says with disappointment, "They are fighting because of economic interests. Human life is much more valuable than oil." Both of them are sending encouraging words, "People in the midst of conflicts will have difficulty understanding the meaning of the Peace Mission. Many people will, however, find hope in appeals from Hiroshima, which has been reconstructed from the devastation."

(Caption)Joel & Beverly emphasizing importance of a direct dialogue, "Mutual understanding comes from a face-face interaction."