| CFP was blessed and privileged to witness and enjoy the wisdom, moral power and personal warmth of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter during our early years in Cyprus from 2009 – 2011. He made indelible impressions on two CFP teen pairs, when he, UN Envoy Lahkdar Brahimi, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, representing The Elders, visited Cyprus to create a documentary film on Cypriot reconciliation. President Carter’s life is a true inspiration for those of us in CFP. Our work in Israel and Palestine has benefited from his skillful and personal negotiation of the Camp David Accords, providing peace between Egypt and Israel. Our fundamental belief that volunteerism has a strength and commitment greater than personal gain is seen in his many examples of personally volunteering in his church, in his neighborhood, and publicly with Habitat for Humanity. He demonstrated to the world that one person can make a difference and that progress can only be achieved if we keep trying. Rest in Peace, thou good and faithful servant. There is hope for a better world because of you. |
 The Elders documentary: Cyprus – Digging the Past in Search of the Future As Communications Director of The Elders, I worked closely with members of the CFP from 2009-2011, in the process of making a documentary film in Cyprus on the very sensitive issue of missing persons. The film followed three Elders – Jimmy Carter, Lakhdar Brahimi and Desmond Tutu – and four teenage members of CFP from the north and south of the island, as they learned about the hundreds of Cypriots from both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities who have been missing for decades. They visited exhumation sites together, saw a forensic laboratory where the remains of the missing are identified, and spoke to relatives of two men who had lost their fathers at the age of five. The young CFP members, Idil, Thalia, Tayfun and Michael, are the stars of the film. Their compassion, intelligence and maturity impressed us all, especially the Elders with whom they formed warm and lasting bonds. The film has sparked the creation of an entirely new educational package for schools in Cyprus. The four teenagers we worked with are part of an important movement in Cyprus that deserves greater recognition and support. CFP’s coordinators are persistent, principled and creative activists who are bridging divides where political processes have failed and who are undeterred by threats from those who seek to undermine their work. It is to their credit that the programme has been such a success without funding from any government or political party. The CFP model, pairing teenagers and their families through sustained activities and interaction, is going from strength to strength. From around 20 pairs of teenagers in 2009, CFP has more than quadrupled in size in just a few years. Among the young people who take part in CFP are, I believe, potential Cypriot leaders of the future. What is most remarkable is the genuine bond and mutual understanding that CFP fosters between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot families. As Desmond Tutu says toward the end of the film, “they have grown to accept one another in a way that seems to be an image of what is possible on this island.” Katy Cronin Communications Director, The Elders 20 November 2011 |
| The four CFP Teens Remember Idil Cazimoglu: “Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter leaves behind a far-reaching legacy as a hands-on supporter of global health, peace and human rights. Despite his remarkable story, he remained humble. During his visit to Cyprus, he was caring and approachable – from the moment we four teens met him, all of us instantly felt at ease. He paid attention to detail, carefully observing and honoring the people around him. The influence of his work lives on. He will continue to be an inspiration for us in pursuit of a better world.” Thalia Ioannidou: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter. His advocacy and dedication for unity and peace and his work with The Elders brought him to Cyprus, where I had the privilege of sitting side by side on a UN bus exploring the island. He listened intently as we, four teenagers at the time, shared our stories and the impact of conflict on our small island. I will always be grateful for his kindness and genuine interest in understanding and learning more about Cyprus through our eyes. May his legacy continue to inspire peace and compassion in us all.” Tayfun Altaner:“A soul like no other, wise and deeply understanding, touched my heart during our time together filming in Cyprus. I am truly honored to have shared that experience with you, President Carter. The memories we created are etched in my heart forever. Thank you for your inspiration, your kindness, and your unwavering wisdom. You leave behind a legacy that will continue to guide and uplift us all.” Michael Panayi:“President Carter guided us through very confusing but formative times as we sought to unpack a rich but divided history in a directional and productive way. There was a sense of groundedness he brought as he helped us navigate all that; groundedness in the issues, groundedness in the bigger picture, and groundedness in his humility. He walked among us to make sure we arrived where we needed to, and then selflessly nudged us forward to the destination. An unassuming but immaculate pacifist. I will really miss President Carter. The world is better because of him and that is his impenetrable legacy.” |