Islands of Peace Obtains Tax-Exempt Status, Advances Plans For Menorah Islands Project

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Islands of Peace Inc, the primary sponsor of the Menorah Islands Project has been recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service, a key milestone as the project continues to share its message of a peaceful future for all people in the Middle East. 

"Charitable organizations pursue all sorts of noble goals, with the main purpose to do goodness on Earth," said Joseph Aoun, founder of the Menorah Islands Project. "Being recognized as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS allows the Menorah Islands Project to pursue these boundless opportunities and enables us to continue to bring people together from the four corners of the world."

The project, a series of artificial islands off the coast of Israel, aims to be a center for economic development, advanced education and interfaith cooperation. Designed to rise above the complicated political boundaries that divide the Middle East, the project speaks to the majority of people there who want to see -- and be a part of -- a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

"The Middle East has been entrenched in war and conflict for decades," Aoun said. "We want to show the world how to switch from creating conflicts to creating a lasting commitment to peace."

Prior to launching a reveal video in 2015, a team of architects and construction professionals researched existing artificial islands and prepared an illustrative concept plan for the project, which incorporates mixed-use commercial and residential zones, ambitious utilization of green technologies and more. The project then pursued a global awareness campaign to share the project's core message, which has received overwhelmingly positive response from engaged citizens around the world.

"Sharing the project online was -- and still is -- very important," Aoun said. "The internet made the world a small village and confirmed what we believe, that the world desires peace."

Additionally, a growing group of forward-thinkers and visionaries has joined the project's board of advisers to help expand its vision.

With the assistance of the Islands of Peace Inc, the Menorah Islands Project plans to conduct multiple studies that cover the project's impression on the region economically, environmentally and politically.

To learn more about the Menorah Islands Project, visit www.menorahislands.com.

About The Menorah Islands Project

The Menorah Islands Project is a concept for a group of nine artificial islands—seven permanent and two that emerge from the water —off the coast of Israel in the Mediterranean Sea. A beautiful place to live, work, and vacation, the Menorah Islands would be a world center for education, a model for environmentally-friendly practices, a showcase for emerging technologies, and a safe haven for people of all religions and races. Visit www.menorahislands.com for more information.

About the Islands of Peace Foundation

The Islands of Peace Foundation provides non-political opportunities for Israelis and Arabs to participate in collaborative projects. The foundation works to unite great minds that may never have met without a platform on which to come together. Through economic development, education, environmental conservation, and other non-political opportunities, the foundation aims to reverse the tide of conflict and adversity by choosing to work together to achieve peace and prosperity.

Media Only Contact:
Liran Kapoano
732-201-7600
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SOURCE Islands of Peace