Dear friend 2009 is almost over and we would be heading towards a new decade soon. I wish to take the opportunity due to this changing time to thank you for the great and valuable work, you are doing. Humanity needs more people like yourself if we wish to make it through the harsh challenges of our coming years – climate change, inter-culturalism and last but not least, respect and accept of cultural/religious differences and appreciative focus on our basic commonalities. For me personally, 2009 has been a mixed bag of numerous blessings and a few setbacks. Although, I regularly exercise and keep myself fit, I can feel in my bones that I no longer have the same energy and will power to devote 16-18 hours to NGO and humanitarian work. Lots of travelling, hotel stays and conference food take its toll and saps the inner strength. This was the negative development. But on the positive side - which is actually most of my life - I also feel, experience and share many great moments. I get to see places, I never dreamt of visiting, meet wonderful human beings who have devoted their lives in the service of the needy and have the opportunity to bring my thoughts, opinions and message to a large audience in international forums which would be impossible otherwise. So all in all, I am experiencing inner peace, emotional balance and a tremendous sense of joy which is not explainable but is there in full force. A guardian angel is always hovering over my being. So dear friend, I wish you a very successful 2010 and may all your plans, efforts and desires, not only come true but give you spiritual fulfilment and happiness, you so richly deserve. My heartfelt and fondest wishes for you and your loved ones Bashy Quraishy Chair-Advisory Council-ENAR - Brussels Chair-Jewish Muslim Co-operation Platform - Brussels Senior Advisor - COJEP International- Strasbourg