Rev. Sun Myung Moon donates $1.7 million to Japan disaster relief

Shin Dong Ju and Kim Dong Jin
March 21, 2011
In Seoul and Tokyo
Segye Times

Unification Church International President Rev. Hyung Jin Moon (4th from left) presents a donation of $1.7 million from Rev. Sun Myung Moon for earthquake and tsunami relief to an official of the Japan Red Cross Society in Tokyo on March 20, 2011. Rev. Yeon Ah Lee (3rd from left), wife of Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, was also present. (Photo courtesy of Unification Church)

The following article was published in Segye Times, a nationally distributed newspaper in Korea on March 21, 2011. Translated by Tongil Foundation

Rev. Moon: "I hope people of Japan will find courage to rise again"

The donation of $1.7 million by Rev. Sun Myung Moon on March 20 for relief of Japanese earthquake victims reflected Rev. Moon's deep love for Japan.

"Rev. Moon is heartbroken that Japanese citizens are going through tremendous suffering as a result of the recent earthquake," said Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, the international president of the Unification Church who visited the Japan Red Cross office this day to convey the donation on behalf of the 91-year-old Rev. Sun Myung Moon."

"We are making this contribution today following the instruction of Rev. Sun Myung Moon so to comfort the people of Japan, particularly the earthquake victims, and to encourage the victims," Rev. Hyung Jin Moon said.

Rev. Sun Myung Moon lived in Japan as a student during the period when Japan occupied Korea as its colony. Rev. Moon was tortured severely by Japanese police following an arrest on suspicion of participating in the Korean independence movement.

Earlier, on March 19, Rev. Hyung Jin Moon visited an area in Aomori Prefecture that had suffered damage from the earthquake and tsunami and met with victims and their families. On March 20, prior to visiting the Red Cross, Rev. Hyung Jin Moon visited the Headquarters of the Japan Unification Church to offer prayers for Japan's quick recovery from the earthquake damage. He also pledged to provide support to victims.

Meanwhile, at the Unification Church World Headquarters Church (Cheon Bok Gung) in Yongsan, members are praying at 5 a.m., 12 moon and 7:30 pm for the victims of the Japan earthquake and for Japan's quick recovery.