On July 22, 2007 Mahatma Gandhi's grandson, Arun Manilal Gandhi, was interviewed by Peter Sissons of the BBC News 24. Peter asked what Mahatma Gandhi would have done had he seen the Al-Qaeda problem. "Why don't all the Muslims, Christians and other religions have a day of fasting to show Al-Qaeda that we reject their philosophy," Arun Manilal Gandhi, founder of M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence replied.
Inspired by Arun Gandhi's words, Heidi Hog, from United Kingdom, and Mike W., from Orlando, Florida, began a foundation for a peace movement, Fast for Freedom 8·8·8. They are encouraging all people from all nations to participate in a one-day fast on August 8, 2008 as a peaceful way to protest Al-Qaeda's philosophy.
Fast for Freedom 8·8·8 founder Heidi Hog suggested that the day of fasting would be a success due to the simplicity in participating. "There is great success behind [the] Fast for Freedom 8·8·8 campaign because everyone is invited," said Hog. "Fast for Freedom 8·8·8 encourages everyone of race, creed, colour, religion, national origin, sex, gender, orientation, age, and language to get involved and assist."
Mike W. and Heidi Hog have never met in person and hope to be examples of how strangers can unite together. Mike W. discussed how Fast for Freedom 8·8·8 is generating interest. "The fresh buzz about uniting worldwide against war, famine, starvation, and aggressive secret governments is making steady developments," suggested Mike W. "Fast for Freedom 8·8·8 breaks the division between every man, woman and religion."
A worldwide fast on August 8, 2008 is proposed, beginning at midnight for a 24-hour period. Fasting is practiced in many religious traditions and spiritual practices and Heidi and Mike have chosen Fast for Freedom 8·8·8 as a way for people to share in the experience. "It's not about disarming the world or banning armies and guns and weapons of mass destruction. It's about one day denying food, greed, arrogance,and violence," said Mike W.
The proposed day of action has generated many supporters, according to Heidi Hog and Mike W. "Fast for Freedom 8·8·8 deserves imperious attention as one large soundoff voice demanding an awakening for no more and the world fasts for freedom together."
