Israeli progressive metal band Orphaned Land is encouraging fans to sign a petition (created by a fan of the band) submitted to the Norwegian Nobel Committee to consider them for the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize, in case you think they are worthy of such a prize.

Vocalist Kobi Farhi left this message on the band’s Facebook page: “This is my personal request to all my friends from the Middle East, Turkey, and in general from all my Muslim friends here on my page: We know for a long time now that we are above politics, we know that if it was in our hands, peace would have prevailed right away. Please enter this link and sign if you find us worthy, please also spread the word and share it on your pages? I send my endless love to all of you and all my love and best greetings for the coming holyday in a few days. Salam/Shalom/Peace.”

The petition refers four major achievements of the band in the effort to transform the Middle East conflicts:

• Reciprocating the band’s courageous efforts to cross religious and national boundaries, Divan, an Iranian rock magazine, featured Orphaned Land on their cover in an eight-page spread.
• In 2010, the band was awarded a peace prize by Istanbul Commerce University for their contribution to the friendship between Muslims and Jews in the Middle East.
• In February 2012, in a five-city tour of Turkey (in which proceeds from the Istanbul concert went to the victims of the Van earthquake), Orphaned Land was given The Friendship and Peace Award from Dr. Huseyin Tugcu, official advisor to Prime Minster Erdogan.
• In September 2012, Orphaned Land was bestowed another Peace and Friendship award by Bulent Tanik, Mayor of Cankaya (the main district of the capital Ankara).

 Source: centurymedia.com