A folk singer from the U.S. state of Oregon is set to travel to the Islamic State (ISIS)-controlled Syria to sing for peace despite a warning from the U.S. State Department for him not to do so.
James Twyman, of Portland, Oregon, told Fox News he feels he is being called [by God] to inspire the jihadis to accept peace and love in their hearts.
"It's going to be pretty powerful," Twyman said, referring to his plan to have those attending and others around the world sing and pray for peace at the same time, according to the report.
"When people come together and focus on something in a positive way...there's scientific evidence that it can change things for the better. I'm no sort of hero, but I do believe in the power of this.''
Twyman said the show is set on Jan. 31 and he will be joined by a large group of Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders. Each one will lead the group in prayer from their religion.
Admitting he is well aware of the danger involved, Twyman said: "That's not enough of a reason to stay away.'' He assured there are people there setting up the venue and making sure it's as safe as possible.
This is not the first time Twyman has gone to a war-torn city to sing and pray for peace. He performed in Baghdad in the late 1990s after Operation Desert Storm; in Bosnia and Croatia during the Balkan War in 1995 and has even performed previously in Syria to spread his message of peace through song.
The author and self-styled "Peace Troubadour" has put traditional prayers from various faiths to song. He also sings the Muslim prayer. It is one of many prayers he puts to music from various religions when he signs for peace around the world, KPTV reported.
The U.S. State Department meanwhile has reportedly reached out to the peace singer and advised him not to go to the territory seized by the jihadis group known for beheading or executing its captives and throwing gays off the building, Fox News said.
The department also said that due to the security situation in Syria, the U.S. government's ability to help U.S. citizens kidnapped or taken hostage is very limited.
"No part of Syria should be considered safe from violence," reads the travel warning on the State Department website.
"The potential for hostile acts exists throughout the country, including kidnappings and the use of chemical warfare against civilian populations."
