JERUSALEM -- "Star Trek" legend William Shatner has embarked on a new mission -- to Israel.

It's there that the 75-year-old actor hopes that horses will help raise funds aimed at bringing peace to the Middle East.

Shatner and his wife, Elizabeth, who are both serious equestrians, were in Israel Monday visiting riding centers and promoting therapeutic riding -- a method where disabled people gain strength by horseback riding.

For many years, Shatner has been involved with a Los Angeles charity called "Ahead for Horses," which works with physically and mentally disabled children through horseback riding.

Shatner aims to raise $10 million for about 30 riding centers.

He also hopes that his new fund, with the nonprofit Jewish National Fund, will contribute to Mideast peace.

Shatner said every citizen of Israel, as well as Palestinians, Jordanians and Egyptians, will be encouraged to participate.

Shatner played Captain James T. Kirk on the classic "Star Trek" television series, and reprised the character several times for "Star Trek" feature films.

He's also starred as the title in the television hit "T.J. Hooker," and currently stars as lawyer Denny Crane opposite James Spader on the hit series "Boston Legal."