From Religions for Peace USA
800 MARCH FOR PEACE IN DC AND NYC
Religious leaders lead this year’s 9/11 Unity Walk NYC
On Sunday, September 8th, in Washington DC and New York City, over 800 people walked to demonstrate the need and importance of interfaith cooperation and peace. One New York City speaker, Gloria Williams from September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, noted that the tragedy of 9/11 should not be used to continue to divide the interfaith community. Mrs. Williams’s brother-in-law died in the World Trade Center south tower while ushering people to safety when the building collapsed twelve years ago.
Religions for Peace USA along with several other organizations, including Interfaith Center of New York, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, Intersections International, and others walked through lower Manhattan yesterday, stopping at various houses of worship and finally hosting an interfaith prayer service at the September 11th Memorial and Museum.
Mohamed Magid, president of Islamic Society of North America, reflecting on the value of the 9/11 Unity Walk in previous years, noted that, “We walk for interfaith cooperation and peace because we have not yet arrived to peace.”
Events that continually reiterate the importance of interfaith cooperation hold an important place in the interfaith movement. As the movement expands, we have to continually be ready to bring in new people and be welcoming of all differing positions toward others. We look forward to hosting the 9/11 Unity Walk NYC in 2014 as well!
Rev. Dr. Chloe Breye, l., executive director of the Interfaith Center of New York, shares her reflection at the National September 11th Memorial and Museum at the 9/11 Unity Walk NYC.