Vigil for peace brought together faith leaders

On July 15, faith leaders from around Rhode Island gathered at Brown University’s Manning Chapel for a vigil for peace.

Organized by the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island in partnership with the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, it was a forum to condemn the brutal murders of four teens, three Israeli and one Palestinian and condemn the terrorist activities of Hamas that began just a day before the vigil as well as terrorism of all kinds and types worldwide. Speakers focused on children and women who are often the targets of terror. Issues raised included the kidnapping and trafficking of Nigerian girls as well as concerns about the thousands of children immigrating from Central America to the U.S. because of poverty and political tension.

Imam Farid Ansari, Swami Yogamananda of the Vendonta Society of Rhode Island as well as Rev. Dr. Donald Anderson of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches condemned the escalation of violence worldwide in the name of religion. Religion calls for peace and an end for violence, they said.

Rabbi Barry Dolinger of Congregation Beth Sholom told the attendees that the vigil was being held on the holy fasting day of the 17th of Tammuz, a day that honors the destruction of the Second Temple. He also said the program was being held during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Rabbi took note of how important the two holy days are in regard to the condemnation of violence.

Rabbi Elan Babchuck of Temple Emanu-El provided a mi-sheberakh during the vigil. In place of personal names, people called out areas of the world experiencing violence and to whom it is being directed.

Marty Cooper of the Community Relations Council concluded the vigil by asking everyone to join him in reciting the Prayer for Peace.