Islamophobia has been on the rise in America for many years. The 9/11 terrorist attacks affected New York City, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. A local group of Jews, Muslims and Christians in Philadelphia have been working hard to bring people of all faiths together since the attacks. On Sunday, April 30, 2017, the organization will be hosting its 14th Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation. The Peace walk begins at 2:00 p.m. in the West Oak Lane Section.
This statement of purpose explains the intentions of the peace walk:
We invite people of all faiths to join us on a spiritual journey. As we walk from Al-Aqsa Mosque to St. Augustine’s Church to Congregation Rodeph Shalom, we will lament war and loss of life. We will pray for the safety and freedom of all people. We will embrace hope, not fear. The true pathway of peace is God’s desire for love and justice, not military might. Join with us to show that peace between people of all faiths is possible. Let us call out Salaam.
Let us call out Shalom. Let us call out Peace in the language of Love.
If you take the walk, you can expect to stop along the way for prayer, singing, teaching and fellowship at different places along the route. Generally, the group tries to plan stops at a synagogue, a church and a mosque. Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus and Bahá’i members have joined the walk and affirmed their own spiritual values of peace.
Al-Aqsa Islamic Society
The Islamic Society is actively involved in the Peace Walk, but it also has partnered with many local community groups to help Muslims and neighbors understand Islam and to bridge understanding. Working with ArtWell, the mosque transformed its appearance into a striking example of Islamic art. New murals are planned to update the neighborhood. The mosque works with the Philadelphia Horticultural Society to plant trees and with the South Kensington Community Partners to clean up the community. It is also a polling station for Ward 18 Division 14.
It’s estimated that about 200,000 Muslims live in Philadelphia, which is about 12 percent of the population. The Arab American CDC has an office in the mosque, and it offers social services to the Arab-American community. From translation services to health fairs and legal and immigration services, the CDC is there to help people have a better quality of life.
The Al-Aqsa Youth Program helps Muslim youth aged seven to 16 to be part of the community through volunteering and service. The program offers many activities that keep young people engaged and excited about belonging. These kids take trips, feed the needy and homeless, and visit senior homes in addition to having fun together.
Participate in the Peace Walk
If you’re in Philadelphia on April 30, you are encouraged to take part in the walk. It is free and will occur rain or shine. You can get more information at interfaithpeacewalk.org. No political signs or banners are permitted. It is not a march or a demonstration. It is a walk of unity. Buses will be available to help people who find walking difficult.
Following the walk, there will be a vegetarian dinner, which is free. However, participants can make a contribution to help cover the costs of the buses and food. Walkers are encouraged to wear white, which symbolizes peace and unity and helps to identify your place in the walk. Philadelphia police will be on hand to control traffic and make sure walkers are safe.
If you cannot get to the walk in Philadelphia, consider talking to spiritual leaders in your community about hosting a walk of peace for your neighbors. When we come together to understand each other, we bridge the gap of anxiety and tension between religions and find peace.