On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the Abrahamic Reunion partnered in the inaugural “Embracing Peace for a Sustainable World,” marking the beginning of what promises to be an annual tradition. The day was filled with activities that nourished the mind, body, and spirit, all aimed at fostering peace and understanding among diverse communities.
The event began with an energizing Qigong session led by Dr. George Love, setting a harmonious tone for the day. This was followed by an insightful Interfaith Peace Panel featuring many esteemed speakers, including Sheikh Ghassan Manasra, Rabbi Marc Labowitz, Maya Malay, Donna Kerner, and others.
Keynote speaker John Englander, author of “Moving to Higher Ground – Rising Sea Level and the Path Forward,” captivated the audience with his talk on the urgent need to address rising sea levels through education and public policy. His message underscored the critical connection between environmental sustainability and global peace.
Guests were then treated to an authentic Sikh Langar lunch, embodying the spirit of selfless service and community. One of the highlights of the day was the spirited drumming circle led by Buckley Griffis, which brought everyone together in a joyful and rhythmic celebration of unity.
After lunch, Sheikh Ghassan offered an hour-long workshop on Intercultural Peacebuilding. Participants especially loved the group cooperation exercise he led to help them connect as human beings, passing a two-liter water bottle around the circle using only their feet. Much laughter and inspiration!
The newly planted Peace Pole, blessed by Gurunam Khalsa, became a symbol of our collective commitment to peace. The day concluded with the mystic beauty of the Christian Taizé service offered by St. Andrews, leaving participants in a state of reflective tranquility.
Sheikh Ghassan Manasra expressed his gratitude, stating, “Today, we have witnessed the power of unity in diversity. Each act of kindness and each moment of understanding brings us closer to a world of peace.”
Reflecting on the event, Ted Brownstein said, “Seeing people from different backgrounds come together with open hearts and minds was truly inspiring. This is the essence of the Abrahamic Reunion’s mission.”
Longtime AR supporter Yona Winer-McWilliam attended with her husband Iain, and added, “The energy in the room was palpable. It reminded us all that peace begins with each one of us.”
As an attendee, I was deeply moved by the sense of community and the shared commitment to peace and understanding. One of my favorite moments was the drumming circle, where the collective rhythm seemed to embody the heartbeat of unity. Sheikh Ghassan’s words resonated with me, emphasizing that peace is not a distant dream but a daily practice.
We are grateful for the participation of over 200 people, both in person and online, who made this event a resounding success. Special thanks to Macey for capturing the day’s highlights in photos, and to Lake Worth Interfaith Network for sponsoring and inviting the AR for this wonderful event.
The day buzzed with the potential of peace and harmony, reminding us that peace happens through individual acts of kindness and compassion. The Abrahamic Reunion looks forward to continuing this journey and making a lasting impact.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we hope to see you at our future events! For more information and updates, visit our website and follow us on social media. Let’s continue to embrace peace for a sustainable world together.
Photos from the event, showcasing the diverse gathering, can be viewed below.
Peace,
Macey Markowitz
AR Development Officer
[email protected]
https://www.abrahamicreunion.org/
