Faiths unite in solidarity for silent peace walk


27 June 2024 – 21 Sivan 5784

More than 500 people from all faiths and backgrounds took part in a peace walk in London.

Rabbi Rebecca Birk represented Progressive Judaism at the event, offering a prayer for peace on behalf of the Jewish community alongside clergy and representatives from the Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Baha’i, Brahma Kumaris, Jami, Pagan, Wiccan and Druidry faiths/beliefs.

The walk commemorated all those killed in more than 100 wars and armed conflicts happening around the world, and made a powerful shared call for nonviolence, reconciliation and a just peace.

Rabbi Rebecca Birk delivers the Jewish prayer offering on the Peace Walk

Rabbi Rebecca Birk delivers the Jewish prayer offering on the Peace Walk

Rabbi Rebecca said: “I was proud to be part of this peace walk – silently moving together, without placards or chanting. This silent solidarity with each other, and for all those caught in war everywhere, helped us begin to bridge the chasms that can divide humanity.”

Facilitated by Plum Village UK and Quakers in Britain, a diverse range of people of faith joined the walk from Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square and back, weaving a narrative of peace between the city’s key political landmarks.

Without flags, placards, slogans or chants, participants dressed in mourning to remember the loss of life through war and carried hand-made white flowers as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in cultivating a more peaceful world.

Rehena Harilall, Co-Organiser from Plum Village UK, said “This walk symbolised our commitment, each purposeful step connecting our broken hearts, unified in the hope – hope for peace built upon the unshakeable pillars of love, compassion, justice, and reverence for all life.”

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