York Region KAIROS Group and the Society of Friends are adding their voices to the call for peace in Isreal, Gaza and Ukraine with a ceasefire pilgrimage May 23 in Newmarket.
Residents are invited to join the groups who will gather at the Quaker Meeting House, and then walk north on Yonge Street to the York Region Administrative Centre.
Quaker social justice committee clerk Marilyn Church said it is a way for people to unite and take action.
“Many people say ‘what we can do?,’” Church said. “This is an invitation to try and at least share our sorrow in a public way.”
KAIROS Canada, alongside other Christian groups, has hosted pilgrimages throughout the month calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which continues to be ravaged by war, and as the chief prosecutor of the world’s top war crimes court calls for the arrest of Israel and Hamas leaders this week.
“It’s speaking out to have a ceasefire,” Cherilyn Spraakman of York Region KAIROS said. “To have the chance that there be humanitarian aid to be able to enter for the residents of Gaza.”
The Quakers have a long history of pacism and calling for peace, Church said.
“Many of us in the community feel overwhelmed by this (conflict),” Church said. “We have no hard feelings toward anyone, and we can’t believe that in this day and age, we still resort to violence on this level.”
The event is free and open to all, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23 at the Quaker Meeting House 17030 Yonge St. Participants are asked to bring electric candles and flashlights, with fire discouraged at the wooden meeting house.
“It’s a must to both Hamas and the Israeli government to stop the violence,” Church said. “To allow humanitarian aid.”
“Personally, I grieve for what I see,” Spraakman said. “With the suffering of men, women and children and all living life in Gaza. This (event) is a way to be together with others.”
