Unity and Solidarity Vigil held in Sunnyvale

Unity and Solidarity Vigil
in light of attacks in Sunnyvale and Poway Synagogue
WE ARE ONE!
Was held on Thursday, May 2, 2019
El Camino Real and Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road in Sunnyvale

Marking the terrifying attack on pedestrians on April 23 in which the police say the driver may have targeted the victims based on their race and his belief they were Muslim, and the horrific shooting at Congregation Chabad Synagogue in Poway, CA on April 27, we gathered in Unity and Solidarity at the site of the April 23 incident. The vigil was a quiet, loving presence to acknowledge the pain and suffering of all people targeted by violence and hate, and to declare unequivocally that all lives are precious and we are all part of the same human family.

Thursday, May 2, was the National Day of Prayer*, and at this time our nation surely needs prayers for healing, respect in our diversity, and peace. Thursday was also Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to remember victims of the Nazi Holocaust, and to honor all victims of violence and pledge, "Never Again."

In pain and solidarity at yet more violence, Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justice offers both words and action. Our words are below, and our actions continue with the Thursday vigil.

"We write once again with deep compassion and broken hearts. We come from diverse religious and spiritual traditions, but today we cry out: 'When Muslim places of worship are attacked, when Jewish places of worship are attacked, when our neighbors are plowed down in the streets, these are attacks on all of us.  We are one!' The violent attacks on pedestrians along a Sunnyvale street in which the police say driver may have targeted the victims based on their race and his belief they were Muslim, and the horrible shooting in the Poway, CA synagogue as Jews gathered for prayers, may both have aimed to sow division, fear and hatred, but we will stand more firmly together, in solidarity, courage and love. All of our faiths teach us to respect one another and work for unity and peace among all people. This we will do, and we will not be silent."

*While the National Day of Prayer originated from the Christian tradition, we join others to claim it for people of all faiths and spiritual traditions. The theme for 2019 is, "Love one another," a core value and an essential teaching in all religions.