The Ways of Peace Rabbi Sandra Kviat
What are the ways of peace right now? How do we act ‘mipnei darchei shalom‘? As another week ends, we are about to wish each other shabbat shalom - a shabbat of peace and wholeness, even if those ideas seem very elusive right now, in a world beset with fear, anger and hopelessness. We are desperate to act, to do something to show how we are feeling, no matter where we stand. We are reading, writing, going to marches and vigils, speaking up if we feel comfortable or safe enough, or feel that we do not have a choice.
Whatever choices we make, especially if we go on marches, vigils, or protests, it is important to know who is organising it, and do some due diligence so that you know what you are participating in.
Though the outlook looks bleak, locally in this past week, the mood has been one of co-operation, reaching out and connecting. On Remembrance Sunday the different faith communities came together in respect, with words of peace and thoughtfulness. On Wednesday, with less than 24 hours notice, hundreds gathered near Downing Street to share a message of humanity and not hatred. It was a very powerful moment, watching Jews, Muslims, Israelis, Palestinians, MPs, rabbis, imams and priests, and those representing civil society come together to spread light.
Brendan Cox, Co-Founder of the Together Coalition, said: “Discussions about this conflict are currently dominated by voices who empathise with only one side. Tonight, gave voice to the quiet majority - who care about all civilians caught up in this conflict – whether they are Jewish or Muslim, Palestinian or Israeli. At a time of rising tensions in our communities it’s critical we all speak up for our shared humanity and shut down those who use the excuse to spread islamophobia or antisemitism.”
And on Thursday, at the Haringey Multi Faith Forum meeting, the mood was one of determination, and wanting to come together, heeding the message of building bridges locally. Once we were face to face it took less than 10 minutes (must be an interfaith record) to agree to do an event together on 3rd December. Because all the faiths, whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian or Buddhist, all recognised the need to do something together, that gives hope and crosses the boundaries that right now seems to divide us. And so we will meet at the Methodist Church in Muswell Hill at 2.30-3.30 and plant daffodil bulbs together, both in their peace garden, and in tubs for the nursing home next door, as well as for each community to bring back to their own buildings, followed by short blessings of peace from each community. We strongly encourage you to join this event as an act of ‘darchei shalom’, an act of peace to bring some light. At the darkest times we have to sow seeds of light and reach out beyond our pain or fear, and find the strength and courage to reflect our ideals and values, now more than ever.
Though these events and acts might feel small in and of themselves, they are all part of acting for the sake of peace, and I hope will sow seeds of hope and light both for us but also for those around us.