Peace • Staff
of the Interfaith Center, staff of
the multicultural center and students
gathered
at the peace pole to observe World
Peace Day Wednesday. Tracey Roman / Online
Forty-Niner
Campus
participates in World Peace Day
By
Andy Reyes
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
The world would be a more peaceful place in which to live if one day a year
no one directed blame or took sides, and combatants, civilians and leaders
lived without violence. That is exactly why a peace day has been created. Wednesday
Cal State Long Beach observed World Peace Day.
The United Nations declared Sept. 21 to be World Peace Day, a day to promote
non-violence, humanitarian relief and an end to hostility where conferences,
concerts, vigils, lectures, exhibits and cease-fires are celebrated around
the world.
CSULB did its part by marking the day with a minute of silence at noon to allow
personal reflection about what the world would be like without war and violence.
The moment of silence was followed by the documentary film “Peace One
Day,” shown in the Multicultural Center. The event was closed by a gathering
at the Peace Pole, located in front of the Multicultural Center.
Rabbi Yonah Bookstein, from the University Interfaith Center, said his goal
is to educate students about the importance and existence of World Peace Day.
“
[World] Peace Day illustrates something we should all support,” he said. “We
want to encourage peace on this campus.”
Bookstein said World Peace Day is important because it is amazing to see the
difference one person can make. World Peace Day is gaining more recognition
each year and Bookstein expects three times as many people to join in the CSULB
celebration next time.
“
We’re interested in promoting awareness,” said the Rev. Mary Kay
Will, of the University Interfaith Center
The University Interfaith Center provides various experiences such as encouraging
students, faculty and staff to pursue spiritual growth, community building,
faith development and personal values. Will said through these experiences,
she is able to do her part to encourage unity.
Accounting major John Eng, who attended the World Peace Day celebration, supports
the significance of the event.
“
We need to spread the message,” he said. “Everyone believes they
can’t make a difference, but if we can have faith I believe we can save
one soul by volunteering our time.”
The event was co-sponsored by the Center for International Education, the Office
of the Dean of Students, the Kundalini Club, the Multicultural Center, Student
Life and Development, and the Women’s Resource Center.
Students and staff interested in more information about World Peace Day can
contact Will or Bookstein at (562) 985-4369.
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