CLEVELAND — After Hamas’ attack on Israel that massacred 1,400 civilians on October 7, there have been reports of hate crimes escalating across the nation. Members of a multi-faith collaboration led by Christian, Muslim and Jewish congregations are coming together to present a peace vigil on Sunday, Oct. 29, in response to the growing threats posed by the increase in hate crimes and white supremacy activities.
“Our community needs to stand together against hate,” said Rabbi Joshua L. Caruso of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, during an interview. “They want us to sit apart. They want us to bunker up independently as individuals or just as a faith community. They want us to believe that we cannot find support or love from neighboring communities. They want to divide us.”
The Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Peace and Healing is on Sunday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m. at Fairmount Presbyterian Church located at 2757 Fairmount Blvd., in Cleveland Heights.
Participating congregations include Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center, Fairmount Presbyterian Church, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, and St. Dominic Catholic Church.
For more event information, click here.
“This work is so important. Pushing against hate and what hate-filled individuals and people want to do is one of the best ways to counter that hate. To approach one another with love and curiosity, not suspicion and hate,” said Rabbi Caruso.
