Nyack, New York – Rockland for Ceasefire (RFC) is set to organize a vigil this coming Friday, April 12, at Hezekiah Easter Park, located at 15 Cedar St. in Nyack, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The event, with support from Rockland Jews for a Free Palestine and Rockland for Palestine, welcomes the public to a gathering meant to honor and remember the victims of the recent conflict in Palestine.
The conflict since October has seen a tragic toll, with over 40,000 lives lost, including nearly 15,000 children. Additionally, 74,000 individuals have been injured, with 25,000 children among them suffering severe harm, including the loss of limbs. A blockade restricting the entry of food and aid has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with 1 million people experiencing extreme hunger and dying from conditions that could otherwise be treated.
Formed in response to these harrowing events, Rockland for Ceasefire aims to push for a halt to the violence. The group brings together people from various backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and cultures, standing united in their commitment to end the violence and its root causes. The planned vigil provides an opportunity for collective mourning and solidarity with the Palestinian community, acknowledging the significant suffering of those in Gaza, the West Bank, and Occupied Palestine.
Khader Humied, a Palestinian residing in Rockland and an active member of RFC, stresses the importance of collective mourning and remembrance during these times. He points out that the people of Gaza have been deprived of the chance to grieve properly. By coming together to remember and honor those who have died, the community can provide support and solidarity. Humied calls on everyone to participate in this event of community support and unity.
Furthermore, the vigil is seen as a chance to promote unity and compassion in the face of widespread global injustice and violence. The group envisions a world where compassion, love, equality, and accountability are the foundational principles. This gathering is a step towards healing and change, recalling times of peaceful coexistence among diverse communities and highlighting the intrinsic value of every human life.
Rockland for Ceasefire hopes that the vigil will serve as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, advocating for a world where everyone is treated with the basic rights, respect, and safety they deserve. In a time of profound loss, the community’s collective presence is a stand not just in mourning but in a shared demand for peace and justice.