Candlelight Vigil for Gaza Saturday: A Call for Humanity
CHICAGO, IL — On Saturday, August 9, there will be a peaceful and somber candlelight vigil in remembrance of all the souls lost in the ongoing illegitimate assault on Palestinians in Gaza.
Religious figures from the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities will say a prayer and speak for humanity, peace, Â justice and unity. We will also participate in a group song encouraging peace, freedom and humanity.
Participants are encouraged to wear a sign with the names and ages of Palestinian civilians recently killed by the Israeli military in Gaza pinned to their chest to give identity to the victims lost in this tragic and unjust conflict. For a list of names of Palestinians killed since July 8th, 2014 — 1,459 names have been confirmed while the actual death toll stands at 1,886 (as of Aug. 7) — see: http://www.imemc.org/article/68429
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/271452383040930/
Speakers: Speakers representing the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths
Route: Meeting at Water Tower Park, where the commemoration speech will take place then walking to Tribune Tower where the prayers are given and candles will be lit.
Audio/Visual
Chicago light brigade will have a message lit. Every attendee will have a candle lit.
Poetry: two poems, one from the Jewish perspective on what happened in Gaza recently ( http://rabbibrant.com/2014/08/01/for-tisha-bav-a-lamentation-for-gaza/) and one from the Palestinian perspective remembering a time when we were friends, before the occupation and how there is hope for us to make up and live together harmoniously.
Art: Bob Fields from the Jewish voice for peace is contributing an art project representing the dear life lost with hope and life.
Song:
Lyrics of song that will be sung at vigil:“Palestine” Written by Matt Jones
If you think of the middle east,
in this modern time
You can’t help but say the word:
Palestine
People there have lost their land
some have lost their home
they live in other countries,
their freedom almost gone
(Chorus)
Palestine needs her freedom
Palestine needs our love
Palestine needs her freedom
Palestine needs our love
There seems to be no answer
to give us the reason why
people cannot live
so no one has to die
Take a stand for freedom
take a stand for truth
take a stand for justice,
that’s what we’ve gotta do, cuz…
(Chorus)
People there are rich,
people there are poor
some have education,
so what are they fighting for?
Fighting for their freedom,
fighting for their land
fighting for their children
let’s help them take a stand
(Chorus)
People of all countries,
of every race and creed
we need a new beginning,
let us plant the seed
Plant the seed of love,
and let that love seed grow
Plant the seed for everyone,
so all the world will know…
