HOLLAND — Dozens of community members gathered at Holland’s Centennial Park over the weekend to advocate for peace.
The peace march was held along River Avenue, with Holland United Church of Christ, Stand For Peace Michigan and C3 (West Michigan’s Inclusive Spiritual Connection) serving as co-sponsors. The event was organized in response to conflicts around the globe.
“We’ve seen the recent conflicts around the world, specifically the Palestinian and Israeli conflict and the Ukraine and Russia conflict,” Farah Berent, an organizer for the event, told The Sentinel. “There’s ones we don’t hear about (in other parts of the world). There’s too much conflict and hate in the world right now. We saw this as a way to raise awareness of how important peace and love is.”
Around 40 people attended the event, many holding signs or flags with messages of peace.
Berent hopes that advocating for peace will encourage others to spread hope to those who need it.
“We’re so privileged in this world to have food, shelter, financial means and hope for the future. I think it’s our duty to stand up for those who are not as privileged.”