James Anderson:
The spirit of unity filled the Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City as people of diverse faiths and traditions came together for the Interfaith Peace Gathering for Inner and Global Harmony on September 21, 2025, marking both the International Day of Peace and the 80th anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Organized by the Heiwa Peace and Reconciliation Foundation of New York, with support from the Buddhist Council of New York, Interfaith Center of New York, Interfaith Center of USA, NPO Gentle Earth, Origami Therapy Association, Unity in Harlem, and the World Yoga Community, the gathering blended solemn remembrance with forward-looking calls for peace.
The program began with reflections on the Peace Pilgrimage Tour to Japan (August 1–11, 2025), which retraced steps through Hiroshima and Nagasaki, cities forever scarred by nuclear devastation. Videos and messages from mayors and survivors reinforced the human cost of war and the urgency of ensuring such tragedies never repeat. Performances by artists like Michelle & Nahoko brought music and culture into the dialogue, emphasizing how art can transcend language and unite communities.
The afternoon continued with prayers and meditations offered by representatives of multiple traditions, each underscoring the shared human yearning for compassion and harmony. Attendees noted that such moments served as reminders that peace is not the work of one community or nation but a collective responsibility. As one organizer emphasized, “Events like this show that peace begins with dialogue, respect, and the courage to work together.”
The program culminated with a Peace Walk from the Tenri Cultural Institute to Union Square, where participants carried their message into the heart of New York City. Walking together, attendees symbolized the possibility of building harmony across divides — a living expression of the day’s purpose.
As participants departed, the sense of solidarity was unmistakable. Many reflected that the gathering had given them not only a platform to honor Hiroshima and Nagasaki but also a renewed commitment to interfaith cooperation and community healing. In the words of one attendee, “Peace is not just remembered in history books — it is something we must practice every day.”
The Interfaith Peace Gathering reminded New Yorkers that the path to a just and compassionate world depends on shared action, rooted in remembrance and carried forward in unity.
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