Ashley Reed:
In a powerful display of unity and shared purpose, the Interfaith Council for Words & Symbols of Peace and Healing, convened by the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC), recently brought together faith leaders from across the five boroughs for an evening of dialogue, reflection, and community connection.
The gathering, held in a warm and welcoming space in lower Manhattan, served as both a symbolic and practical reminder that in the face of rising hate and division, New Yorkers from every faith and background can—and do—come together to affirm one another’s humanity. Vijay Ramjattan, Executive Director of OPHC, was present alongside a diverse group of clergy and community leaders, contributing to a successful and heartfelt evening.
Participants engaged in thoughtful conversations around the power of language, ritual, and cultural symbols in fostering healing and connection. The focus remained clear throughout the evening: to build a city where all people feel safe, seen, and valued in their authentic faith identities.
As guests shared personal reflections, one common theme emerged—New Yorkers have more in common than they often realize. From shared values of compassion and justice to the desire for safe neighborhoods and thriving families, the event highlighted the bonds that tie communities together across lines of religion, race, and heritage.
“When we create space to listen, to learn, and to truly see each other, we strengthen the heart of this city we all call home,” was one sentiment that echoed throughout the event.
The Interfaith Council’s work is grounded in a vision of New York where dialogue is not just encouraged but embedded into the city’s framework for safety and inclusion. In recent years, the Council has worked to uplift voices from marginalized faith communities, respond to incidents of bias, and promote solidarity through public education and community-based initiatives.
At a time when hate crimes remain a pressing concern, gatherings like this one serve as crucial reminders of the role spiritual leaders and local institutions play in shaping a more inclusive, respectful, and empathetic society.
The evening concluded with a reaffirmation of the Council’s mission: to champion words and symbols that promote peace, understanding, and healing, and to ensure that all New Yorkers—regardless of faith—can live without fear.
In a city defined by its diversity, the work of the OPHC Interfaith Council stands as a beacon of what’s possible when communities lead with compassion and stand together in purpose.
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