NYN Bureau Report :
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, faith leaders and peace advocates gathered in Manhattan to remember those who died and turn an anniversary of profound loss into a collective appeal for peace, reconciliation and human dignity.
The “9/11 Tribute: New York Interfaith World Peace Prayer” took place on September 11, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery. Held under the theme “Across Faiths, Across Borders, One Prayer for Peace,” the observance brought representatives of different religious and cultural traditions together for prayer and reflection. The Heiwa Peace & Reconciliation Foundation of New York Ltd. later thanked participants and noted its collaboration with groups from Japan in organizing the commemoration.
Among the participating interfaith leaders was Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, who joined Rev. Anne Marie Witchger of St. Mark’s Church, Jodo Shin Sect Buddhist monk Kenjitsu Nakagaki, Hiroaki Omote, American Buddhist teacher Ahjan Samvara, Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan, Buddhist monk Joshin Michiniwa, and Koji Soma, chairman of the Kobe Peace Research Institute. The program materials also listed Meriam Lobel for a personal 9/11 testimonial and reflection.
Prayer formed one part of a broader program designed around remembrance and peace. Participants took part in a paper lantern workshop, with lanterns carrying messages of peace, as well as a sacred tea offering, Kagura dedication and dedication of origami cranes. Musical contributions featured Tim Maurer, Lulla LayLa, Russell Daisey, Jeanine Otis, Michell DellaFave and Yuuki Koike, followed by a group sing-along dedicated to world peace.
The commemoration was co-hosted by organizations including the Heiwa Peace and Reconciliation Foundation of New York Ltd., St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery, Prayer for World Peace Association, Project Phoenix, Kobe Peace Research Institute and Pearl News.
For those gathered, the anniversary served both as remembrance and as an interfaith statement. By bringing religious leaders, artists and community members into the same space, the ceremony placed cooperation across faith and cultural traditions at the center of its message: “Where Prayers Meet, Peace Begins.”
For more blogs, visit nyn.press
