Prayer vigil for peace in Israel planned next week on Big Island

The war between Israel and Hamas, which continues to escalate, is having impacts around the world.

Big Island faith leaders are hosting a prayer vigil for peace at 10 a.m. Oct. 16 at Lili‘uokalani Gardens on Banyan Drive in Hilo. The entire community is invited to attend — all faiths, all beliefs, all ages.

“Words cannot even begin to express how I feel,” said Rabbi Rachel Short, who will lead the vigil. “Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the deaths of thousands of innocent beings — babies, children, kūpuna, women, men — and those who have been raped, have been or are still being held hostage, lost their homes and more, and have been impacted by this horrific tragedy.”

Short will be joined by Interfaith Communities in Action faith leaders the Revs. Eric Anderson, Katlin McCallister and Jonathan Roach as well as Kahu Daniel Kawaha and Pastor John Hinduchick Nakayama.

“We come together in an action of unity for our community, in peace, prayer and love for all caught in the destruction,” Short said. “It is our hope that we can be a shining light for peace.”

The vigil also will be broadcast on Na̅ Leo TV Channel 53 and live streamed on the station’s website.