‘The people of Gaza are not alone’ – Peace walk aims to show support for Palestinians

Although they are half a world away from the fighting in Gaza, the Benedictines for Peace organization is still trying to make a difference in the war.

On Wednesday the Benedictine Sisters hosted a “Gaza Peace Walk,” advocating for a cease fire in Gaza and raising awareness about the region.

“This five-mile walk together is an opportunity to really have a sense that we’re not alone in our suffering and the people of Gaza are not alone in their suffering,” said Jacqueline Sanchez-Small, a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie.

Starting at Beach One, the walk took participants along Presque Isle, each wearing a paper saying “Gaza Peace Walk.”

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Sanchez-Small said many around the country have been engaging in peace walks to raise awareness for the situation in Gaza.

A group of people gathered at the trails of Presque Isle on Wednesday for a peace walk, but the walk represented a much bigger picture.

“People in Erie and around the country, really, have committed to walking 25 miles as a prayer for the people of Gaza. 25 miles is the length of Gaza, so walking that step-by-step through the summer gives you an idea of how really tiny this area really is,” said Anne McCarthy, Benedictines for Peace coordinator.

The about 5 mile wide region is home to more than two million Palestinians, and McCarthy said the war has displaced 90% of the people living there.

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Another advocate at the peace walk said he walks to show solidarity for those living in Gaza.

“The search for justice, and choosing peace, and choosing love for other people abroad i think is very important, and i think that this is a defining issue for that whether we let politics or love for humanity kind of take precedent there,” said Adam Chiocco, an advocate.

The peace walk also raised money for the Mercy Corps, a humanitarian organization who seeks to help families devastated by the war in Gaza.

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