Guenst, Sanchez host socially distanced outdoor peace vigil for Holocaust Remembrance Day
Rep. Nancy Guenst January 26, 2021
HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – Area residents joined state Reps. Nancy Guenst and Ben Sanchez for an outdoor Peace Vigil in Commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27.
It took place at The Lord’s New Church, 1725 Huntingdon Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.
Rabbi Yitzhak Nates of Mishkan Shalom Synagogue, Executive Director of The Welcome Project PA and Love in Action United Church of Christ Pastor Josh Blakesley, Bishop Right Rev. David H. Lindrooth of the General Church in Bryn Athyn, and Muslim Society of Delaware Valley Executive Director Madiha Irfan joined the representatives.
Together, they remarked on the importance of remembering the dark history of the Holocaust, when radical nationalism in Nazi Germany led to the killing and torture of millions of Jews, their allies and those who did not conform to Nazism in Europe over the 1930s and 1940s.
Nazism and extreme nationalism exist to this day across the United States, notably in Southeast Pennsylvania, where hate crimes committed against Jewish people are regularly reported.
This event was held outside. Face masks and adherence to social-distance practices were required. Candles and hot cocoa were available, and attendees were encouraged to bring handmade posters.
ASL interpretation was provided, and the venue was accessible by wheelchair.