At City Hall: give peace a chance

A crowd of about 100 gathered outside City Hall Wednesday to call for peace around the world. 

On the occasion of International Peace Day, a cello provided the sound track as the Philadelphia crowd displayed a larger-than-life dove and meditated en masse.Bringing peace to the world has to start on the local level, said Hugh Taft-Morales, leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia.”Make the committment to nurture peace, to bring out the best in others and yourself,” he said. “When you act peacefully and ethically to help others, you are demonstrating the very best of the human heart.”Miriam Enriquez, director of the city’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, said the gathering was just one part of “Welcoming Week” in Philadelphia.”To not only welcome immigrants to our city, but also to connect communities,” she said. “It’s our hope, through these connections, our office and our city can build understanding between communities.”The group had a moment of silence at noon to mark the day of peace.