[KWPeace-groups] Fwd: "Speak Peace" Rally - August 26, 10:30 am (Urgent)

[Esther Kern]

Hello CPT and seekers of justice and peace Friends


Several weeks ago there was  a rally that PEGIDA, a right wing Islamophobic
group held in London, and our group People for Peace was there to counter
their message.  The turnout was better than expected and we outnumbered the
above group, and were mostly successful in drowning out their hateful
rhetoric.  Having to plan at short notice, we did experience a number of
situations during the rally which could have been managed in a more
positive way.



PEGIDA was not happy with us however, and are now coming back with a
vengeance on August 26, and they are courting other right wing groups to
come with them, as listed in the announcement below, for another rally on
the steps of London’s city hall.  There have also been vitriolic comments
aimed at individuals within our group, threats, and that too, is
concerning.  We support our Muslim community and want to communicate a
message of welcome, and “Speaking Peace”.  We feel an urgent need for an
even larger peaceful presence, and are planning a two to three hour
“Nonviolence Training” to be held either on Friday evening or early
Saturday morning, prior to the event.    We are still working out details
and it depends too, on who may be coming from a distance.  We are prepared
to offer accommodations as needed.  There are already offers for car
pooling from a distance.



Please let me know whether you can come, when, what your needs will be, and
whether you can help with the “Nonviolence Training”.  As we find out who
is coming and when, I will provide more details as we plan for this event.
Please plan to bring your singing voices, justice and peace signs, banners,
rainbows, bubbles, balloons etc, to make it a colourful event!

In peace and solidarity,

Esther



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There are several groups in and around London (PEGIDA, JDL. Proud Boys,
Sons of Odin, biker groups such as Hell's Angels etc.), all xenophobic
groups spewing hate who are gathering to try to spread their messages of
intolerance and Islamophobia. People for Peace London calls on all
Londoners to join us for a peaceful, non violent, inclusive, diverse
counter rally:



Saturday August 26, 10:30 am.

London, in front of or near City Hall at Dufferin and Wellington (*note:
this location may change, and we may gather earlier in Victoria Park to
prepare ourselves*).



We will dispel the myths that the hate groups promote, educate the public
and stand together in unity against their violent messages. Please bring
drums, rattles, stories of inclusion, poetry and your love for humanity.

PLEASE SHARE THE FB EVENT and WATCH THIS PAGE FOR UPDATES:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1909686885941559/





-- 

People for Peace, London Ontario
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