Several hundred faith leaders from diverse religions will fast, reflect, and hold interfaith prayers outside the office of Senator Alex Padilla – calling on him to use his voice and his vote to stop the starvation and killing taking place in Gaza.
The Interfaith Pray-In and Fast for Gaza is the follow-up to a 22 mile Ceasefire Pilgrimage held in March. Over 1,800 people of faith walked in the East Bay pilgrimage, and other Gaza peace walks were held in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and San Diego.
The event will commence with an Interfaith Procession beginning at 10 a.m. at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Participants will walk to Senator Alex Padilla’s office, located at 333 Bush Street, where the main program, an Interfaith Pray-in, will take place. The Pray-in will feature prayers from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions, and will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This event focuses on holding elected officials accountable who have not used their power to bring about an end to US complicity in the mass destruction and killing of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and violations of US and International law. In February 2024, Senator Padilla voted in favor of additional $14 billion arms and military weapons to Israel, including 2,000 pound bombs, on top of the $3.8 billion the US provides to Israel annually. Senator Padilla also voted against Senator Sanders’ resolution which would have asked the State Department to investigate if any human rights violations occurred using US equipment in Israel’s military campaign.
Interfaith leaders are calling for a meeting with the Senator to discuss:
- Establishing an enduring and sustained ceasefire.
- Ensuring the immediate flow of life-saving food, water, aid, fuel, and other humanitarian assistance.
- Securing the release of all hostages, including Israeli hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian hostages in the Israeli prison system.
- Ending the occupation to pave the way for just and lasting peace.
- Halting the supply of military weapons from the US to Israel.
Participants are invited to join in a solidarity fast for at least one day the week of May 27-31 to attend the event in person and to join in prayer, reflection, and advocacy for the people of Gaza.
“We believe that by coming together in prayer and fasting, we can amplify our collective voice and call for an immediate end to the unimaginable violence and suffering in Gaza,” said Rabbi Cat Zavis. “Our goal is to urge Senator Alex Padilla to stop US arms and weapons from being used by Israel against Palestinians, call for a permanent ceasefire, ensure the flow of humanitarian aid in the region, demand the safety and release of hostages and political prisoners, and an end to the occupation.”
EVENT DETAILS
Visuals: Dozens of faith leaders in religious attire will process to Senator Padilla’s office carrying Banners portraying olives and doves. They will gather in front of Senator Padilla’s office where a street mural featuring a quote from Pope Francis will be painted while faith leaders from various traditions lead prayers and religious rituals.
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time:
- 10:00AM Interfaith Procession beginning at the Ferry Building
- 11:00AM – 2:00PM Interfaith Pray-in
- 1:30PM – Muslim Jum’ah – Friday Prayer
Location: Office of Senator Alex Padilla, 333 Bush St., San Francisco
