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This year on 18-19 September, to honor and celebrate International Peace Days at LCC International University, we met and listened to two international activists. One was from Israel/Palestine working with Musalaha in bridging the divides that exist from ongoing conflict. The other activist was Dr. Geke Van Vliet from Germany. She is a scholar, an ally, and a climate peace activist. Together we witnessed how they raise their voices on ways to bring peace to a world that craves peace today.

The days began with an exhibit about nature and peace. We explored how the world around us might shape our narratives. Photos by students and staff highlighted nature and how it shapes their understanding of what peace might be. During this time, an interactive workshop on Planting Hope was held. It involved our LCC community of students and staff coming together and creating small, planted arrangements within a jar. It was a way to nurture hope and build resilient peace within us by being able to actively care for these newly planted symbols of life throughout the year which we were able to take home. In addition, a highlight of the Planting Hope exhibit was an interactive display where a peace tree was created with fingerprints from LCC students as  tree leaves and fruit as a representation of their place in our planet’s ecosystem and as a  representation of people who want to bring peace and prosperity to the world.

Later in the day, a small discussion with the Musalaha peacebuilder continued with the theme of “Dry Lands and Hot Zones”, which was meaningful and eye-opening on different matters.  Her presentation related to the present conflict in Israel/Palestine, helping us to reflect on the need for peace in the world, our parts in it, and appreciate the peace we have in our daily life.

A panel discussion, followed by both activists in addition to two guest speakers from LCC; Dr, Michael McDougal and Katherine Handal Gabrie, who each shared their opinions and experiences on peace building related to these different societies. The event helped students and staff learn more about the violations of human rights in the Gaza Strip and raised awareness about the ongoing war and its impact on lives of all those living in Israel/Palestine and abroad.

On day two we joined in a Peace Wave, a moment of silence remembering the many different lands where conflicts are impacting the lives of people, places and our planet. The two-day event ended with ‘coffee with an activist’, as Dr. Geke Van Vliet shared about the challenges and joys of being an activist while leading a conversation that looked at nonviolent change and social action.  During these days we were reminded of our place and relational responsibilities in a world of pain, a world in need of more peaceful societies.  

Valentyna Bober, a Peace Center volunteer and fourth year IRD student, shared her experience as a participant in International Peace Day events saying “This is my third year being involved with Peace Days in LCC. I enjoy this opportunity to tackle serious conflicts and disruptive actions through the lens of peacebuilding and the possibility to not only bring awareness but also bring tools to raise resilience and hope. This year, the planting workshop was truly a highlight, as it gave the important reminder that peace is about reconnection with roots, roots of nature or your heritage. I hope that International Peace Days will continue to grow in the hearts of LCC students.”

The International Peace Days at LCC International University was a powerful message on the importance of peace in today's world. Specifically, in the time of wars and conflicts that are happening now such as in Ukraine and Gaza. our LCC students and faculty were inspired to resilience and nurture hope within themselves and the LCC community through meaningful actions and interactions such as planting hope, the peace exhibition, panel discussions, and the creation of the peace tree. The panel discussion and the interactions with guests and the LCC community were eye-opening; highlighting the importance of collective and individual actions needed to achieve peacebuilding in today's world with its many conflicts and divisions. This event raised awareness about the ongoing Palestine/Israel conflict but it also equipped the participants with tools that will help individuals to work on peacebuilding. This event gave the community and the participants valuable knowledge on ways to build peace in their lives and communities.