In light of the tragic events that occurred in Israel on October 7, 2023, President Bertolino recognized the impact the anniversary would have on students and announced the “Peaceful Pathways Forward” series through email. This was in attempt to clear tension between students while promoting unity, community, and respect among the Stockton community.

In the Campus Center Theatre, faith leaders of different beliefs and churches came together to pray and meditate, as well as reflect on the terrorist attack of October 7 and the affect it had on not only the victims and citizens of Jewish descent, but on society as a whole. The event created a space where students and staff of all faiths could come together and feel respected: free of judgment and united in prayer. It was a good example of how to respond and connect with people of other beliefs and faiths, as well as a direct contrast towards the tragic and unfortunate violence that has occurred throughout the United States towards Jewish and Palestinian citizens alike, most of which has occurred on college campuses.

President Joe began the event by emphasizing the need to “bring members of our community together just to sit and dialogue in as many ways as possible, or simply to share what they are experiencing, their pain, their sorrow, as well as their joys and aspirations.” He acknowledged the violence that the world at large has faced since the events of last October 7 and stated, “As a University, we are committed to understanding and empathy, and knowing that a peaceful way forward is through continuing to build a safe and inclusive community.” He followed with, “We may not be able to control what is happening in the rest of the world, but we can take responsibility for what is happening here in our own commune, and do everything possible to ensure that we, in our community, are supporting one another.”

Reverend Father John Buckthese Chinnappan opened with a passage from Matthew 18, emphasizing the need for unselfish and unconditional love among each other. Dr. Guia Calicdan-Apostle followed with a beautiful chant of the Bahai Faith, singing it wonderfully even with a sore throat. Imam Amin Muhammad represented the Majid Muhammad Islamic Center, showing great empathy, compassion, and love towards the other faith leaders, and emphasizing the need for unity among all faiths.

Rabbi Meir Rapoport gave a testimony about a woman in Israel who was taken hostage by Hamas but survived. One of the terrorists had written her name on a candle in memory of her, and she had confronted him, asking him why her name was on the candle if she was alive. The man told her, “I don’t like you. We are enemies. But you bring such a light into this room.” The testimony, followed by the prayer from Rabbi Meir, was received with strong applause.

Other speakers at the event were Pastor Vicky Ney of the Margate Community Church, Co-founder Kaleem Shabazz of the Bridge of Faith, Advisor Brittany Shields of the Newman Club, and Pastor Lou Strugala of the Church by the Bay. Every speaker strongly highlighted the importance of unity and respect towards one’s fellowman regardless of faith or religion, and that now more than ever, people must be united in love and compassion. Irvin Moreno-Rodriguez, Director of the Holocaust Resource Center, provided the closing remarks for the event.

Stockton’s Bridge of Faith will be hosting the Good Neighbor Walk, along with many other churches and fellowships, starting at Atlantic City’s Kesselman Hall on October 27, 2024 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The Walk will finish at the James Whelan Boardwalk Hall. On November 4th, the second event of the Peaceful Pathways Forward Series will take place in the Board of Trustees Room from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.