World Interfaith Harmony Week Celebrated in Long Island: Senator Steven Rhoads and Supervisor Joseph Saladino Call for Peace and Unity

Progga News Desk:
Braving bitter winter temperatures, faith leaders, educators, youth, and local elected officials gathered in Long Island to promote a message of peace and unity. On February 7, more than 100 participants convened at the Plainview Jewish Center to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed annually during the first week of February to encourage dialogue and cooperation among people of different faiths. The event was hosted by the Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center, with co-hosts including the Shanti Fund and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace organization in special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and associated with the UN Department of Global Communications.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from organizers and community leaders. Among the distinguished guests were New York State Senator Steven Rhoads and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

“HWPL does such amazing work, and its mission is something we should all take to heart,” Senator Rhoads said. “Interfaith harmony is truly the only solution to many of the challenges we face. The world will divide us in a million different ways if we let it, but what unites us is our shared belief in something greater than ourselves—and that’s exactly what HWPL is focusing on.”
The program featured several segments highlighting religious freedom, education, and youth engagement. A Hindu faith leader addressed the issue of religious persecution and offered practical steps communities can take to safeguard religious liberty. Attendees observed a moment of silence and prayer for victims of persecution and violent extremism.

Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh leaders shared reflections from their respective traditions, emphasizing the importance of interreligious harmony and peaceful coexistence. Two educators stressed the critical role of teaching young people core values such as empathy, unity, and mutual understanding.
Dr. Mary O’Meara, Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, described initiatives implemented in local schools. “We engage in programs such as ‘No Place for Hate,’ ‘Unity Day,’ and ‘Start with Hello,’” she said. “We’ve also embedded a civics rubric across our social studies curriculum so students can measure their growth. Through workshops on inclusivity, equity walks, and community forums, we strive to create shared learning experiences for our entire school community.”
Youth participation was a highlight of the event. Young members of the Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center performed traditional hymns and dances. A fan dance team named after South Korea’s national flower also delivered a performance promoting unity and harmony.
In recognition of its efforts, HWPL received a certificate of recognition from New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay for organizing the interfaith harmony event.
Additionally, HWPL’s New York branch and the Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center commemorated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement HWPL’s peace education program in New York for the first time. The initiative will launch in February with training sessions aimed at developing peace educators. As a gesture of appreciation, Sikh Center leaders presented traditional shawls to HWPL representatives.
The Plainview Jewish Center was thanked for hosting the gathering. Its president, Shea Lerner, reflected on the importance of such events in today’s climate. “In the times we live in, we hear so much about hate, intolerance, and conflict,” Lerner said. “Any opportunity to come together with people who believe in peace, justice, and equity is one we must embrace.”